The Golden Age

Inspired by the true story of a lost band of outcasts, The Golden Age blends fact and folklore to create a profound, extraordinary Australian tale.

14 Jan - 20 Feb 2016

Wharf 1 Theatre

The Play

CLOSED


Sydney Theatre Company presents

THE GOLDEN AGE

by Louis Nowra

Our own heart of darkness

In 1939, a lost tribe of Europeans was discovered in the Tasmanian wilderness. They were a band of outcasts who had escaped the torture of convict life, scratching out an existence at the forgotten edge of the island, alone for almost a century.

Inspired by this true story, writer Louis Nowra (Cosi, Radiance) penned The Golden Age – an extraordinary play that blends historical fact, Australian folklore and poetic language to create a post-colonial myth for our times. Nowra’s outcasts have developed a culture and dialect all of their own, but their bodies are failing them and their very existence is in danger. Brought back into the fold of Australian society, what fate awaits this band of exiles?

The Golden Age premiered in Melbourne in 1985, with a Sydney production the following year directed by Neil Armfield. Three decades later, Resident Director Kip Williams (Suddenly Last Summer) brings it to Wharf 1 Theatre with a brilliant ensemble cast, including Sarah Peirse (Switzerland), Ursula Yovich (Love and Information) and Brandon McClelland (The Present). In their hands, this profound and emotionally-charged Australian epic makes its way out of the wilderness and back into the spotlight.

"Thrillingly ambitious in its scope and imagination"
★★★★ Sunday Telegraph

Duration 2 hrs 45 mins (including interval)
Content warning Violence, strong language, nudity, gun shots and strobe lighting

Production patron Gretel Packer

#STCGOLDENAGE

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Our 2016 SeasonExplore the 2016 plays


Pricing information

Season ticket prices
Pick six or more plays to create a personalised Season Ticket package. More info

Saturday evening A Reserve $87
Adult A Reserve $84
Concession $64
Seniors cardholder $75
Preview $66
Under 30 $64

Single ticket prices
Saturday evening A Reserve $99
Saturday evening B Reserve $89
Adult A Reserve $94
Adult B Reserve $84
Concession $75
Seniors cardholder $86
Preview $75
Under 30 $75

Prices correct at the time of publication and subject to change without notice. Exact prices will be displayed with seat selection.

Transaction fees may apply
Season Ticket bookings: $0
Single tickets: $7.50 online; $8 telephone; $0 Box Office counter

Dates

Previews 14 Jan – 18 Jan 2016
Season 20 Jan – 20 Feb 2016 

Performance start times
Tue – Sat 8pm; Mon 6.30pm; Wed 1pm; Sat 2pm
Mon 18 Jan 8pm


Pricing and ticket information

Season ticket prices
Pick six or more plays to create a personalised Season Ticket package. More info

Saturday evening A Reserve $87
Adult A Reserve $84
Concession $64
Seniors cardholder $75
Preview $66
Under 30 $64

Single ticket prices
Saturday evening A Reserve $99
Saturday evening B Reserve $89
Adult A Reserve $94
Adult B Reserve $84
Concession $75
Seniors cardholder $86
Preview $75
Under 30 $75

Prices correct at the time of publication and subject to change without notice. Exact prices will be displayed with seat selection.

Concession, seniors and under 30 tickets
Suitable and valid identification must be provided for collection of tickets and at the venue, such as your concession or proof of age card. Alternatively, you may email a copy of your identification to [email protected]. Please quote your booking reference number.

Access requirements
For specific access requirements, please call Box Office on (02) 9250 1777 to book your seats.

Transaction fees may apply
Season Ticket bookings: $0
Single tickets: $7.50 online; $8 telephone; $0 Box Office counter


Insight Events

Pre-season Briefing
Fri 8 Jan 6.15pm
Wharf 1 Theatre
FREE. RSVP here

Audi Night with the Actors
Mon 1 Feb post-show
Mon 8 Feb post-show

Matinee Club
Wed 27 Jan 12pm

Find out more about our Insight Events.

Director Kip Williams
Designer David Fleischer
Composer & Sound Designer Max Lyandvert
Lighting Designer Damien Cooper
Dramaturg Paige Rattray

With
Rarriwuy Hick, Remy Hii, Brandon McClelland, Robert Menzies, Liam Nunan, Zindzi Okenyo, Sarah Peirse, Anthony Taufa, Ursula Yovich

Photo James Green

"Thrillingly ambitious in its scope and imagination"  ★★★★ Sunday Telegraph

"Don’t miss the chance to see it" ★★★★ Time Out

“It is a play that hums with historical detail and rich, evocative settings ... and constantly pulls apart its own definitions of what is primitive and what is civilised.” ★★★★ The Guardian

“One of the most complex and successful dramatic interrogations of our culture.” Sydney Morning Herald

"A stunning production, absolutely worthy of this stunning piece of writing" ★★★★ Daily Review

“Don’t miss it: a marvellous production of a marvellous play.” Stage Noise by Diana Simmonds

Read what audiences are saying about The Golden Age below. Share your own thoughts on the show and find out more on #STCGoldenAge on your social media of choice

“Just saw @SydneyTheatreCo's fascinating #STCGoldenAge by Louis Nowra. Haven't stopped talking about it since we left the theatre.” @samalinda via Twitter

“Was lucky enough to see #thegoldenage which I'm sure will be talked about for a long time. What a show by @SydneyTheatreCo. Very special.” @maddie_gasp via Twitter

“Well, that was glorious and brilliant. #STCGoldenAge #sydneylife” @evelyn_veitch via Twitter

“Loved Sarah Peirse leading lost peoples #STCGoldenAge - majestic, erudite portrayal of queenie Ayre” @pipsterb via Twitter

“I saw my first ever STC production on Saturday night: The Golden Age. I flew up from Melbourne. I was mesmerised. It transported me to another place. I laughed, I cried, I got angry, all the emotions. An outstanding production. Stellar cast. The acting was powerful and rich. The production values were excellent. It impacted me deeply… Everything about my night was magical. Great show. Great venue. Excellent service.” Tim via Facebook

“Go! It's a fantastic show for sure.” David via Facebook

“A great play, I can't praise it enough! Congratulations to the creative team.” Zeta via Facebook

"Epic Australian play #TheGoldenAge @SydneyTheatreCoAudacious and thought-provoking. Great performances" @mjmorganwriter via Twitter

"Don’t take my word for it. Get there and see it for yourself. Love your work guys." Chris Carswell via Facebook

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