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Two Nights. Two Centuries. One Devastating Story

intouch Magazine
12 hours ago
2 min read

Group of fashionably dressed people asleep in a piled-up studio tableau with patterned fabrics and a dim draped backdrop. — Credit: Tess Lehman

Provocative, sensual and unflinchingly human, The Libertine is theatre that refuses to let you look away...

UpStage at the Playhouse presents the second production of its 2026 season, The Libertine, a bold and provocative new production from Newcastle’s HER Productions.

Following the success of Romeo and Juliet: A Reimagining in 2024, HER Productions returns to the UpStage program with Stephen Jeffreys’ acclaimed play exploring excess, artistry and self-destruction.

Co-directed by Charlotte De Wit and Marigold Pazar, The Libertine brings together a powerhouse ensemble of performers from Newcastle and Sydney in a darkly witty and visually striking production.

Set in the decadent court of King Charles II, the story follows John Wilmot, the Earl of Rochester, poet, provocateur and notorious rake. Armed with sharp intelligence, irresistible charm and a contempt for hypocrisy, Rochester dedicates their life to pleasure and satire.

But when they meet ambitious actress Elizabeth Barry, they are forced to confront the devastating consequences of ego, desire and nihilism.

In a unique theatrical experience, audiences are invited to see two distinct versions of the production. The first is a gripping historical staging in which the male Rochester’s selfdestruction unfolds against the emerging power of women. The second is a contemporary reimagining featuring a woman in the role of Rochester, exploring how the story transforms when a female wields the same brilliant and destructive power.

“We are delighted to present HER Productions’ staging of Libertine as part of the UpStage 2026 program. Companies like HER Productions continue to create challenging, thought-provoking work, and we are thrilled to have them as part of this year’s program, which continues to bring new and reimagined works to the Playhouse stage,” said Leonie Wallace, Executive Manager of Newcastle Civic Theatre.

WHAT | The Libertine

WHEN | 2–11 July 2026

WHERE | Playhouse, Civic Theatre Newcastle

TICKETS | civictheatrenewcastle.com.au

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