Bastard Territory

For some memorable and thought-provoking theatre, be sure to see Bastard Territory, the new play by Stephen Carleton at QTC's Bille Brown Studio in South Brisbane.

Presented by Queensland Theatre Company, the acclaimed work is a co-production from Cairns-based JUTE Theatre Company, and the Darwin-based Browns Mart and Knock-em-Down Theatre.

Brisbane resident, playwright Carleton, known for The Narcissist, The Final Days of Somerset, and the Patrick White Playwrights’ Award-winner, Constance Drinkwater, grew up in Darwin and sets his latest work in that city.

The year is 2001, and PNG-born Russell and his boyfriend run a hip café, art gallery and queer cabaret dive called The Tectonic Plate. But tectonic plates are about to shift in Russell’s personal life – a young man raised by two adoptive white parents – when events inspire him to find out about his parentage.

Laced with wry humour, searing family drama, and a 1960s and ‘70s soundtrack with acts like Suzi Quatro, Shirley Bassey and Nana Mouskouri, the play also examines more broadly and metaphorically the Northern Territory and pre-Independence PNG’s roles as ‘bastard territories’ within the context of an Australian setting. It’s got elements of a Tennessee Williams play and has been described by Real Time magazine as: “a well-crafted, intelligent and entertaining new Australian play.”

Ian Lawson is the Director and the cast includes Benhur Helwend, Suellen Maunder, Peter Norton, Steven Tandy and Ella Watson-Russell.

BUY TICKETS HERE

By Vicki Englund

Image Credit: David Kelly