Water

Following the journey of families born at different times in Australia’s history, who are united in their determination to create safe passage for their loved ones, Black Swan State Theatre Company presents the world premiere of Water by Jane Bodie in Studio Underground from 9 May 2019.

Water begins in Western Australia in the not-too-distant future, where we meet with a once powerful politician about to celebrate his birthday at the family’s island home – a retreat from the world that has clearly seen better days.

There’s no water in the taps, there are no birds in the sky and to top it off, an unexpected guest arrives for dinner. With party politics high on the agenda and questions about who is to blame for crimes against humanity, celebrations are derailed and tensions run high.

“Water is a play about two urgent current issues, immigration and the environment, in the guise of a family kitchen-sink drama,” says director, Emily McLean. “The family, as society, argues different points of view. This allows the arguments to twist and turn ferociously quickly and use both intellect and emotion. The arguments exist as a family’s personal history and an issue’s public history.”

“Jane Bodie has written a layered, intelligent, sparkling script. Its humanity is powerful. She has taken a black and white moral issue and created a play and characters that are not.”

Jane Bodie is an internationally renowned playwright, screenwriter and mentor. Her plays, including Lamb, Savage, Music, Hinterland, This Years’ Ashes, A Single Act, Still, Ride and Fourplay have been performed worldwide, from London to New York and Brazil.

Her latest play, Water searches for clarity in a past that is full of contradictions. This epic new Australian drama marks Clare Watson’s first commission as Artistic Director.

Director: Emily McLean Featuring: Emily Rose Brennan, Glenda Linscott, Richard Maganga, Amy Mathews, Igor Sas Set & Costume Designer: Fiona Bruce Lighting Designer: Lucy Birkinshaw Sound Designer/Composer: Clint Bracknell Dramaturg: Polly Low Dialect Coach: Luzita Fereday Stage Manager: Katie Moore Assistant Stage Manager: Amelia Trenaman