From the poignant challenges of adolescence to biting social commentaries, Australian playwrights continue creating tales that resonate deeply with audiences both locally and globally. Delve into this list of five contemporary Australian plays, each weaving a unique story that touches on everything from family bonds and personal identity to societal norms and cultural clashes. These are tales that not only entertain but also provoke thought and introspection. Dive in to discover the vibrant pulse of modern Australian theatre.
1. Cactus by Madelaine Nunn
Setting the Scene:
A brutally funny and heartbreakingly honest portrayal of teenage life. Join Abbie and PB as they experience the highs and lows of their final year in high school.
Why It Stands Out:
Nunn’s writing strikes a chord with anyone who’s been (or is) a teenager. Navigating friendships, school pressures, and unexpected life events, this play is a reminder of the rollercoaster that is adolescence.
Critical Acclaim:
The Age hails it as a “vivid and touching and effortlessly funny portrayal.” Not just that, it’s won the ATYP Rebel Wilson Theatre Maker Scholarship and was nominated for an Australian Writer’s Guild Award.
2. Anthem by Andrew Bovell, Patricia Cornelius, Melissa Reeves, Christos Tsiolkas and Irine Vela
Setting the Scene:
This is not your ordinary play. Written by the collective genius of Andrew Bovell, Patricia Cornelius, Melissa Reeves, Christos Tsiolkas, and Irine Vela, “Anthem” dives deep into the complexities of class and marginalization in contemporary Australia.
Why It Stands Out:
With intersecting storylines, the play immerses us in a microcosm of the Australian nation, addressing pressing issues and challenging our perceptions.
Critical Acclaim:
Described as “ambitious, energetic and remarkable” by The Guardian, and Time Out finds it “Gripping and intoxicating.”
3. Miss Peony by Michelle Law
Setting the Scene:
Journey into a world where the past meets the present. Lily’s grandmother, a former beauty queen from Hong Kong, pushes her into a beauty contest, while also being a ghost!
Why It Stands Out:
It’s a comedy filled with magical realism, delving deep into themes of feminism, family, and death.
Critical Acclaim:
The Gaurdian notes Law’s “beauty pageant comedy is full of charm”
4. Jailbaby by Suzie Miller
Setting the Scene:
Enter a gritty, uncomfortable reality. AJ’s mistake lands him in prison, where he confronts a horrifying world of violence and vulnerability.
Why It Stands Out:
Miller isn’t afraid to shed light on the darkest corners of society, exposing issues often left untouched in the public discourse.
Critical Acclaim:
Time Out Sydney lauds it as “an urgent and compelling work.”
5. You Can’t Tell Anyone by Joanna Richards
Setting the Scene:
A school’s end party turns chaotic. Secrets unfold, friendships are tested, and teenage angst finds a raw, real representation.
Why It Stands Out:
It’s a philosophical thriller that tackles identity, friendship, and the tumultuous phase of adolescence.
Critical Acclaim:
The play was the winner of Canberra Youth Theatre’s 2021 Emerging Playwright Commission.
From teenage dilemmas to social commentary, these Australian plays are a reflection of the times, offering insightful, entertaining, and challenging narratives that stay with you long after the final act. Grab a copy, and immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Australian theatre!
