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 Advisory
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.
Reviews
“Isaiah Prichard’s production brings us a richly designed pageant of decadence, power games and carefully rationalised insanity in a feast for the eyes and the mind. … Kathleen Kershaw’s set design is maybe the most epic I’ve seen in the ACT Hub space … Alex Elwood’s costume designs are eclectic and fascinating … This is a compelling new company performing an active, impressive production of an underexplored absurdist classic, and is absolutely worth your time.”
“Performative Theatre Company has made an impressive debut on the Canberra Theatre Scene with a highly commendable production of Albert Camus’ Caligula. … What emerges in Mischa Rippon’s charismatic performance of the tortured emperor is a profound self-loathing expressed in tyrannical response to Drusilla’s meaningless death. … In the realm of philosophical discourse and interpretation, Performative Theatre Company under the astute and intelligent direction of Isiah Pritchard gives Camus’ ideas clarity and believability. … I look forward with interest to Performative Theatre Company’s next production. Caligula has been a very satisfying introduction to this new and promising company.”
“this excellent production of Camus’ play… will have you shaking your head in wonder. Mischa Rippon’s performance of the title role is remarkable … The cast… very successfully create for us the growing horror … Mischa’s variety of moods, as well his capacity to make clear the abstract philosophy of this Caligula is a great strength of Performative Theatre’s production. It’s good to see another Canberra company taking on such worthwhile theatre.”
“Director, Isaiah Prichard presented a clear vision with his production of this literate play. … The central role of Caligula is given an outstanding performance by Mischa Rippon. … There were strong performances, too, from Natasha Lyall as Caesonia, Amy Gottschalk as Cherea, Alex Elwood as Scipio, Dan Fonn Prichard as Helicon and Paris Scharke as Mereia. … This production of Albert Camus’ rarely performed absurdist play, Caligula, by the youthful new Performative Theatre proved to be an exciting and memorable launching pad for the company.”
“Caligula, as written by Albert Camus and presented by Performative Theatre Company, is an unlikely amalgam of Rocky Horror, Shakespeare’s Macbeth and Brecht’s Arturo Ui. Held together with a dexterous performance by Mischa Rippon as Caligula and a most intriguing set design by Kathleen Kershaw that might well have been derived from the German Bauhaus influences, Caligula is a play for today; presented with a strong contemporary feel that clearly captivates a young audience. … Performative Theatre Company have set very high expectations for themselves and for audiences. This work goes a long way towards realising such expectations. It is attracting a young audience that is responding very well to the efforts on the stage. May it continue on its path to rejuvenate theatre, drawing in audiences for their provocative and exciting theatrical choices.”
Media
Absurdist Caligula comes with a ‘slap in the face’, Canberra CityNews, 28 June 2026
New youth theatre company brings Caligula to Canberra, Canberra Weekly, 30 June 2026
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