A theatrical masterpiece performed by two icons, Hugo Weaving returns to the stage, joined by one of Ireland’s greatest actors, Olwen Fouéré (Terminus) in a new adaptation of Thomas Bernhard’s The President, at the Roslyn Packer Theatre until 18 May 2024.
In a first-time co-production, Sydney Theatre Company will join forces with the renowned Gate Theatre, Dublin to mount this genius piece of twentieth-century playwriting.
For this rare and remarkable international collaboration, the cast and creative team will be drawn from the finest Irish and Australian theatre-making talents to create an unique, global theatrical event.
Considered one of the most significant European writers of modern times, on par with Beckett and Camus, Bernhard’s darkly comic and prophetic voice reveals a searingly relevant story of ambition, power and change.
Weaving and Fouéré play the President and First Lady of a small, unnamed country, whose regime is under siege. Despite a revolution brewing right outside their front door, the couple seem frozen in time. What follows is a mysterious trip into a complicated marriage and an unravelling political system.
Joining the powerhouse duo is an exceptional Australian and Irish cast including Danny Adcock, Helmut Bakaitis, Tony Cogin, Alan Dukes, Julie Forsyth and Kate Gilmore.
Award-winning Irish director, Tom Creed, renowned for his innovative productions at cultural centres around the globe including the Barbican in London and New York City’s Public Theater.
Creed helms a world-class creative team of Australian and Irish talent including Elizabeth Gadsby (Designer), Sinead McKenna (Lighting Designer), Stefan Gregory (Music & Sound), Danielle Micich (Movement Director), Tom Wright (Dramaturg), Ian Michael (Associate Director) and Florentina Burcea (Assistant Designer).
The President
Roslyn Packer Theatre, 22 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay (Sydney)
Season continues to 18 May 2024
Information and Bookings: www.sydneytheatre.com.au
Image: Hugo Weaving and Olwen Fouéré – photo by Rich Gilligan