Recent graduate Sebastyen Filipinski (Stage and Screen Performance, 2024) has joined the cast of The Frogs: In Hell They Sing Show Tunes, spawned from Aristophanes’ play The Frogs. He discusses how his NIDA training helped him take the leap and audition for the role of Aeschylus, as well as why this camp and queer reimagining will have audiences croaking with laugher.
The Frogs: In Hell They Sing Show Tunes is a bold and chaotic reimagining of a classic Greek comedy. What drew you to this particular project?
What attracted me to this play was the script. It was honestly love at first read for me. I sat down intending to skim it, but it was so funny I ended up reading the whole thing in one sitting. Time just flew by, and when I was done I knew I had to audition for it.
Can you tell us a bit about the character you’re playing and how you’ve approached the role?
I play Aeschylus, an ancient Greek playwright and soldier who fought in the Persian Wars. He was a real historical figure, so I felt a responsibility to do some proper research to help build the character. In all honesty, I had no idea who he was before I read the play, but I quickly learned he’s infamously known for his humorous (and very avoidable) death, which, while not included in the play, definitely adds to the absurdity of playing him.
What has it been like collaborating with the cast? Have there been any standout moments during rehearsal?
I look forward to every rehearsal because the cast is just so fun to work with. While this isn’t a musical in the traditional sense, it definitely has a lot of songs and dance numbers, which have been a blast to rehearse. The whole play is silly and sexy with a hint of seriousness, and that really comes through in the rehearsal room.
You graduated from NIDA’s Diploma of Stage and Screen Performance this year. How has your training prepared you for this production?
My training at NIDA gave me the confidence I needed to take on a production like this. The Diploma pushed me out of my comfort zone and taught me how to take creative risks, be adaptable, and work under pressure. I was surrounded by a community that genuinely wanted to see me succeed, which motivated me to be curious, to try things even if they failed, and to take on challenges I never imagined I could. NIDA didn’t just shape me as a performer, it really helped me grow as a person.
What do you hope audiences take away from this hysterical and uniquely Australian adaptation of Aristophanes’ The Frogs?
I hope the audience has as much fun watching the show as we’ve had creating it. When I first read the script I couldn’t stop laughing and I hope that energy comes through in the performance. Most of all, I hope we do the script justice and give people a night they’ll remember.
Described as ‘outrageously camp’, what has been the most unexpected or hilarious moment during rehearsals so far?
There have been so many funny moments in the rehearsal room. But for the sake of secrecy (and to avoid spoilers) I’ll just say this: you’ll have to come see the show to find out what had us in stitches. Trust me, it’s worth it.
As a performer, what stories or styles are you most passionate about exploring? Does The Frogs align with those interests?
I love high energy productions, flashing lights, music, dance, the kind of stuff that gets right up in your face and demands your attention. The Frogs is definitely no exception to this. It’s bold, chaotic, and unapologetically queer-coded. It leans into the absurd, the camp, and the theatrical, which makes it such a fun and exciting show to be part of. Honestly, it’s exactly the kind of work I love doing.
What advice do you have for anyone considering undertaking a Diploma of Stage and Screen Performance?
Go for it! It’s absolutely worth the commitment. NIDA looks for passionate storytellers, so don’t be afraid to take risks. Be open, be willing to be moulded, be yourself and don’t forget to have fun. If you bring your energy and enthusiasm into the audition room, you’re already giving yourself the best chance of getting in.
The Frogs: In Hell They Sing Show Tunes is playing at New Theatre from 12 August – 6 September. Book Tickets.
Want to learn more about NIDA’s Diploma of Stage and Screen Performance? Click here.