Up next: Cleopatra & Antony

We're proud to present Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra, an epic tale of passion, power, and empire. Directed by multi–award-winning artist Sonya Suares, this is a production that puts Cleopatra front and centre!

For centuries this play has been known as Antony and Cleopatra, but Sonya understands it belongs just as much to Cleopatra. She is one of Shakespeare's most complex, intelligent and charismatic women. By putting Cleopatra first, we're inviting audiences to see the story through her lens.
— Jennifer Sarah Dean, Artistic Director

Following a string of acclaimed, sold-out seasons including Othello (2025), and Hamlet (2024) and Julius Caesar (2023), we're returning to fortyfivedownstairs with a bold new production of this rarely performed epic.

We held an open casting call that attracted hundreds of submissions, and are excited to be able to bring together some of Melbourne’s most sought-after performers including Akina Edmonds (Hamilton) as Cleopatra, Louis Lucente (Ms Fisher's Modern Murder Mysteries) as Antony, Tsungirai Wachenuka (Slap.Bang.Kiss) as Charmian, and Jennifer Vuletic (Looking For Alibrandi) as Agrippa.

Sonya’s previous directorial credits include The Lucky Country, Nora: A Doll’s House, and Sweeney Todd. Sonya is also the founder of Watch This whose productions have accrued thirty-one Green Room Award nominations and seven wins. 

This production blends sharp contemporary direction with Shakespeare’s rich language, offering audiences a visceral and compelling night of theatre that should not be missed!