What's On

Theatre Works proudly presents

Lazarus
By John Harding
Directed by Kamarra Bell-Wykes

Taken from his mother.
Placed in the Kardinia Babies’ Home at the age of two.
Moved to the Salvation Army Boys’ Home at five.
Returned to his family at 15.
He became a leader, a fighter, an Elder… and a voice for those who were silenced.

The extraordinary true story of Larry Walsh, Taungurung Elder, activist and storyteller, Lazarus is a heartfelt and vital work that speaks directly to the soul of this country.

Woven from interviews with Larry himself, this dynamic production moves through decades of pain and triumph, laughter and resistance, witnessing a man rising from the ashes of injustice to reclaim his story, his spirit, and his place.

Rich with evocative imagery and more than 20 characters performed by an exceptional cast, Lazarus is a powerful celebration of culture, resilience, and the unbreakable ties between mother and child, community and Country.

Helmed by multi-award-winning Director Kamarra Bell-Wykes and presented by Theatre Works as a part of their 2026 By Theatre Works programming, Lazarus is a featured production on the 2026 VCE Drama Playlist and was developed with the support of Australian Plays Transform. Playing for a limited season and poised to be a true highlight on the 2026 Melbourne Arts Calendar, it’s not to be missed.

Based in St Kilda, Theatre Works has been home to bold, independent theatre for more than 40 years. They give artists the space, support, and freedom to take risks, and audiences the chance to discover powerful new Australian stories. Each year, they present dozens of productions across their three venues, from reimagined classics to brand new works, created in partnership with some of the country’s most exciting theatre makers.

Other 2026 By Theatre Works productions include Australian Open, Savages, Beyond The Neck, Mara, Red Sky Morning, Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, The Wolves, and Lord of the Flies.

Directed by Kamarra Bell-Wykes
Performed by Sermsah Bin Saad, Teresa Moore, Nathan Wright and Riley Warner
Projection and visual design by Cobie Orger
Sound design by Todd Bennett
Set and costume design by Justin Greene
Produced by Theatre Works
Publicity by Sassy Red PR   

21 May - 6 June 2026
Tues - Sat 7:30pm, Sat 2pm (30 May only), Tues - Fri 11am
Preview: Thurs 21 and Fri 22 May 7:30pm
Opening Night: Sat 23 May 7:30pm
Tickets: $55 Full, $48 Concession, $40 Preview
Bookings: www.theatreworks.org.au/2026/lazarus
Venue: Theatre Works – 14 Acland Street, St Kilda
www.theatreworks.org.au

Duration: 75 mins no interval
Age suitability: 14+
Warnings: This production contains themes of death, grief, and cultural trauma, including references to colonisation and its ongoing impact on First Nations peoples. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander audiences are advised that the work contains references to deceased persons
Accessibility: Theatre Works is a wheelchair-accessible venue. A full-access guide will be available closer to the date