From Darkness

From Darkness is a deeply-moving and darkly-funny play about a dysfunctional family performed by La Boite Theatre Company for the Brisbane Festival.

Written by Steven Oliver (Black Comedy) and directed by Isaac Drandic (making his La Boite Theatre Company debut), From Darkness is a razor-sharp reflection of contemporary family politics.

As a fractured family faces the anniversary of their brother and son’s death, Dad Eric is in denial, mum Abigail is drinking to numb her pain, Nan won’t stop talking about it, sister Akira will connect with anyone but her family and brother Preston is being visited by spirits while he sleeps.

The family’s distance from each other and the world is about to reach a head and an encounter with other-worldly forces may be the catalyst they need. If the family has any hope of salvaging their future, they must find a way to purge the hurt and hang-ups of the past and embrace the present – together.

An all-star cast of indigenous actors featuring Roxanne McDonald (Lysa & The Freeborn Dames), Colin Smith (Romeo & Juliet, Streetcar Named Desire) and Lisa Maza as well as her nephew Benjin Maza and fellow newcomer Ebony McGuire explore the intersection of culture, grief and humanity in this intensely personal new work.

La Boite CEO and Artistic Director Todd MacDonald said while the play draws on familiar family dynamics, Mr Oliver presents them in a way Brisbane audiences have not seen before.

“Steven’s voice is critical, political and full of heart and From Darkness is a deeply-personal work,” Mr MacDonald said.

“However, it’s also the kind of storytelling experience that will take audiences from tears to belly-laughs all in the space of 70 minutes."

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