Manager David Lloyd launched the season at Ulumbarra last night.

“We think this is a good program. There’s always the balance of huge variety and the best quality you can get while also attracting as many audience members as we can,” he said.

“We spend a lot of time getting (performances) for as many sectors as possible. We started talking about the 2017 as early as 2015. It’s about an 18-month process.”

One of the highlights will come in February when the Bangarra Dance Theatre company perform its contemporary dance piece Terrain.

“For the first time in my time we put on sale and announced (a 2017) show before the season launch,” Mr Lloyd said.

“With the Bangarra Dance Theatre here so early in year it was important to do that. We are excited to have them.

“We are also really interested in Ilbijerri Theatre Company (in May) and their show Coranderrk. There is a strong Jaara connection to that project, so it really connects with this region.”

Another strong dance performance is sure to come from the Sydney Dance Company in July when it presents Frame of Mind.

A number of music-based performance also filled the 2017 theatre calendar.

“There is a lot of fine music to be heard. We always try to have strong music program,” Mr Lloyd said.

“We are excited by our little ‘parlour sessions’ and are working with the team at the Melbourne Recital Centre for small intimate session in Bendigo Bank Theatre.

“It is almost a back to future moment to our Soul Food seasons. We have re-launched that as an intimate experience.”

One of the more unqiue performances will come from She Said Theatre in June.

Hart is a verbatim theatre piece about the stolen generations. It is a one-man show that uses real-life experiences and text as the script.

“I am always struck with verbatim theatre,” Mr Lloyd said.

“It is one thing for a writer to write a script but to use words from history and real-life experiences is a really interesting way of presenting theatre.

“Hart is a beautiful one-man piece about the survivors of the stolen generations that will be in the Engine Room. It is an amazing piece that is very emotional.”

In September, the Melbourne Theatre Company will return to Bendigo for the first time since 2008 when it presents What Rhymes With Girls and Cars.

Based on Aussie rocker Tim Rogers’ solo album, it is a musical theatre piece that follows a raw and complex romance.

“This contemporary theatre performance is a double whammy of the premiere state theatre company and the songs of one of great Australian music icons,” Mr Lloyd said.

For families there will be a number of theatre performances to encourage young people to visit the theatre.

The Victorian Opera will return in October to present Hansel and Gretel but before that two iconic children’s books will be brought to life.

Grug and the Rainbow will be presented by the Windmill Theatre Company in October and the Very Hungry Caterpillar will arrive in June.

Illustrator Shaun Tan’s book The Arrival will also be performed in August by the Spare Parts Puppet Theatre.

“It is a really strong kids program, with some shows based on very famous books that are still around,” Mr Lloyd said.

“Some puppeteering will bring those books to life in what will be fun performances. Shaun Tan’s The Arrival is a beautiful movement piece.”

Bell Shakespeare and Shake & Stir theatre companies will also return next year with touring shows.

Gothic story Dracula will take to the stage with Shake & Stir in May while The Merchant of Venice will visit with Bell Shakespeare in August. 

For more or to find other shows visit www.capitalvenuesandevents.com.au