Numa and Karl: Extraordinary Man That He Was

History remembers the loudest voices, but what about the ones who spoke first? Before Stonewall, before Pride, before the world had words for who we are; there was Karl Heinrich Ulrichs.

On 29 August 1867, Karl stood before the Assembly of German Jurists and became the first person in modern history to publicly speak out for the rights of homosexuals. Accompanied by Numa - the name under which Karl first gave voice to his radical ideas - Karl retraces a life marked by love, exile, resistance, and imagination. Through fractured time, fragmented memory, and fierce debate, the play unearths the emotional and intellectual struggles behind one man’s radical fight to live and love openly.

Numa and Karl: Extraordinary Man That He Was was nominated for the 2024 Queer Playwriting Award Showcase, with a successful reading at the 2025 Festival of Australian Queer Theatre. It now receives its full theatrical premiere under the direction of Alanah Guiry (she/her), presented by Sevenfold Theatre Company and supported by Maribyrnong City Council at the Bluestone Church Arts Space.

Content warning

This show contains depictions and discussions of homophobia, suicide and imprisonment.

Important information

Wednesday 27 August is a preview performance. Thursday 28 August performance will be opening night.

Cover performances

Friday 5 September 2025:

• The role of Karl will be played by Kyle Cuthbert.
• The role of Eduard D'h and Ensemble will be played by Jessie Martin.

Saturday 6th September 2025:

• The role of Numa will be played by Emerson Hansford.
• The role of Ulrike & Ensemble will be played by Jessie Martin.

Cast

Numa | Nicholas J. Carr (They/He)
Karl | Sarah Hartnell (He/She/They)
Tewes & Ensemble | Conagh Punch (They/Them)
Ulrike & Ensemble | Emerson Hansford (They/Them)
Eduard D'h & Ensemble | Kyle Cuthbert (He/They)
Chairman & Ensemble | Tristan Sicari (He/Him)

Bookings

Bookings can be made below.

Book your tickets now

Production Team:
Writer | Em Chandler (She/They)
Director | Alanah Guiry (She/Her)
Assistant Director & Swing | Jessie Martin (They/Them)
Producer | Joshua Strachan (He/They)
Stage Manager | Douglas Hassack (He/Him)
Costume Designer | Zachary Dixon (They/Them)
Set Designer | Leonie Leonida (She/Her)
Musical Director | Lore Burns (They/Them)
Dramaturg | Noemie Huttner-Koros (They/Them)
Marketing Manager | Jessica Fanwong (She/Her)
Graphic Designer | Joshua Clarke (He/Him)

Photography by Steven Mitchell Wright
Graphic Design by Joshua Clarke
Set Dressing & Styling by Leonie Leonida

About Sevenfold Theatre Company Inc.

Sevenfold Theatre Company Inc., based in Naarm/Melbourne, is dedicated to nurturing, supporting, and showcasing artists throughout their creative journeys in the realm of live performance. Celebrated for their commitment to innovative storytelling, they garnered acclaim at the 41st Annual Green Room Awards, winning ‘Best New Australian Musical Theatre Writing’ for their presentation of Blue to the Horizon.

About the Bluestone Church Arts Space residency program

This production has been supported by Maribyrnong Arts & Culture as part of the Bluestone Church Arts Space Residency Program: Supported Season. 

 

 

 

When

Location

Bluestone Church Arts Space, 8A Hyde Street, Footscray, 3011, View Map