Beloved Aussie coming of age tale Looking for Alibrandi comes to Geelong this month in one of the most anticipated productions of the season.
First commissioned by the Malthouse Theatre, the adaption of Melina Marchetta’s 1992 novel by Vidya Rajan is directed by Stepen Nicolazzo and presented by Blink Productions.
Part of the production’s original sell-out run at the Malthouse and Sydney’s Belvoir Theatre, Chanella Macri returns in the titular role of Josie Alibrandi, a third-generation Italian teenager.
The smart and ambitious Josie comes from a line of strong women, including her overbearing nonna Katia and resilient single mother Christina.
Through her final year of high school Josie must contend with the typical challenges of young adulthood, as well as the impact of systemic racism, class differences and revelations of long-held family secrets.
Looking for Alibrandi is presented as part of Geelong Arts Centre’s (GAC) Season 2025, supported by Creative Victoria and Deakin University.
GAC director of programming Penny McCabe said she “leapt” at the chance to bring one of her “favourite high school reads” to Geelong’s premier performing arts venue.
“Looking for Alibrandi is a story cherished by those who’ve read the book or watched the film, and now, I can’t wait for a new generation to experience its magic,” Ms McCabe said.
Looking for Alibrandi is at GAC’s Story House from August 20 to 23. Visit geelongartscentre.org.au for tickets and more information.
