The Boat People
Inspired by one of the most hotly debated social issues of our nation, director Benedict Hardie’s latest project has been in the works for several years.
“This issue has been a difficult one in this country. In my mind it should not be an issue at all and I’ve been frustrated about it for a very long time,” Hardie explains. “When I could come up with a story that I felt engaged with this subject matter in a non-didactic way I got really excited. I thought ‘This story stands on its own two feet rather than just a play about an issue or an idea.’”
Focusing on Sarah, who sailed to Australia with her husband, it follows her journey through their highly controversial business in Bondi all the way to parliament house. Starring talented comedians Susie Youssef and William Erimya, this brazen barrel of laughs will be a talking point.
“I hope that audiences find themselves watching a story that they would never have seen before, listening to voices that they’re not used to hearing onstage and gaining perspectives that they may not have before,” Hardie says
“But it is, first and foremost, a comedy,” he laughs. (CD)
May 29-June 21, Bondi Pavilion Theatre, Queen Elizabeth Dr, $21-35, rocksurfers.org
