What's On

Th’ Unguarded Duncan and Theatre Works present

Timon of Athens
By William Shakespeare and Thomas Middleton
Directed by Kevin Hopkins and Claire Nicholls

What happens when the world’s most generous person suddenly loses it all?

Timon is an exceptionally wealthy philanthropist who wines, dines, and magnanimously funds the Athenian elite under the blissful delusion that humanity is inherently good. But when the well runs dry, Timon’s golden circle of fair-weather flatterers evaporates, transforming an idealist's riches-to-rags downfall into a ferocious, anti-capitalist satire.

Blending high-society decadence with a biting commentary on the transactional nature of relationships, this darkly funny, contemporary spin on Shakespeare and Middleton’s underappreciated masterpiece strips away the illusions of currency and friendship, leaving audiences to wonder what the value of our capitalist world truly is.

Following their 2025 season of Titus Andronicus at Theatre Works, Th' Unguarded Duncan now bring Melbourne audiences another powerful production supported by Prague Shakespeare Company, developed as part of their Summer Intensive Program.

Regarded as Karl Marx’s favourite Shakespeare play for its biting critique of wealth, Timon of Athens explores the volatile nature of money, the friction between use and service, and the delicate balance of giving and receiving. Drawing sharp parallels to our current global capitalist climate, the "cost-of-living crisis," and systemic issues like climate disaster and social prejudice, this latest offering from Th’ Unguarded Duncan asks a timeless question: “What truly constitutes effective leadership in a world pushed to its absolute limits?”

Known for their distinct approach to crafting their shows, this season of Timon of Athens will be a physical, ensemble-driven piece, set within the tumultuous, pressured environment of a high-class restaurant. Featuring acclaimed international stage actor and Associate Artist with the Prague Shakespeare Company Jovanna Hepburn in the titular role, this latest production from Th’Unguarded Duncan promises theatre-lovers an electric and challenging night out. Tickets now on sale.

Th’ Unguarded Duncan is a creative collaboration between Kevin Hopkins and Claire Nicholls. Their relationship with the Prague Shakespeare Company has enabled them to explore Shakespeare in a unique way as Australian artists and has led them to craft a style that is distinctly physical and ensemble based. Since 2019, Th’ Unguarded Duncan has developed classes and coaching in Psychophysical Actor Training, incorporating elements of Asian acting methodologies, moving meditations, and martial arts, which often inform its productions.

Praise for Th’ Unguarded Duncan:
★★★★★ “Directors Kevin Hopkins and Claire Nicholls craft a production that feels purposeful in every moment.” - What’s The Show (Titus Andronicus)
“The ensemble work … is exceptional — a testament to Th’ Unguarded Duncan’s psychophysical approach to theatre.” - It’s On The House (Titus Andronicus)
“Nicholls and Hopkins’ take on Titus Andronicus is thoroughly engaging.” - ArtsHub

Directed by Kevin Hopkins and Claire Nicholls
Performed by James Cerche, Nick Crawford-Smith, Anthea Davis, Tegan Harrod, Jovanna Hepburn, Helen Hopkins, Scott Jackson, Ashlynn Parigi, Tony Rive, Henry Vo and Seon Williams
Lighting Design by Kevin Hopkins
Set Design by Kevin Hopkins, Claire Nicholls and Josh Morrison
Costumes by Kaspa Elston and ASC, and Chloe Moore
Publicity by Sassy Red PR

28 October to 7 November 2026
Tues – Sat 7:30pm
Preview: Wednesday 28 October
Opening Night: Thursday 29 October
Tickets: $48 Full, $38 Concession, $30 Preview and Tuesday 3 November
Bookings: www.theatreworks.org.au/2026/timon-of-athens
Venue: Theatre Works – 14 Acland Street St Kilda
www.theatreworks.org.au

Duration: 90 minutes no interval
Age suitability: 15+
Warnings: flashing lights, loud noises
Accessibility: Theatre Works is a wheelchair accessible venue. A full access guide will be available closer to the date