“Future Australian Classic”, Housework, To Premier At Sydney Opera House

Housework, a daring black comedy about the inner workings of Parliament House, will make its Sydney debut at the Opera House as part of Sydney Theatre Company (STC)’s 2026 season. From 5 September to 17 October, attendees will enjoy as writer Emily Steel and director Shannon Rush pull back the curtain on all the sex scandals, culture wars, and Machiavellian manipulation underpinning the lives of Canberra’s MPs.

“Emily Steel’s ferocious wit, dazzling intelligence and expert ability to give a human face to the multiple challenges of being both a politician and parent are all on spectacular display in this show that was acclaimed in its initial Adelaide season and which I’m sure will strike similar chords here for STC audiences,” said STC Artistic Director Mitchell Butel.

What is “Housework” Really About?

Starring actors Susie Youssef, Emily Taheny, and Indira Naidoo, the play follows a cherry-picked first-time MP and her overworked Chief of Staff as they try and perform damage-control on a myriad of chaotic unfoldings. Since its initial Adelaide run, Housework has been described by The Conversation as “a future Australian classic”.

“[it] lifts the rock off politics,” reads the glowing review, “to expose its crawling, ruthless, yet undeniably comic underside. The result is masterful, hilarious and deeply incisive. 

“This is everything you’ve always wanted to know about Australian politics but were too afraid to have your worst fears confirmed. Steel’s play is laugh-out-loud funny in its satire and send-ups. But it is also deeply affecting in her bleak but loving depiction of the chasm between personal dreams and the reality of politics.”

Housework first commissioned for State Theatre Company South Australia’s 2025 season. Now, after the final was programmed by STC’s own Artistic Director, it has arrived in Sydney. 

“It’s always such a joy to see a new Australian play find a second life and connect with audiences beyond its original season,” said Director Shannon Rush. “It’s a testament to the play and everyone who brought it to life. I have no doubt Sydney audiences will be gripped by this darkly funny window into the power, ambition and deceit that echo through the corridors of Parliament House.”