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THE RIVER

THE RIVER

Overview

Beloved global star Miranda Otto (The Lord of the Rings, Ladies in Black, A Doll’s House) returns to the Sydney Theatre Company stage in this thrilling play by one of the world’s greatest living playwrights.

On a moonless night, a lovesick fisherman (Ewen Leslie – Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde) entertains a woman at his family’s remote cabin on the cliffs. The energy between them crackles like the flames in the fireplace. It should be a weekend full of romance and trout fishing, but all is not as it seems.

From Jez Butterworth, Olivier and Tony Award-winning playwright (Jerusalem, Mojo) and screenwriter (Ford v Ferrari, Spectre), this lyrical and sublime drama “unfolds like a tantalising cross between a piece of deeply felt poetry and a sleight-of-hand puzzle” (The Independent). 

Directed by "relentlessly inspired” (The Sydney Morning Herald) rising star Margaret Thanos and also featuring Andrea Demetriades (Home, I'm Darling), The River offers a sleek and surprising interrogation of the mysteries of intimacy, love and connection.

The River is an atmospheric and intimate chamber drama, “alluring and unsettling in turn” (The Arts Desk) that will electrify audiences and leave them haunted for days.

“Entwines the mysteries of love, truth and memory”
Limelight

Creative

Director

Margaret Thanos

Designer

Anna Tregloan

Lighting Designer

Damien Cooper

Composer & Sound Designer

Sam Cheng

Marketing Image

Holly Ward

This listing is updated as cast and creatives are confirmed in the lead-up to the production, and if there are any changes to the team. Ensure you have the most up-to-date information about each play by opting in to our enews.


Partners

Supported by the Chair's Circle

Venue Details

No venues found

Event Details

Season
30 Mar - 16 May 2026
Approx. Duration
80 mins, no interval
Content
Strong language, mature themes, sexual references, complete theatrical blackouts, use of theatrical haze and loud noises.
Latcomer Policy
Latecomers will be admitted within the first 20 minutes of the performance, with no latecomers or readmission to the auditorium permitted after these points. No refunds will be provided in these cases.

Duration and content are subject to change.


Digital Program

Read the Director's note, look at stunning rehearsal photos and more in our Digital Program.

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