Congress

Almost ten years after its premiere, CONGRESS returns to the Melbourne Fringe Festival.

Last presented within the extraordinary setting of Salisbury Cathedral, this new presentation reimagines the work for the heart of Melbourne. Inviting citizens to gather in a time marked by political polarisation, social fragmentation and urgent questions about how we live together.

Inspired by the tradition of a politician's inaugural speech to Parliament, Congress invites eight extraordinary people from different communities to deliver their own "First Speech", not as politicians, but as citizens imagining the future they wish to create.

CONGRESS connects the personal with the political. Eight community participants are paired with leading writers and artists to create and deliver “first political speeches”, bold, intimate and hopeful visions for our collective future.

Interwoven with music, movement and acts of communal gathering, the work unashamedly asks citizens to imagine change, demand transformation and rehearse new ways of being together.

Congress will take place outdoors, so please dress warmly for the weather.

Seating is unreserved and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Please refrain from using flash photography or making any audio or video recordings during the performance.

Bookings are required to reserve your spot via the Melbourne Fringe website.