The Removalists

Australia’s most successful playwright, David Williamson, is having one of his excellent plays revived at that wonderful and atmospheric venue, The Powerhouse Theatre. Set in the 1970s, The Removalists is a searing work that pulls no punches (literally – there are some good brawls in it) in its portrayal of some of the uglier aspects of Australian society. 

The play’s revival is being done by Critical Stages and Rock Surfers Theatre Company, and if reviews from its sold-out Sydney season are anything to go by, you’d be wise to buy a ticket immediately. Williamson doesn’t have his credentials by accident. 

Director Leland Kean believes that the play is just as pertinent today as when it was written decades ago and has made the choice to keep it in its 1970s setting, something which its creator agrees to, with Williamson saying, “… It gives us all a chance to see what’s changed for the better and what hasn’t since 1971.”

Unfortunately, some of the disturbing elements that are conveyed illustrate that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Living life via smart phone and the internet might make us feel sophisticated but the boorish yobbos of yesteryear are just as visible today, and domestic violence rates are far from a thing of the past. 

The story is about a young policeman’s first day on duty and how a group of people coming together for an evening brings out disturbing gender politics, assault, adultery and yes… furniture removal. It’s dark, it’s funny and it’s as much an Aussie classic as snags on the barbie.

Book tickets here

by Vicki Englund