Nearly 54 years ago, The Removalists exploded onto the Melbourne stage at La Mama, a small theatre with a huge impact. Raw, impossible to ignore, and unapologetically Australian, David Williamson’s gritty play shocked audiences, challenged authority, and held up an unflinching mirror to society.
Now, under the visionary direction of Artistic Director Anne-Louise Sarks, Melbourne Theatre Company is restaging this landmark work. Refusing to shy away from uncomfortable truths, its most provocative revelation lies in how little has changed. With razor-sharp humour and gripping intensity, the relevance of this story has only deepened over time.
Melbourne Theatre Company are offering audiences the chance to join them on Saturday 29 March for Radical Then, Radical Now. An insightful conversation exploring the kind of theatre that shakes us awake, the stories from our own backyard that refuse to fade, and how companies such as La Mama and Melbourne Theatre Company are vital in keeping theatre fearless, urgent and alive.
Radical Then, Radical Now features an exciting panel of arts leaders and tastemakers. Included are Melbourne Theatre Company Artistic Director & Co-CEO and Director of The Removalists Anne-Louise Sarks, CEO and Director at La Mama Caitlin Dullard, playwright Andrea James (Sunshine Super Girl, The Black Woman of Gippsland) and Arts Editor at The Saturday Paper Alison Croggon. Radical Then Radical Now will be moderated Mark Wilson, Artistic Associate at Melbourne Theatre Company.
Decades after it first premiered, The Removalists remains as powerful as ever. Taking an unflinching look at both our past and present, it treads the line between darkly funny and biting social commentary. This in-conversation event goes beyond just a seat in the auditorium and asks, if this work still feels uncomfortably real – what does that say about us as a society?
Melbourne Theatre Company presents an unmissable conversation exploring the lasting influence of The Removalists and its relevance in Australia’s culture landscape today.
Radical Then, Radical Now is on Saturday 29 March from 4.30 – 5.30pm at Southbank Theatre, The Lawler.
Featured Panellists:
Anne-Louise Sarks – Artistic Director and Co-CEO at Melbourne Theatre Company
Caitlin Dullard – CEO and Director at La Mama
Andrea James – Playwright
Alison Croggon – Arts Editor at The Saturday Paper
Moderated by: Mark Wilson – Artistic Associate at Melbourne Theatre Company
Tickets: https://www.mtc.com.au/plays-and-tickets/whats-on/other-events/radical-then-radical-now/
Website: https://www.mtc.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/melbtheatreco/
Photo credits: Pia Johnson
Radical Then, Radical Now is a free, ticketed event. Bookings essential.
