Two of Australia’s most fearless stage performers are coming together for a darkly theatrical new production set to take over Melbourne’s Malthouse Theatre this month.
HOUSE OF ROT, a new cabaret-style song cycle from Green Door Theatre Company, will play a strictly limited season at the Merlyn Theatre from 18 to 20 June before heading to Sydney later in the month. Created by director Dino Dimitriadis and musical director Victoria Falconer, the production stars Paul Capsis and Adam Noviello in a work exploring isolation, ageing, queer resilience and emotional survival.
Loosely inspired by the cult documentary Grey Gardens, HOUSE OF ROT draws on the story of eccentric recluses Big and Little Edie, using their decaying home as the backdrop for a larger reflection on identity and collapse. The show blends original music with contemporary songs spanning artists including Lana Del Rey, Lady Gaga, Dinah Washington and The Velvet Underground.
The production promises a mix of live music, cinematic visuals and heightened theatrical chaos, all driven by the chemistry between Capsis and Noviello.
“I’ve had the privilege of working with Paul a number of times across different projects, and more recently with Adam on Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” director Dino Dimitriadis said.
“What’s incredibly special about HOUSE OF ROT is that it’s built specifically around the two of them.”
Dimitriadis described the pair as “dangerous performers” willing to completely expose themselves emotionally on stage in pursuit of something truthful, while Falconer said the collaboration between the two actors created a powerful energy that shaped the entire production.
“To get two performers at this level of theatrical bravery, who are truly collaborative and generous with sharing themselves – body, soul, brain, voice – with such raw and exciting brilliance, is a real thrill for me,” Falconer said.
With only four performances scheduled across three days, tickets are expected to move quickly.
Tickets are on sale now via malthousetheatre.com.au
