A new political thriller from iconoclast writer Van Badham and acclaimed director Gary Abrahams, Arts Centre Melbourne presents Werewolf in The Show Room, as part of the Melbourne Fringe, from 16 – 26 October 2024.
A fascist speaking tour is arriving in Melbourne, and while government and media figures struggle to understand its impact, local radicals from the hard left and far right prepare for a bloody confrontation with excitement.
As tensions build and violence looms, the line between who people are and who they pretend to be becomes blurred, leading to monstrous transformations.
With twists, shocks and 80s horror film tropes, Werewolf is both darkly funny stage noir and serious social commentary on the new clash between old extremes.
Acclaimed director Gary Abrahams (Yentl, 33 Variations) has assembled a stellar cast including Alexandra Aldrich, Simon Corfield, James O’Connell, Michelle Perera and Ben Walter.
“Everyday of rehearsing this show I open the news to see stories and headlines that could be direct quotes from Van’s script,” says Abrahams. “Neo-nazi gatherings, fascist speakers embarking on speaking tours, MP’s offices being spray painted and vandalized. Frankly, I think Werewolf is the most topical show on at Fringe”
“My creative response to Van’s text has been one of punk nihilism and excess. It’s not a polite production. It’s rude and rough and messy and also bloody funny. It acknowledges the chaos of the zeitgeist and springboards off of that chaos.”
Director: Gary Abrahams | Featuring: Alexandra Aldrich, Simon Corfield, Eddie Orton, Michelle Perera, Ben Walter | Set and Costume Design: Harry Gill | Lighting Design: Sidney Younger | Sound Design: Daniel Nixon | Associate Director: Marni Mount | Stage Manager: Genevieve Davidson | Writer: Van Badham | Producer: Ben Walter
Werewolf
The Show Room – Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Season: 17 – 26 October 2024 (preview: 16 October )
Information and Bookings: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au
Image: Werewolf (supplied)