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Culture · 21 July 2026

The 'Sound Inside' To Make Its South Australian Premiere in August

The production is directed by HST Inc.’s Director in Residence Nick Fagan.

By Tobias Handke

Promotional headshot portrait of actors for play production The Sound Inside against a neutral off-white background.
Image supplied

Holden Street Theatres Inc. (HST Inc.) is excited to present the South Australian premiere of Adam Rapp’s psychologically rich and emotionally compelling drama, The Sound Inside.

One of the most significant contemporary plays of the last decade, the Tony Award-nominated production takes over HST Inc. from Tuesday 11 to Saturday 29 August.

The play captures the unlikely connection between two desperately lonely souls: celebrated author and college professor Bella and the brilliant and volatile student Christopher. The two bond over their love of words and books until a secret from Bella threatens to tear them apart.

Directed by HST Inc.’s Director in Residence Nick Fagan, the production stars two of South Australia’s leading theatrical talents in Michelle Nightingale as Bella Baird and Benji Riggs as Christopher Dunn.

READ MORE: State Opera South Australia Brings Beloved Fairy Tale ‘Hansel & Gretel’ To Adelaide

Theater poster for The Sound Inside, a play by Adam Rapp, featuring lead cast members over typography background.

HST Inc. Artistic Director Martha Lott said that the "South Australian premiere of The Sound Inside is part of the organisation’s ambition to present world-class independent productions that create memorable and accessible experiences for audiences.

"The Sound Inside is gripping, raw and emotionally charged theatre at its very best. I’m excited for audiences to experience the power of Adam Rapp’s extraordinary storytelling for the first time on the local stage.

"HST Inc. is passionate about presenting high-quality, affordable theatre for South Australian audiences and giving artists the opportunity to work on great plays such as this.

"As a venue HST Inc continues to thrive in a time where independent theatre has never played a more important role in the community."

Nick Fagan adds, "At just 90 minutes, The Sound Inside grips you like a great novel. In the intimacy of The Studio, audiences are invited into the world of Bella and Christopher for a theatrical experience that stays with you long after the curtain falls."

Catch The Sound Inside at Holden Street Theatres Inc. from Tuesday 11 to Saturday 29 August. Tickets on sale now via holdenstreettheatrescom.au.

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