A vast, poetic and haunting story of community, dignity and love in dark times, two of Australia’s great theatre-makers, Artistic Director Kip Williams and playwright Tommy Murphy (ABC’s Significant Others, Holding the Man) join forces for the world premiere of Nevil Shute’s classic novel On the Beach at the Roslyn Packer Theatre this July.
In 1957, On the Beach introduced the world to an uncanny post-apocalyptic vision that sees Australia as one of the last surviving outposts of civilisation on a planet destroyed by nuclear fallout. Two years later it was transformed into a classic film starring Gregory Peck, Ava Gardner and Fred Astaire.
A small group of friends in Melbourne – some local, some survivors from the US Navy – are living out their eerily prosaic lives and loves in the wake of World War III. But when a mysterious distress call rings out across the Pacific Ocean, the characters are called to choose between duty to the ones they love and duty to the human race.
In the spirit of past productions like Chimerica and The Harp in the South: Part One and Part Two, Williams brings his sumptuous, innovative style to match Murphy’s beautiful, soulful writing.
Directed by Williams, On the Beach features a cast of incredible talent including Matthew Backer, Tony Cogin, Michelle Lim Davidson, Emma Diaz, Vanessa Downing, Tai Hara, Genevieve Lee, Ben O’Toole, Contessa Treffone, Kiki Wales, Elijah Williams and Alan Zhu.
On the Beach is a new and gripping portrait of Australian society, a prescient insight into the times we are living through and a deeply poignant reverie on the indestructible power of human connection.
Director: Kip Williams| Featuring: Matthew Backer, Tony Cogin, Michelle Lim Davidson, Emma Diaz, Vanessa Downing, Tai Hara, Genevieve Lee, Ben O’Toole, Contessa Treffone, Kiki Wales, Elijah Williams, Alan Zhu | Set Designer: Michael Hankin | Costume Designer: Mel Page | Lighting Designer: Damien Cooper | Composer: Grace Ferguson | Sound Designer: Jessica Dunn | Dramaturg: Ruth Little | Associate Costume Designer: Emma White | Assistant Director: Kenneth Moraleda | Fight & Movement Director: Nigel Poulton | Intimacy Coordinator: Chloë Dallimore | Voice & Accent Coach: Jennifer White
On the Beach
Roslyn Packer Theatre, Hickson Road, Walsh Bay (Sydney)
Season: 22 July – 12 August 2023 (previews: 18 – 21 July)
Information and Bookings: www.sydneytheatre.com.au
Image: Sydney Theatre Company presents On the Beach (supplied)