A dystopian world where ‘stalking’ is the norm

Michele Lansdowne, from Connells Point, and Haji Myrteza, from Rockdale, perform in the brand new piece of Australian musical theatre which has its premier in Sydney.

It is the brain child of three Australian writers Andy Peterson, Alex Giles and David Russell, who worked over several years to make the show a reality.

The title is deliberately provocative, but the show isn’t about peeping toms or creepy voyeurs. 

It’s set in a dystopian world where “stalking” is the norm, and there is only one rule in town: people cannot and do not fall in love. The town is thrown into chaos when a stranger arrives on the scene. He introduces the town to the concept of ‘love’, with tumultuous results.

Stalker, which comes to Sydney after successful seasons at the 2015 New York International Fringe Festival and the 2016 Chicago Music Theatre Festival, is perfectly suited to the talents of St George actress Lansdowne.

Lansdowne said she was inspired to be a performer in theatre and arts by her father.

‘‘Dad was a conductor and flautist and I fell in love with theatre by being his constant shadow,’’ she said.

‘‘I started ballet at 5 and did my first musical at 10. 

‘‘Then it was classical voice training at the Con until I was in my 20s when I discovered musical theatre and found I was far more suited to it.”

Lansdowne said she had done many theatre and screen courses over the years and had an array of skills.

‘‘I can juggle teacups while standing on my head and singing Mimi’s aria from La Boheme – just kidding – no special skills, but I do audition workshops for musical theatre performers and I am a tutor at solo vocal camps.”

Haji Myrteza is the product of a Filipino mother and an Australian-born Albanian/Greek father he was a member of the Australian Youth Choir for three years during primary school, but his interest in musicals started in Year 9. After that he studied for a Bachelor of Arts as well as taking classes at NIDA.

Myrteza said he was excited the challenge of appearing Stalker: The Musical which is on from September 19  to October 6 at The Depot Theatre, Marrickville.