Melbourne Theatre Company presents an unmissable conversation exploring the lasting influence of The Removalists and its relevance in Australia’s culture landscape today.
Nearly 54 years ago, The Removalists exploded onto the Melbourne stage at La Mama – a small theatre with a huge impact. Raw, impossible to ignore, and unapologetically Australian, David Williamson’s gritty play shocked audiences, challenged authority, and held up an unflinching mirror to society.
Now, under the visionary direction of Artistic Director Anne-Louise Sarks, Melbourne Theatre Company is restaging this landmark work. Refusing to shy away from uncomfortable truths, its most provocative revelation lies in how little has changed. With razor-sharp humour and gripping intensity, the relevance of this story has only deepened over time.
Melbourne Theatre Company are offering audiences the chance to join them on Saturday 29 March for Radical Then, Radical Now – an insightful conversation exploring the kind of theatre that shakes us awake, the stories from our own backyard that refuse to fade, and how companies such as La Mama and Melbourne Theatre Company are vital in keeping theatre fearless, urgent and alive.
Moderated by Mark Wilson, Artistic Associate at Melbourne Theatre Company, Radical Then, Radical Now will feature an exciting panel of arts leaders and tastemakers including:
- MTC Artistic Director & Co-CEO and Director of The Removalists Anne-Louise Sarks
- CEO and Director at La Mama Caitlin Dullard
- Playwright Andrea James (Sunshine Super Girl, The Black Woman of Gippsland)
- Arts Editor at The Saturday Paper Alison Croggon.
Decades after it first premiered, The Removalists remains as powerful as ever, taking an unflinching look at both our past and present, treading the line between darkly funny and biting social commentary.
This in-conversation event goes beyond just a seat in the auditorium and asks, if this work still feels uncomfortably real – what does that say about us as a society?
Radical Then, Radical Now
Southbank Theatre, The Lawler, Southbank Boulevard, Southbank
Event: Saturday 29 March 2025 – 4.30pm
Free event – bookings essential!
For more information, visit: www.mtc.com.au for details.
Image: Michael Whalley, Jessica Clarke, Eloise Mignon, Steve Mouzakis, William McKenna and Martin Blum star in The Removalists – photo by Pia Johnson