About Us
Australian Classical Theatre (ACT) started its life in 1999 as Petty Traffikers, and has since built a reputation for innovative adaptations and award winning productions of works by C.J. Dennis, Henry Lawson and Barbara Baynton. Our recent change of name reaffirms our policy whilst expanding the scope of our work to include international classical works. We continue our commitment to touring this work as widely as possible in search of new audiences.
What We Do, Who We Are
Australian Classical Theatre is a theatre company rediscovering Australia’s cultural heritage by performing theatrical productions of classic works from its literary canon. Our primary purpose is to tell Australian stories that have broad appeal and tour them to as wide an audience as possible.
Working with material that has stood the test of time and proven itself to be the finest from the most reputable writers gives prime importance to the actor’s craft and skill.
We are unique in style of presentation and in choice of script, adding much to the diversity of theatre practice in Melbourne, Victoria and Australia.
We also commit to producing great classical scripts from around the world, particularly the works of William Shakespeare.
ACT is headed by Artistic Director Stewart Morritt, an accomplished actor of stage, television and film.
Stewart trained at the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art under Shakespeare guru Judith Gick. His love of The Bard has seen him work with the English Shakespeare Company, Australian Shakespeare Company and in the West End.
Productions
Our latest production is I Take Your Hand In Mine, a dramatisation of the remarkable love letters between Anton Chekhov and Olga Knipper.
Previous productions include The Sentimental Bloke, The Drover’s Wife, Ginger Mick at Gallipoli and The Chosen Vessel.
More information about past productions is available on the Profile page, and a selection of company reviews is available on the Reviews page.
Interview with ABC TV's Stateline
An interview with ABC TV's Stateline program, back when we were known as Petty Traffikers.
