Sevenfold Theatre Company Inc: Numa and Karl: Extraordinary Man That He Was

Sevenfold Theatre Company Inc was founded in 2019 by nine original members, a passionate group of graduates from Federation University in Ballarat (formerly known as BAPA). Their journey began with a shared vision – to establish a platform for creating independent theatre that would provide artists with the freedom to explore their creativity and bring compelling stories to life. Sevenfold firmly believes in the power of collaboration and the strength that comes from diversity. They welcome artists from all backgrounds and disciplines, embracing a wide range of talents and perspectives. As the company grows and evolves, they continue to extend our platform to more artists, fostering a vibrant community that thrives on mutual inspiration and support.

Sevenfold’s goal is to develop and present the first official theatrical staging of Em Chandler’s original play Numa and Karl: The Extraordinary Man that He Was. This work adapts the life of 19th-century queer activist Karl Heinrich Ulrichs, exploring his personal and public life as one of the first to publicly advocate for gay rights. The company will work in collaboration to creatively link and intertwine the unique voices of the LGBTQIA+ community, thrusting this perspective to the forefront through historical storytelling.

Early 2025 there will be a development to focus on the final stages of writing and dramaturgical refinement of the play. The show being staged in August in alignment with the 200th Anniversary of Karl’s birthday on August 28th.

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Acknowledgement of Country

Pride Foundation Australia pays respect to the traditional custodians of the land and sea on which we live, work and play, we pay our respects to Elders past and present, acknowledging that sovereignty was never ceded.

Pride Foundation Australia commits through the resources we have available to us, to work with, for, and alongside Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and South Sea Islander LGBTIQ+ Sistergirl and Brotherboy peoples and communities to embed a self-determined future.

We further commit the contribution of a significant proportion of grant funding received to Aboriginal Torres Strait  South Sea Islander LGBTIQ+ Sistergirl and Brotherboy led initiatives to improve social outcomes.

Australia was, and always will be Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander land.