A gripping, darkly funny drama about a spiritual force and a family’s need to connect with it, La Boite Theatre and Brisbane Festival presents the world premiere of Steven Oliver’s From Darkness at the Roundhouse Theatre from 7 September 2019.
It’s the anniversary of Vinnie’s death. His brother, 17-year old Preston is being visited by spirits – seemingly tormenting him while he sleeps. His sister, Akira buries her pain in her phone. Their father, Eric, is in denial and their mother, Abigail, is numbing her pain with drink, while Nan is coping with it all by talking… a lot.
There’s no denying that Preston’s on the cusp of something otherworldly. The family’s disconnect from each other and the world has gone on long enough. It’s time to purge the past to embrace the present, if they’re to have a future, and an encounter with spirits might just be the catalyst they all need.
Steven Oliver’s (Black Comedy, Black Queen Black King) deeply moving new play deep-dives into contemporary family politics and the connection between culture, grief and our humanity, with Oliver’s signature aplomb.
In his debut at La Boite, Isaac Drandic directs this incredible new Australian work with a stellar Indigenous cast including Benjin Maza, Lisa Maza, Roxanne McDonald, Ebony McGuire and Colin Smith.
Director: Isaac Drandic Featuring: Benjin Maza, Lisa Maza, Roxanne McDonald, Ebony McGuire, Colin Smith Set Designer: Kevin O’Brien Costume Designer: Nathalie Ryner Lighting Designer: Ben Hughes Associate Lighting Designer: Christine Felmingham Sound Designer: Guy Webster Visual Designer: Keith Deverell Assistant Creative: Emily Wells Community Engagement Coordinator: Emily Coleman Cultural Consultant: Aunty Colleen Writer: Steven Oliver
From Darkness
Theatre Republic – La Boite – Roundhouse Theatre, Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove (Brisbane)
Season: 11 – 28 September 2019 (previews: 7 – 10 September)
Information and Bookings: www.laboite.com.au
Image: The Cast of From Darkness (supplied)