VIGIL is a powerful new theatre work by Outer Urban Projects that asks urgent questions about safety, belonging and whose lives are valued in public spaces.
Set on a tram travelling through the city, VIGIL brings together the stories of passengers whose lives briefly intersect. Some carry experiences shaped by war, exile and resistance. Others are heading out for a night on the town. As these journeys unfold, the work explores how race, gender, violence and fear shape everyday movement through the city.
Created by a diverse group of artists and community members, VIGIL draws on lived experience and global histories of persecution and resilience, including stories connected to South Sudan, Iran and Palestine. The work is also grounded in Australia’s First Nations history and truth.
VIGIL is led by director and composer Irine Vela, with writing by Bryan Andy, Kush Kuiy, Sahra Davoudi, Samah Sabawi and Patricia Cornelius. Choreography is by Tara Jade Samaya, and the production features an exceptional ensemble of actors, dance artists, musicians and designers, alongside the El Amal Arabic-speaking women’s ensemble from Banksia Gardens Community Services.
Artistic Director Irine Vela describes VIGIL as a collective act of remembering and honouring lives impacted by loss, protest and resistance, particularly those stories that are often overlooked.
Presented by Arts House, VIGIL reflects Outer Urban Projects’ commitment to socially engaged and multidisciplinary performance. The live theatre work is accompanied by a free film installation featuring the award-winning short dance film VIGIL, which traces the ripple effects of gender-based violence through immersive sound and imagery.
Accessible performances and sessions
Arts House is offering a number of accessible sessions for audiences who are blind, have low vision, are Deaf, or prefer performances with relaxed elements:
- An Auslan interpreted performance will take place on Thursday, April 30.
- A tactile tour and audio described performance will be held on Friday, May 1, offering blind and low vision audiences access to the set, costumes and visual elements, alongside live audio description during the show.
VIGIL is showing at Arts House, North Melbourne Town Hall, from April 22 to May 3 2026, with performances running Wednesday to Sunday.
Bookings and full details are available at VIGIL - Arts House. Access bookings and support requests can be made directly through Arts House.
Photo credit: Gregory Lorenzutti- features Carly Sheppard.
