The stage is set at Melbourne’s Malthouse Theatre for an epic and unforgettable theatrical experience. Rehearsals are officially underway for Troy, the latest production from acclaimed playwright Tom Wright, directed by Ian Michael.
Opening next month at the Merlyn Theatre, this bold reimagining of the Trojan War is a contemporary exploration of ancient mythology, brought to life by a powerhouse cast and visionary creative team.
Running from 4-25 September 2025, this ambitious production promises to transport audiences into a world where gods and mortals collide, battles rage on both physical and emotional fronts, and cycles of violence reverberate through generations. Tickets are already on sale, and the anticipation is palpable.
A Cast Made for Legends
The ensemble cast of Troy features some of Australia’s most exceptional stage talent, breathing fresh life into iconic figures from the Trojan legend. Each performer takes on multiple roles, offering a dynamic portrayal of the myth’s complexity and human depth.
Leading the cast is Paula Arundell, whose commanding performances in The Birds and Harry Potter & the Cursed Child have earned widespread acclaim. Arundell steps into the role of Hecuba, the fierce and grieving Queen of Troy.
Joining her is Elizabeth Blackmore (Death of a Salesman), taking on the role of Cassandra, the doomed prophetess cursed never to have her truths believed. Rising talent Ciline Ajobong, celebrated for their role in Mustangs FC, makes their mainstage debut portraying Cressida, navigating a story of love and betrayal, and Iphigenia, the innocent daughter sacrificed to appease the gods.
Danny Ball (Loaded) adds mythic scale as both Apollo, the vengeful deity, and Achilles, the fearsome Greek warrior. Geraldine Hakewill (Gaslight) channels the formidable strength and anguish of Clytemnestra, a queen consumed by loss and revenge.
Completing the exceptional cast are Mark Leonard Winter (A Streetcar Named Desire), portraying contrasting roles of Agamemnon, the commanding yet divided leader of the Greeks, and Hector, Troy’s noble defender, alongside Lyndon Watts (Hamilton), who provides striking duality as Patroclus, Achilles’ devoted companion, and Helen of Troy, the woman at the heart of the legendary war.
Director Ian Michael couldn’t be prouder of the ensemble, remarking, “We couldn’t be more thrilled with the extraordinary cast we’ve brought together at Melbourne’s Malthouse. Each performer is fearless, incredibly skilled, and fully committed to this demanding work. From our very first day of rehearsals, the energy has been electric. I feel privileged to collaborate with such exceptional artists to bring another of Tom’s adaptations to life.”
Creative Vision and Contemporary Urgency
At the heart of Troy’s success is its creative team, whose bold vision brings fresh significance and striking immediacy to the Trojan myth.
Under Ian Michael’s direction, the production radiates a dynamic energy, melding poetry with visceral physicality. Michael, currently Resident Director at Sydney Theatre Company, has built a reputation for evocative storytelling through acclaimed productions such as Picnic at Hanging Rock (2025) and Constellations (2023). On Troy, Michael has joined forces with some of the best creators in the industry.
- Dann Barber designed the evocative set and costumes, crafting an aesthetic that bridges antiquity and modernity.
- Paul Jackson’s lighting design creates a dramatic interplay of light and shadow, highlighting the emotional peaks of the story.
- Rosalind Hall’s original score underscores the tension, tragedy, and triumphs with haunting melodies.
- Marco Cher’s sound design immerses the audience, making each battle cry and divine intervention impossible to ignore.
Together, this team ensures that the production reflects not only the grandeur of the Trojan War but also its enduring relevance to contemporary audiences.
Ian Michael describes the production as “raw, dynamic, and deeply human.” He continues, “Troy revisits the Trojan War with an urgent lens. It captures the universal conflicts of power, grief, and resilience while offering a stark reminder of how violence and its repercussions shape both individuals and societies.”
Why This Production Matters Now
Retelling ancient myths for a modern audience is no small task, but Troy rises to the challenge. The production infuses timeless themes of love, betrayal, and the human cost of war with a fresh sense of relevance. The blending of gods and mortals, myth and reality, characterises the play with poetic force, while its unflinching exploration of violence resonates with today’s world.
The decision to assign dual roles to the cast adds to the production’s complexity, underscoring the interconnectedness of human and divine actions in this mythic landscape. Audiences can expect a deep emotional pull as they witness each character struggle against fate, power dynamics, and the haunting echoes of war.
Don’t Miss Out
Troy is an unmissable event for theatre lovers and mythology enthusiasts alike. For three weeks this September, audiences at the Merlyn Theatre will have the chance to experience a production that promises to captivate and challenge in equal measure.
Tickets are currently available at malthousetheatre.com.au, with performances running from 4-25 September 2025. Secure your seats now and prepare to witness the collision of gods, heroes, and history in a powerful reimagining of one of the greatest stories of all time.
Troy isn’t just theatre; it’s storytelling elevated to epic proportions. Join the Malthouse Theatre as it illuminates the enduring humanity within ancient legend.
PERFORMANCE DATES & TIMES
Previews: 7.30pm, Thursday 4 September; 7.30pm, Friday 5 September; 7.30pm, Saturday 6 September; 6.30pm, Monday 8 September
In Season: 6.30pm, Monday; 7.30pm, Tuesday-Saturday; 2.00pm, Saturday
Time to Talk: 7.30pm. Tuesday 16 September