The Dark Matter of Usulal

One of Australia’s most enthralling actors, Margaret J Harvey, returns to the stage for the first time in over 10 years, with an intimate and visually arresting solo performance.

WOMXN is unravelling. As the life she knows begins to slip away, whispers from her ancestors call her towards something she cannot yet understand.

Searching for something to hold on to, WOMXN is drawn into a vast, living realm where memory, spirit and the cosmos become one. Grounded in the living cosmologies of Saibai Island, The Dark Matter of Usulal takes us on an extraordinary journey through the stories and knowledge of those who came before.

Part intimate journey, part cosmic awakening, The Dark Matter of Usulal connects us to an unknown ancient story to make sense of the world we find ourselves in.

Through performance, sound, movement and digital imagery, The Dark Matter of Usulal asks what holds when the ground shifts, and what continues long after the ending has already been declared.

“A highly visual theatrical experience in a genre that could be described as magical realism.”
— REAL TIME

“As an actor, Margaret Harvey is one of the living icons of the Australian stage.”
— The Guardian

Cultural Acknowledgement
Margaret J Harvey acknowledges Awa Walter Waia, senior Ait Koedal knowledge holder, who gifted her the living myth of Usulal, and Awa Jeff Aniba-Waia, whose sharing of Usulal with Margaret has been integral to the development of this work.

CONTENT
Suitable for ages 15+

RUN TIME
70 minutes no interval.

Tickets are now on sale as part of a subscriptions package.

Package 4-6 Plays from our main season to access the best seats in the house, discounted ticket prices and exclusive benefits. Plus, get priority access and discounts for our Add-on show and SAPRK program.

Single tickets will be on sale in December.

Audio Described Performances and Pre-Show Briefing for blind and vision impaired patrons
Saturday, 27 February, 1.00pm (briefing), 2.00pm (performance)
Monday, 1 March, 5.30pm (briefing), 6.30pm (performance), with a post-show Q&A

Wheelchair access & Companion Cards
Wheelchair accessible seats, companion cards and other accessible bookings can be made via phone on 08 8415 5353 (Monday – Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm), or via email at tickets@statetheatrecompany.com.au.

Visit the Access page for more information on our Access Program.

Subscriber Briefing
2027 Subscribers are invited to join us for an exclusive Subscriber Briefing to learn more about the creation of the show.
– Wednesday, 17 February, 6.00pm

Post Show Q&As
We hold Q&As with our artists and creative teams so that you can ask questions about the production.
– Monday, 1 March

School groups can book students into the following matinee performances:

School performances
Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre

• • Wednesday 24 February 11:00am

Visit the State Educate resources page for the Study Guide and What to Expect.

Tickets are now on sale as part of a Teacher Subscription

This show will be performed at the Odeon Theatre at 57a Queen Street, Norwood SA 5067.

Parking
Located at 57a Queen Street, Norwood, there is a range of free street parking options around the Theatre and in sections of side streets of Norwood. Time limited parking options are available on The Parade and car park facilities are available at several locations in Norwood. Click here for details.

Please make sure you plan your journey to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the performance start time as it can take more than 10 minutes to find a park, get to the Theatre and be seated in time.

There is a loading zone at the front entrance of the Theatre which can be used as an accessible drop off point.

Public Transport

Bus Stop 10 The Parade – North Side

Bus Stop 10 The Parade – South Side

Pre and Post-Show Dining

The Parade in Norwood offers a wide variety of dining options, from fast food to pubs to restaurants.

–The Cinnamon Club Indian Cuisine: Open from 5pm and across the street from the theatre.

–The Bath Hotel: Restaurant and casual pub dining open from 5pm Tuesday – Sunday, located right next to the theatre.

–Hanamura Norwood: Japanese restaurant open from 5pm, opposite the cinema on The Parade, less than 5 mins walk from the theatre.