Sydney Theatre Company presents
Once and for all we're gonna tell you who we are so shut up and listen
A production by Ontroerend Goed, Kopergietery & Richard Jordan Productions Ltd
“We're gonna do a play about teenagers
but about a lot more than teenagers
who feel like teenagers during their teens:
about the utter chaos in our heads,
the urge to go far too far, pimples
and dozens of other topics that will enrich your lives
We'll pull down the barriers between the way we are onstage and off
We'll update the definition of puberty
We get on your nerves, but for once you'll understand why.
We will make all other art on puberty superfluous
You'll think we're super cool.”
From the creators of The Smile Off Your Face (2009 Sydney Festival), comes Once and for all we’re gonna tell you who we are so shut up and listen, a play performed by 13 teenagers. 13 teenagers who are rebellious, try to grasp themselves, behave aggressively, feel vulnerable, are cool, play like children, but are sometimes surprisingly adult.
“***** captures this passionate, invincible chapter in all our lives, and slams it – kicking, playful and wild – onto the stage.” – The Guardian
WINNER Fringe First Award 2008 Edinburgh Fringe Festival
WINNER Herald Angels Award 2008 Edinburgh Fringe Festival
WINNER Total Theatre Award 2008 Edinburgh Fringe Festival
View Youtube trailer here
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We were brought to see "once and for all.." by our daughter who saw this company at the Sydney Festival and loved them. As we walked in the cacophonous noise of teens yelling and carrying on I had my doubts.. isn't this what you're glad to leave behind when the fledglings leave the nest? However we settled down and opened up to the experience. I cannot imagine a more effective way to communicate the experience of this turbulent time in every person's life. Amazingly effective and proof of the universality of the human experience. The performers have charisma to burn. The rave party section was fantastic and I was sorry to have it end!! Even us old fogeys loved this show! - Sue
Proof not everything has been done before! - Leighton
Having attended/taken part in "The Smile Off Your Face" in January, I was more than ready to see "Once And For All ..." without further recommendation. While I admit that the subject matter was not a major draw for me, and that the first ten minutes were not exactly easy, what happened thereafter was a night of exciting, exhilarating and ultimately moving theatre. Ontroerend Goed managed to present a piece that initially seemed unstructured, even haphazard, but which gradually unwound to reveal a carefully calibrated and layered work. After having had my pre-existing prejudices re-assuringly confirmed at the start, I was left confounded by the realisation of a new perspective on what I had previously thought to be a familiar (and even banal) landscape. "Once And For All ..." is a small but potent pill that packs a powerful punch. - Gary
Raw-unhinged and fabulous! - Angel
A fantastic reminder of youth and there ups and downs..........my teenage sons said it was the most original play they have ever seen... - Brian
What a compelling production - I loved it! It was out there, thought provoking and I enjoyed the spirit of the young cast. - Stephanie
This was really, really good. Have begun spreading the word...! - Kerryn
LOVED IT!!! Loved the balancing act between kid and adult that is adolescence... the energy was contagious and our whole group walked out feeling a little hyped up. Highly recommended - Belinda
I watched it with my three teenage daughters. We all loved it so much, did not want to end. Thank you - Andrea
What a tops performance - loved it. how liberating to shout your guts out in a theatre! whilst it's bloody near impossible to recapture your youth - and i am never sure i'd really want to - it is great seeing something like this to remind me about those times. the music choices were fantastic. so so gald i went- Bryan
