A timely and explosive new political drama comes to the Sydney stage this March.
Geoffrey Sykes’ Blood on the Wattle is a powerful and entertaining expose of the political intrigue behind public issues. And it premieres at the Roslyn Packer Theatre’s Richard Wherrett Studio on Friday 25 and Saturday 26 March, before moving to the Chippen Theatre in Sydney’s inner city, Wednesday to Saturday until 9 April.
This thrilling political theatre meets head-on the issues of climate change, mining, sex in political workplaces, party politics, border security and refugees – all hugely relevant to Australia today.
“Who said politics could not be entertaining?” says writer-director Geoffrey Sykes. The play is fast paced, as two characters and two pasts come into collision, that glimpses a way forward. It has adult themes.
The first act opens to the cynicism and fatigue of the Federal member for “Western Slopes”. Karl Matters is a member of Country First and – while conservative on most issues – has fallen out of favour with new party leadership, due to his concerns over climate change. Battling to survive preselection, he turns for emotional support to a dark-haired female visitor to the town, casual farmworker Vania.
In Act Two, Vania accepts work in Karl’s office and the two become friends until Karl triggers strong reactions about her past as a refugee, both overseas and in detention by Australia. In an intense and finally cathartic encounter in Vania’s studio, both lives become irrevocably merged… and changed.
Blood on the Wattle is a thrilling new work, offering insights that resonate with young and older audiences. The script has received substantial and collaborative development during Covid and rehearsals since then. It has explicit intercultural themes, with strong reference to Middle East wars and the traumatic memories of its main character, refugee Vania. The play is fast-paced as two characters and two pasts come into collision, while still glimpsing a way forward. It has adult themes. And it’s an election special, with bi-partisan interest!
Blood on the Wattle stars Befrin Axtjärn, Ken Welsh and Kloud Milas (also production associate) with design and video by Film South. Befrin’s parents were refugees from Iran, and she brings passion, memory and strength to her role as Vania Azadi. Ken Welsh is the disgruntled middle-aged politician Karl Matters and Kloud Milas is his ambitious young office staffer.
Geoffrey Sykes is a highly experienced, well-known writer and director, and adds his hope that “theatre can refresh debate and language at a time when politics seems confused and difficult.”
Premiere performances: Richard Wherrett Studio, Roslyn Packer Theatre, 22 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay. Friday 25 March and Sat 26 March 2022 at 7.30pm. The show then moves on to the Chippen Street Theatre. The details are:
Season: Chippen Street Theatre
Level One, 45 Chippen Street, Chippendale NSW 2008
Wed to Sat 7.30pm from 30 March to Sat 9 April 2022
Trailer : https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/676763181
Tickets: Bookings and Info : https://www.trybooking.com/BXCGY
Or Visit : http://www.playscript.net.au