Brisbane review - Superheroes: theatre as it should be

By David Wilson

Superheroes 

Written by Mark Rogers

Direction and Costume Design by Sanja Simić

Creative Producer Danielle Carney

Set Design by Peter Ceavy

Lighting Design by Sidney Younger

Dialect Coaching by Gabrielle Rogers

Presented by Bodysnatchers

Door 3, Queensland Theatre

Diane Cilento Studio

Until 22 November 2025

https://queenslandtheatre.com.au/plays/superheroes

Tickets $39, concession $35

Superheroes is bold, brave, compelling, and profoundly human — theatre that soars by planting its feet firmly in the real world. The Door 3 initiative of Queensland Theatre is focused on staging bold and blistering independent works in the intimate Diane Cilento Studio. The program is proving to be a powerful channel in delivering original, courageous, thought-provoking theatre that punches well above its weight - Superheroes does more than meet the brief, it knocks it out of the park!Written in 2018 by Mark Rogers, this play deservedly won the 2019 Griffin Award and the 2019 Patrick White Award. Cleverly delivered as parallel monologues, Superheroes tells the story of two young women, worlds apart, both at breaking point. It’s November, 2017. On the south coast of NSW, Emily has forgotten her nephews’ birthday party and needs her ex-boyfriend to answer her (many) texts. At the same time in Mostar, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Jana’s trip to the grocery store puts her smack bang in the middle of the European refugee crisis. What unfolds is a powerful, poetic study in humanity and the small choices we each make every day — choices that shape who we are, and how we survive. The play brilliantly captures the brutality, vulnerability, and hope of everyday life, where sometimes it takes superhuman effort just to get through.Under the assured direction of Sanja Simić, this production finds a powerful beauty and emotional truth in every moment. Her sensitive and intelligent direction keeps the focus squarely on the human heart of the story, allowing the text and performances to shine. The deceptively simple set by Peter Ceavy — centred around ubiquitous white plastic chairs — is perfectly on point, allowing the audience to focus entirely on the compelling narrative and outstanding performances. The chairs seem to establish a physical link between two distant yet connected worlds, symbolising the universality of human experience.Performances by Milena Barraclough Nesic (Jana) and Rachel Nutchey (Emily) are absolutely outstanding. They each flawlessly traverse the full spectrum of emotions, delivering with compelling authenticity. Both wonderfully embodied what it is to be conflicted, and the effects that has both internally and externally. Ethan Lwin (Simon/Dino) provided a brilliant counterpoint and connection between the unfolding stories, showcasing his wonderful physicality and stage presence. Together, the performers delivered a level of authenticity, vulnerability, and control that is captivating and deeply affecting. Outstanding performances worthy of the wonderful text.

The result is a production that somehow feels both intimate and epic. Superheroes lays bare the quiet heroism found in simply being human. Simić and her creative team have crafted a work that is equal parts heart, hope, and humanity.Do yourself a favour and see Superheroes — this is theatre as it should be.Tickets can be purchased now for $39. Season runs until 22 November 2025 at the Diane Cilento Studio, Queensland Theatre.Enjoy.