Filled with equal parts humor and hurt, MopHead Productions in association with Red Line Productions presents the Australian premiere of the Tony-award winning play, The Humans by Stephen Karam, at the Old Fitz Theatre from 5 September 2018.
The Blake family have assembled for Thanksgiving dinner at the rundown Manhattan apartment of youngest daughter Brigid. Tragically, this middle-class clan seems to be spiralling toward perilous entropy. Karam’s blisteringly funny, bruisingly sad and altogether wonderful comedy-drama is written with a fresh-feeling blend of documentary-like naturalism and theatrical daring.
From the producers of The Bitter Tears of Petra Von Kant and The House of Ramon Iglesia, The Humans depicts the way we live now with precision and compassion. “We” being the non-one-percenters, most of whom are peering around anxiously at the uncertain future and the unsteady world, even as we fight through each day trying to keep optimism afloat in our hearts.
Directed by Anthea Williams (Sydney Theatre Award 2017 Winner – Best Director, Hir), The Humans features an incredible ensemble cast including: Di Adams (The Principal, Secret City) , Madeleine Jones (Muriel’s Wedding, Once), Diana McLean (Glorious, 4000 Miles), Arky Michael (Permission to Spin, Sami in Paradise), Reza Momenzada (The Sound of Waiting) and Eloise Snape (Air, The House of Ramon Iglesia).
A graduate of Brown University, Stephen Karam is the Tony Award-winning author of The Humans, Sons of the Prophet and Speech & Debate. His film adaptation of Chekhov’s The Seagull starring Annette Bening was released by Sony Picture Classics in earlier this year. His other works include: Dark Sisters, Columbinus, Girl on Girl and Emma.
His adaptation of Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard premiered on Broadway as part of Roundabout’s 2016 season. Recent honors include two Drama Critics Circle, Outer Critics Circle and Drama Desk Awards; a Lucille Lortel Award, Drama League Award and Hull-Warriner Award. He is an OBIE Award winner and a two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist.
“A profoundly affecting drama that sketches the psychological and emotional contours of an average American family.” – The Pulitzer Prize Committee
The Humans
Old Fitz Theatre, 129 Dowling Street, Woolloomooloo
Season: 5 September – 6 October 2018
Information and Bookings: www.redlineproductions.com.au
Image: The Humans – photo by John Marmaras