Looking For Alibrandi

An iconic Australian coming-of-age novel takes centre stage.

It’s the last year of school and 17-year-old Josephine Alibrandi can’t wait for her future to begin – if only she can get past the world of her Nonna, holding onto the values of the old country and the world of her Mum, full of care and secrets. It’s time to take her place in the real world, beyond her family, beyond being an Alibrandi.

But this is the year Josie gets to know her father. This is the year she falls in love. And this is the year she uncovers the truth – and finds the Alibrandi she has been searching for.

Three generations of women. The Italian-Australian experience. A trip back into the 1990s. A theatrical adaptation of the beloved iconic Australian novel and groundbreaking film, fresh from sold out seasons in Sydney and Melbourne will have its Adelaide premiere in 2025. Directed by the new Artistic Director of Brink Productions, Stephen Nicolazzo, there’s a new Josie coming this way!

“Broad, bold, playful comedy” – The Age

“This comically and beautifully honest look at cultural identity, class and trauma is brought to vivid life… in this ridiculously enjoyable sunbeam of a production.” – Arts Hub

“Rajan’s play probes deeply into the generational triptych at the centre: three women, three lives, one heartbeat” – The Guardian

CONTENT
Coarse language, violence, suicide, sexual references, smoke and haze effects.

More information will be available closer to the show.

State Theatre Company South Australia’s 2025 Subscription Packages are now on sale!

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 Stateside program.

Click here for information on how to Subscribe.

Single tickets will be available to purchase from 2 December 2024.

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
2025 Subscribers are invited to join us for an exclusive Subscriber Briefing to learn more about the creation of the show.
– Monday, 19 May, 6.00pm

State Theatre Company South Australia is offering three school performances as part of our season of Looking for Alibrandi. Visit the State Educate resources page for the Study Guide and What to Expect.

School performances
Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre

• Thursday 22 May 11.00am
• Tuesday 27 May 11.00am
• Thursday 29 May 11.00am

Check performance availability here

Complete booking form here

Any enquiries should be directed to education@statetheatrecompany.com.au.

Venue Access

This show will be performed at the Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre.

The recommended Dunstan Playhouse and Space Theatre drop off zone is at the northern end of the Riverbank Footbridge on War Memorial Drive (walk across the Footbridge to Dunstan Playhouse) or at the Intercontinental Hotel (walk north between the Intercontinental Hotel and Railway Station along the laneway to the Riverbank). There is also a drop off area and two accessible car spaces on lower Festival Drive, accessible from the west via Montefiore Road.

Getting to the Venue

Adelaide Festival Centre is easily accessible by public transport, including the tram (stop at Railway Station), trains, buses and a free bus service that operates on a loop throughout the city and North Adelaide with stops on the corner of King William Road and North Terrace.

For more information visit https://adelaidemetro.com.au/

For information about parking near the Adelaide Festival Centre, please click here.

Dining Options

Malt Shovel Taphouse
Located at the Adelaide Festival Centre at the end of the Adelaide Oval footbridge
Open Wednesday 3pm-11pm and Thursday – Sunday 11.30am-late

The Strathmore Hotel
Located 5 minutes from the Dunstan Playhouse at 29 North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000
Open 7 days, 11am – 3am