4000 MILES

In its US Off-Broadway season, 4000 Miles was hailed as “perfection!” by the New York Times, “the best play of the season” by Time Magazine, and went on to be a finalist for the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Now that Amy Hertzog’s smash-hit play is making its way down under, and will be under the direction of award-winner Anthony Skuse (Punk Rock), it should command due attention of theatregoers.

Exploring generational relationships, 4000 Miles is the story of progressive but 91-year-old Vera and her 14-year-old grandson Leo, who shows up in the middle of the night after biking cross-country from Washington to New York. Although something unspeakable happened to Leo en route, Vera and Leo are forced to connect due to weeks of cohabitation.

“I’ve really tried to focus on that relationship,” says Director Anthony Skuse. “I think it’s really beautifully observed and really tender…it’s just not a relationship we see very often on stage.”

Of the cast headed up by Stephen Multari and Diana McLean, he adds “there is such a pleasure in seeing good actors perform beautifully.” (KM)

May 2-18, Under the Wharf, Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP) Studio 1, Pier 4/5 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay, $20-32.50, atyp.com.au/under-the-wharf

BY KATIE MAYORS