Caligula

Written by Albert Camus
Directed by Isaiah Prichard
Presented by Performative Theatre Company
Supported by ACT Hub

Performative Theatre Co. presents a fresh, thought-provoking reimagining of French philosopher Albert Camus’ Caligula. First written during the Second World War, the play explores truth, purpose, and the absurdity of life in ways that feel startlingly modern.

Camus’ first full-length play follows the reign of Caligula, newly appointed emperor of Rome, faced with the absurd. Haunted by the death of his sister, the emperor grips the meaninglessness of his own mortality with both hands.

In the face of his discovery that nothing means anything, he yearns for something not of this world, setting out to teach all of Rome his final truth: “people die and they are not happy.”

As the moon rises on Caligula’s unravelling, we bear witness to assassination plots, poetry competitions and the Goddess Venus herself.

How much can Rome learn from a tyrant with a lust for the impossible?

Content warnings: Please note, this production contains depictions and discussions of death, grief, and sexual assault, simulated violence, knife violence, gun violence, blood, flashing lights, loud noises, and explicit and misogynistic language.

About Performative Theatre Company

Founded at the beginning of 2026 on Ngunnawal land, Performative Theatre Company exists to provide opportunities for youth in the Canberra independent theatre scene. The path from student to community theatre isn’t clear cut, and many talented artists don’t continue their craft largely due to not knowing how or where they can.

Performative Theatre seeks to bridge this gap by engaging with Canberra’s crucible of emerging artists through creative outreach and collaboration with student-led and youth-centred theatre companies. Their aim is to produce thought-provoking theatre whilst providing aspiring creatives with supportive and accessible development opportunities that bolster their confidence and practical skills.

Caligula is the inaugural production of this new company, providing an opportunity for local youth artists to independently stage an absurd and evocative text.

Details

When: 1 July – 4 July 2026
Where:
ACT Hub
Causeway Hall, Kingston
14 Spinifex Street, Kingston ACT 2604

Performances

• Wed, 1 Jul 7:30pm
• Thu, 2 Jul 7:30pm
• Fri, 3 Jul 7:30pm
• Sat, 4 Jul 2pm
• Sat, 4 Jul 7:30pm

Ticket prices

• First in best dressed: $30
• Adult: $42
• Concession: $36
• Student special: $25

Cast

Creative team