Underground Railroad Game

Underground Railroad Game - Jennifer Kidwell & Scott R Sheppard - photo by Cade MartinAll aboard for a wild ride, back to when rules were black and white, as Malthouse Theatre presents The Ars Nova Production of Underground Railroad Game in the Beckett Theatre from 31 January 2019.

Welcome to Hanover Middle School, where a pair of history teachers have an R-rated lesson in store. The subject is race, with a little sex, slavery and power on the side. Jennifer Kidwell and Scott R. Sheppard’s darkly comedic take on how the First World has become jaundiced by its racially-charged back story is a shift-in-your-seat lesson waiting to be discovered.

With repartee, acuity and nudity, creators and performers, Kidwell and Sheppard, interrogate the confusion of arguments and archetypes that have arisen from the shadows of Western society in this kaleidoscopic and fearless comedy.

The New York Times heralded it as one of the best, most influential American plays of the last 25 years. Join Malthouse Theatre on this wild ride, conducted by the original 2017 Obie Award-winning company, straight from the USA. There’s a shift-in-your-seat experience to be lived here. What you get from it will depend on how you play the game.

“Kidwell and Sheppard are relentless, ripping through the coping mechanisms we’ve developed to avoid acknowledging the deepest issues of race in America. They make us laugh, but they show no mercy… It’s tough to watch, but it’s for the best.” – Broadway World

Creators: Jennifer Kidwell & Scott R. Sheppard with Lightning Rod Special Direction: Taibi Magar Cast: Jennifer Kidwell, Scott R. Sheppard Production Design: Tilly Grimes Scenic Design: Steven Dufala Lighting Design: Oona Curley Sound Design: Mikaal Sulaiman


Underground Railroad Game
Beckett Theatre – The Coopers Malthouse, 113 Sturt Street, Southbank
Season: 31 January – 17 February 2019
Information and Bookings: www.malthousetheatre.com.au

Image: Scott R Sheppard and Jennifer Kidwell – photo by Cade Martin