Author: Malthouse Theatre
Malthouse Theatre is Melbourne’s home of bold interpretations and visionary ideas. Malthouse productions open up worlds of theatrical possibilities. The Suitcase Series is Malthouse Theatre’s 15-year strong participatory program for Year 9 and 10 students. The Suitcase Series is coordinated by Lyall Brooks, who also developed the resources shared here.
Year Level
Secondary 9-10
Learning Areas
Drama
English
The Capabilities
Sustainability Areas
Climate change
Earth’s resources
Futuring
Human impact
Worldviews
Program Description
Malthouse Theatre’s Suitcase Series has been innovating with ways to engage young people with climate change through theatre for more than 15 years. Combining in-class activity with in-theatre and/or online performance, this innovative program is an opportunity for students to develop and expand their theatre-making skills and share work with peers.
In 2025, the Suitcase Series will still focus on young people’s relationship to climate change and be supported by a large platform of resources and activities, but it will be more flexible in its stimulus material – you may choose from any number of existing reference works, including Malthouse’s library of previous Suitcase Series plays.
Access a taster of the Suitcase Series through the 2024 Teachers’ Notes (above) or go straight to Malthouse’s sign up page!
Timeframe
One semester. Generally run in Semester 2, in 2025 Malthouse are offering a broader version of their award-winning program – and a limited school performance season – in Semester 1!
Resources
- Participating schools receive access to scripts, teachers’ notes and class plans, ongoing support and registration to Malthouse’s private Suitcase Series online portal – a place to delve further into research and themes, to find out technical information for your performance day, and to share your work.
- Schools attending the in-theatre days will come together to perform their devised work, share feedback and then enjoy an inspiring afternoon of skills workshops and backstage tours. Schools participating digitally will be able to upload their piece directly to the portal and access and give feedback on other schools’ works.