Production still for "Wake in Fright". Zahra Newman. Photographer: Pia Johnson

Wake in Fright

21 June 2019 – 14 July 2019 Beckett Theatre

Adapted from Kenneth Cook’s novel

Malthouse Theatre,

Commission New Adaptation Theatre World Premiere

John Grant is well-read, but an outback misadventure strands him—cashless and jobless—in a harsh and remote Aussie outpost, Bundanyabba.

So, he makes new ‘mates’: they’re quick with a drink, but with every scull a dark violence lurches forward. Are these blokes fair dinkum, or is there something more sinister at the heart of this little Aussie town?

On our Beckett Theatre stage, the entire world of Wake in Fright is conjured in a one-person show by the always-evocative Zahra Newman (The Book of Mormon) accompanied by a sonic assault from art-electronica band, friendships. Under the direction of Declan Greene, Kenneth Cook’s iconic work of Australian Gothic horror is felt in the flesh. Bring sunscreen, buy a beer and wear your ear plugs.

The production toured to the Sydney Opera House in 11-15 of February 2020.

★★★★½
"BRILLIANT, BOLD AND DEEPLY UNNERVING THEATRE"
— The Age

★★★★½
"POWERFUL"
— ArtsHub

★★★★
"BRILLIANTLY ACCOMPLISHED AND INNOVATIVE POWERHOUSE"
— Australian Book Review

★★★★
"REMARKABLE"
— Time Out

★★★★
"STRIKING"
— Limelight Magazine