Ian Michael to direct Malthouse Theatre’s TROY
One of Australia’s most thrilling stage directors, Wilman Noongar man Ian Michael, will reunite with esteemed writer and adaptor Tom Wright for Malthouse Theatre’s epic theatrical event of the season, Troy, playing the Merlyn Theatre from 4 September 2025.
Fresh from collaborating on their boundary-pushing production of Australian classic Picnic at Hanging Rock (STC), Michael and Wright promise an electrifying interpretation of the ancient Greek legend, transporting audiences to 12th century BCE when gods walked among mortals, epic battles were fought on the sands of time, and no one escaped the hand of violence.
Seven powerhouse performers including Ciline Ajobong (Mustangs FC), Paula Arundell (Harry Potter & the Cursed Child), Danny Ball (Loaded), Elizabeth Blackmore (Death of a Salesman), Geraldine Hakewill (Gaslight), Lyndon Watts (Hamilton) and Mark Leonard Winter (A Streetcar Named Desire) are primed to deliver a physically demanding and hauntingly poetic performance under the eyes of the Trojan horse.
Ian Michael:
I’m honoured to be working with Tom again on this epic tale. There’s a creative shorthand between us that allows for bold, instinctive storytelling and this piece demands nothing less. Together with this extraordinary cast we’re going to bring Tom’s brilliant work to life in a way that feels urgent and visceral, charged with contemporary resonance. Audiences can expect a reimagining that brings ancient myth into striking dialogue with the present moment.
Michael is currently Resident Director at Sydney Theatre Company and recently helmed the new Australian work, Big Girls Don’t Cry, at Belvoir. His Sydney Theatre Company productions of Picnic at Hanging Rock (2025), Stolen (2024) and Constellations (2023) each garnered widespread critical acclaim, with Limelight describing him as “the most exciting new director of this generation”. He was Associate Director to Kip Williams on the groundbreaking cine-theatre masterpieces Dracula (2024), The Picture of Dorian Gray (2020-2024) and Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (2022).
Tom Wright shared his delight in reuniting with Michael:
I’ve seen Ian working up close recently, particularly with his re-presentation of Picnic at Hanging Rock. He builds fascinating atmospheres on stage, and his work has rigour and skill. I can’t think of a better director in Australia to take on this project, and work with these very, very fine actors. It’s just a privilege to work with the best of the generation coming through, and on a stage as exciting as the Merlyn.
Wright is renowned for his arresting and imaginative adaptations of famed Greek legends. His brand-new take on Troy will be his seventh in an impressive canon of works including Black Medea, The Odyssey, The Women of Troy, Oresteia and The Lost Echo. By infusing modern relevance into these timeless stories, Wright brings ancient myths to life in a way that resonates powerfully with today’s audiences, challenging them to confront the enduring complexities of the human condition.
Troy was originally slated to be directed by Malthouse Theatre’s former Artistic Director Matthew Lutton, however due to commitments in his new role as Artistic Director of Adelaide Festival, Lutton will hand over the reins to Michael in the coming months. Lutton’s production of The Birds will be his last with the company as part of his ninth, and final, season.
Michael’s direction presents Wright’s play so deftly and confidently that its narrative is skillfully playing on the surface while, beneath it, a second and more extraordinary thing is occurring
(The Guardian on Picnic at Hanging Rock)
Season Details
Venue: Merlyn Theatre
Date: 4 Sept 2025
For more information click HERE
