From iconoclastic Australian playwright, columnist and author Van Badham comes The Questions – a world premiere edgy rom-com musical exploring the longest first date ever during a lockdown, in the Space Theatre – Adelaide Festival Centre from 26 July 2024.
She has a master’s degree in Gender Studies. He thinks Jordan Peterson would make an ideal dinner guest. They both realise this blind date is doomed, but an outside catastrophe and “shelter in place” lockdown order forces these polar opposites into the longest first date ever.
And the frustrated rock band rehearsing in the apartment next door is hardly helping them stay calm. Desperate to end the constant bickering, they turn to ‘The Questions’ – a real-life psychological questionnaire researchers promise can build intimacy between anyone. But are either of them ready for the answers?
Inspired by a true story from the COVID-19 pandemic, Van Badham’s The Questions features genre-busting, folk, punk and pop melodies from her long-time collaborator, composer Richard Wise (Late Night Story).
Directed by Artistic Director Mitchell Butel, The Questions, stars Charles Wu (Doctor Doctor), Chaya Ocampo (Chimerica, Godspell, Year Of) and joined by Sam Lau (Leslie and Anita, Coldhands), Elder Conservatorium graduate Jackson Mack and James Bannah Jr (The Deep North, Sounds Of Adelaide).
The Questions taps squarely into the zeitgeist with a hilarious and unsparing observation of modern intimacy. Will chaos and disaster reign? Or will our mismatched couple find meaningful connection, even love?!
“Van Badham may have one of the biggest and quickest minds in Australia, but it’s her huge heart that takes the stage.” – Nakkiah Lui, Writer
Director: Mitchell Butel | Featuring: James Bannah Jr, Sam Lau, Jackson Mack, Chaya Ocampo, Charles Wu | Set & Costume Designer: Jeremy Allen | Lighting Designer: Gavin Norris | Sound Designer: Andrew Howard | Associate Sound Designer: Patrick Pages-Oliver | Music Supervisor: Kym Purling | Intimacy Coordinator: Eliza Lovell | Dramaturg: Kenneth Moraleda | Book & Lyrics: Van Badham | Music & Lyrics: Richard Wise
The Questions
Space Theatre – Adelaide Festival Centre, King William Road, Adelaide
Season: 30 July – 17 August 2024 (previews: 26 – 29 July)
Information and Bookings: www.statetheatrecompany.com.au
Image: Charles Wu and Chaya Ocampo (supplied)