The Children

The Children

Written by Lucy Kirkwood. Directed by Stuart Halusz. Featuring Jenny Davis, Vivienne Garrett, Andrew Lewis.

A star cast examines with humour, hope and courage, what it means to take responsibility for your past and do something big for the future.

Retired nuclear physicists Hazel (Jenny Davis) and Robin (Andrew Lewis) are living a quiet life in their British seaside cottage. Apart from the electricity rationing, daily radiation warnings and coastal erosion, everything with them is fine. Around them however, the world is in chaos, with the fallout of a nuclear power plant meltdown threatening their very existence. When old friend and colleague Rose (Vivienne Garrett) arrives unexpectedly, their future and past lives collide as they debate the present and the challenges they face.

Featuring a diamond cast of West Australian favourites in an award-winning play by “the most rewarding dramatist of her generation” (The Independent, UK), this provocative and powerful story skilfully addresses the importance of legacy, generational responsibilities and the environmental impact on the planet of human activity.

Prompted by the Fukoshima disaster in 2011, Lucy Kirwood has delivered the world a powerful and taut three-hander which brims with wit and is a perfect play for our times.

WHAT THE CRITICS ARE SAYING:

“This is a top-notch production…”
“Outstanding acting performances from this trio, who create complex, believable relationships…”
“Excellent theatre and a great examination of humanity. While we should make this show compulsory viewing for young theatre makers, as a great lesson in the craft, this is for everyone else, just a great show that will be enjoyed by anyone who loves thought-provoking theatre.”
Kimberley Shaw, STAGE WHISPERS

“…The Children and I and You are a godsend for five actors at different points in their careers. There are no supernumerary parts here – each is a starring role, and all five take to the rare opportunity with fabulous energy and skill.”
David Zampatti, SEESAW MAGAZINE

“…THEATRE 180 delivers two lively, provocative and carefully crafted plays, with five fabulous performers. It is a joy to see great theatre again.”
Sarah McNeill, POST NEWSPAPERS

“It’s topical, it’s entertaining, it is storytelling at its best – THEATRE 180 packs a punch with its latest performance of The Children.”
Nita Teoh, PERTH WALKABOUT

Duration 90min (no interval)

SEASON DATES  8 – 29 May

This show is part of THEATRE 180’s ‘One Act x 2’ program (The Children & I and You). To purchase the two show package you will need to purchase tickets for each show separately (via each show’s booking link) and when you get to the checkout page for each booking enter the promo code T180-DOUBLEBILL. This will apply the discount.

This production is made possible through project funding from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.

The Children was developed with the kind support of the Berwin Lee Foundation and first performed at the Royal Court Jerwood Theatre, Downstairs, Sloane Square, on Thursday 17th November 2016.

Image: Stewart Thorpe Photography