NORPA’s highly anticipated production of Prima Facie opened on Thursday night (12 February) at the Byron Theatre to a full house, launching its Northern Rivers season with a powerful and emotionally charged performance from Matilda Ridgway.

Directed by Heather Fairbairn, the production was celebrated with a standing ovation and a palpable sense of reflection. Under Fairbairn’s assured direction, Ridgway delivered a commanding performance that charted one woman’s journey through power, belief and disillusionment within the justice system.

NORPA will present three more sold-out performances of Prima Facie in Byron Bay, before the production tours to Tweed Heads, Murwillumbah, Kyogle, Grafton and Lismore. Lismore performances are on Friday, February 27 at 7:30pm, with two performances on Saturday, February 28 at 1:30pm and 7:30pm. You can book tickets by clicking here.

NORPA Artistic Director Julian Louis said the sold-out opening confirmed the appetite for bold, relevant theatre across the region.

“To see audiences turn out in such strong numbers for a work like Prima Facie speaks volumes about the depth and engagement of our communities,” he said.

“The Village Circuit has been created to bring professional and world-class storytelling directly to our towns, and opening to a full house shows just how ready the Northern Rivers is for theatre that challenges, moves and connects us.”

The production also showcases an exceptional creative team, including Northern Rivers–based costume designer Ella Lincoln, lighting and set designer Véronique Benett, and sound designer Julian Starr, whose combined work created a riveting and intimate theatrical experience.

Prima Facie continues touring throughout February as the inaugural production of NORPA’s new Village Circuit.