Away

This production of Michael Gow’s play is also Stuart’s thesis project for his Master of Applied Theatre Studies.

The interesting story line features three internally conflicted families: one with a dominating, opinionated mother, hen-pecked father and daughter who wants to be a normal teenager; the second, British immigrants devoted to each other with a teenage son who has a terminal illness and the third, a dysfunctional couple dealing with the death of their son in Vietnam.

Strong performances from the entire cast of the teenagers: Max Drummond and Olivia Kodette; the first couple, Kate McNair and Adam Couper; the Brits, Rob Horton and Susan Cary and the grieving couple, Noel Thompson and Tracey Tainsh (AKA Isheeni Eshwah) and a newlywed - David Law. 

Set in Sydney and the coast, the story is pertinent and does not show any signs of its age.

Lumsden has included film to great effect for some of the numerous scenes and the technical support for this production brings the 60’s period setting front and centre.

Some people may find it a bit close to home but the overall production is thought provoking.

Roger McKenzie

Photo: Shane Caddaye