Production still for "Optimism". L-R: David Woods, Frank Woodley, Barry Otto, Alison Whyte. Photographer: Jeff Busby

Optimism

22 May 2009 – 13 June 2009 Merlyn Theatre

Written after Voltaire

Malthouse Theatre, Sydney Theatre Company, Sydney Festival, Edinburgh International Festival,

Commission New Writing Theatre International Tour

Turning a quizzical eye to the woes of the heart and reeking with scandal and scurrilous vice, this world premiere production transforms Voltaire's classic satire of enlightened insanity, Candide, into a cutting commentary on the 'no-worries' bravura of the Australian swagger.

This production toured to the Royal Lyceum Theatre in Scotland for the Edinburgh International Festival (15-17 August), and was also STC's Sydney Festival offering in 2010 (9 January - 20 February).

Production still for "Optimism". L-R: Frank Woodley, Caroline Craig. Photographer: Jeff Busby

Production still for "Optimism". L-R: Frank Woodley, Barry Otto, Caroline Craig, Francis Greenslade, Amber McMahon. Photographer: Jeff Busby

Production still for "Optimism". L-R: David Woods, Francis Greenslade, Amber McMahon, Hamish Michael, Barry Otto, Frank Woodley, Alison Whyte. Photographer: Jeff Busby

Production still for "Optimism". L-R: Alison Whyte, Hamish Michael, Frank Woodley, David Woods. Photographer: Jeff Busby

Production still for "Optimism". L-R: Frank Woodley, Caroline Craig. Photographer: Jeff Busby

Production still for "Optimism". L-R: Frank Woodley, Barry Otto, Caroline Craig, Francis Greenslade, Amber McMahon. Photographer: Jeff Busby

Production still for "Optimism". L-R: David Woods, Francis Greenslade, Amber McMahon, Hamish Michael, Barry Otto, Frank Woodley, Alison Whyte. Photographer: Jeff Busby

Production still for "Optimism". L-R: Alison Whyte, Hamish Michael, Frank Woodley, David Woods. Photographer: Jeff Busby