Sydney Theatre Company Brings Housework to Sydney Opera House

This September, Housework, a bold, black comedy about the inner workings of Parliament House starring Susie Youssef, Emily Taheny and Indira Naidoo, will make its Sydney premiere as part of Sydney Theatre Company’s 2026 season at Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House.

Written by Emily Steel and directed by Shannon Rush, Housework was commissioned for State Theatre Company South Australia’s 2025 season, the final programmed by current Sydney Theatre Company Artistic Director, Mitchell Butel.

Described by The Conversation as “a future Australian classic – a Don’s Party for our time”, the STC season of Housework stars beloved comic actors Susie Youssef(Deadloch, The Project) as first-time MP Ruth Mandor, Emily Taheny (Mad as Hell) as her overworked Chief of Staff Anna Cooper, alongside Indira Naidoo— who will be making her STC debut— and Franca Lafosse, Johnny Nasser and Danny Ball.

STC Artistic Director Mitchell Butel:

 Housework has ‘’echoes of Veep, The Thick of It and The Hollowmen’’ and he’s thrilled to bring it to Sydney: “Emily Steel’s ferocious wit, dazzling intelligence and expert ability to give a human face to the multiple challenges of being both a politician and parent are all on spectacular display in this show that was acclaimed in its initial Adelaide season and which I’m sure will strike similar chords here for STC audiences.

In her research, playwright Emily Steel spoke to politicians, political staff and parliamentary staff – who all spoke candidly off the record – about what it was like to be a woman in Australian politics and she says after one performance in Adelaide, a prominent ex-politician was overheard to say that it was “like a documentary’’.

I gave them my word that I wouldn’t reveal who they were or what they told me. “Oh,” said one of them, “gloves off then!” Still, I was worried that in writing the play as I did, I might have gone too far.

Director Shannon Rush:

 She ‘couldn’t be happier’ that Housework will find a new audience with Sydney Theatre Company: It’s always such a joy to see a new Australian play find a second life and connect with audiences beyond its original season – it’s a testament to the play and everyone who brought it to life. I have no doubt Sydney audiences will be gripped by this darkly funny window into the power, ambition and deceit that echo through the corridors of Parliament House.

Season Details

Venue: Sydney Opera House’s Drama| Theatre
Date: 05 Sept-17 Oct 2026

For more information click HERE