Sydney Theatre Company will lose money in the short-term when it presents its first play since March next month, but the psychological boost is worth it, according to executive director Patrick McIntyre.

The STC's production of Wonnangatta, an Australian gothic fable starring Hugo Weaving and Wayne Blair, will premiere on September 21 to an audience of just 147 people. The Roslyn Packer Theatre at Walsh Bay can usually hold 880.