Away

Remember those nostalgic summer days, digging up the sand on an endless beach? Brown’s Mart’s first theatre offering of 2020 takes you back in time to the golden era of the 60s in Australia.

Local director, performer and theatre maker Kyle Walmsley directs the play, and says human nature is the central theme.

“It’s about three families on holiday in the 60s. We follow their domestic dramas and interpersonal family dynamics through the eyes of 16-year-old Tom, played by Kostantine Hatzivalsamis. Nature forces these strangers together and it’s about what happens when humans are put under the microscope.”

Many of the scenes take place on the beach, and recreating a seaside setting inside a theatre has been no easy feat.

“The design team did a great job bringing the ocean into a small room. There’s something healing and meditative about the ocean – even a sense of rebirth – and I think they’ve really captured that.”

One of the biggest challenges facing the cast was how to reinvigorate a classic Australian text for a contemporary audience.

“I felt it was okay to acknowledge the play’s flaws; it was a good conversation to have. And perhaps we sometimes learn more by showing those unconscious biases of the time.”

With an all-Darwin cast and a dash of high school talent from Corrugated Iron Youth Arts, who have co-produced the play, the performance showcases Northern Territory talent.

“We have Bryn Wackett, who is usually known for her dance, and ABC Darwin’s Richard Margetson returning to the stage, as well as all the youngsters. It’s awesome to see new and old faces coming together and firing on all cylinders.”

Away
WHEN THU 12 – SAT 28 MAR (EXCL. SUN & MON)
AT BROWN’S MART THEATRE
COST $15-$35
INFO brownsmart.com.au