Away

A moving portrayal of Australian families, Michael Gow’s modern classic returns with an exceptional ensemble cast.

13 Jan - 25 Feb 2017

Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House

The Play

CLOSED

“Remarkably timeless… captivating” ★★★★ The Sydney Morning Herald

Sydney Theatre Company presents
A Sydney Theatre Company and Malthouse Theatre Production

AWAY

By Michael Gow

“We’re going to drive for a bit. See what we find.”

Filled with irrepressible humour and a distinct Australian spirit, Away is a beloved modern classic. This sophisticated and stylish production of Michael Gow’s award-winning play brings an abundance of warmth and inventiveness to Sydney Opera House this summer.

It’s Christmas, 1967. Three families are about to head for the coast to get away, to move on, to change. The end-of-year school play is a success. Tom and Meg’s young love is lighting up the dressing room. The cars are packed and summer holidays are finally here… But ’tis not the season to be jolly.

In director Matthew Lutton’s discerning vision for Away, we see events unfold through the eyes of Tom, an aspiring actor. And at the story’s heart are three mothers – one dealing with the loss of a child, one who fears losing her own, and one learning to let go – each dealing with vulnerability and loneliness in their own particular way.

Set against a complex backdrop of the Vietnam War and the social upheavals of the 1960s, this new production of one of Australia’s greatest classics pits the conflict of family life against the struggle of a country shaping its indeterminate future.

From the smallest intimacy to the most epic of storms, Away unleashes a full range of theatrical expression. As the pressures of family secrets swell and gather into a tempest, each mother and each family feels their way towards new, more hopeful ground.

This co-production with Melbourne’s Malthouse Theatre brings together some of the country’s most admired and captivating stage performers, including Heather Mitchell (Hay Fever), Glenn Hazeldine (Disgraced) and Liam Nunan (The Golden Age).

"Truthful, fantastical, satirical and deeply touching...Away is inspiring."
The Sydney Morning Herald

Duration 1hr 40mins (no interval)
Content warning Sexual references, theatrical haze

#STCAWAY

Pricing information

Season Ticket prices
Pick 6 or more plays to create your Season Ticket package. More info.

Saturday evening A Reserve $84
Adult A Reserve $79
Concession $63
Seniors cardholder $72
Preview $61
Under 30 $61

Single Tickets
Saturday evening $105
Adult $99
Seniors cardholder $90
Concession $79
Preview $77
Under 30 $77
Groups (10+ people) $84

Transaction fees may apply
Season Ticket bookings (packs of 6 or more plays): no fees
Single ticket bookings:  $7.50 online; $8 telephone; $0 Box Office counter

Dates

Previews 18 Feb – 22 Feb 2017
Season 24 Feb – 25 Mar 2017

Performance start times
Preview performances 8pm
In-season performances Wed – Sat 8pm; Mon & Tue 6.30pm; Wed 1pm; Sat 2pm
Schools Days Wed 8 Mar & Wed 15 Mar 11.30am

Pricing and ticket information

2017 Season Tickets (packs of 6 - 14 plays) on sale now
A Season Ticket saves at least 20% on full price single tickets and you get many other benefits. More info.

Season ticket prices
Saturday evening A Reserve $84
Adult A Reserve $79
Concession $63
Seniors cardholder $72
Preview $61
Under 30 $61

Single tickets
Saturday evening $105
Adult $99
Seniors cardholder $90
Concession $79
Preview $77
Under 30 $77
Groups (10+ people), excluding Saturday evening $84

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 (packs of 6 or more plays): no fees
Single ticket bookings:  $7.50 online; $8 telephone; $0 Box Office counter

Insight Events

Pre-season Briefing
Mon 13 Feb 6.15pm
Wharf 2 Theatre
FREE. RSVP here

Audi Night with the Actors
Mon 27 Feb post-show
Mon 13 Mar post-show

Find out more about our Insight Events

Access Performances

Captioned performance
Fri 10 Mar 8pm

Auslan interpreted performance
Thu 16 Mar 8pm

Audio described performance
Sat 11 Mar 2pm

Schools Days

Wed 8 Mar 11.30am
Wed 15 Mar 11.30am

Director Matthew Lutton
Designer Dale Ferguson
Lighting Designer Paul Jackson
Composer & Sound Designer J. David Franzke
Choreographer Stephanie Lake

With
Marco Chiappi, Julia Davis, Wadih Dona, Glenn Hazeldine,
Natasha Herbert, Heather Mitchell, Liam Nunan, Naomi Rukavina

Marketing photo James Green
Production photos Prudence Upton

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 enewsletter.

“Remarkably timeless… captivating… Lutton's epic, darkly trippy production powerfully expands our appreciation of a much-studied modern classic.” ★★★★ The Sydney Morning Herald

"Lutton’s brilliant and dark production reaffirms what a wonderful play this is." The Australian

"Lutton’s production is a tribute to – and perhaps also revelation of – the core strength of Gow’s play" ★★★★ Time Out Sydney

“Inventive, tightly-wound, warm, passionate, and compassionate… a totally absorbing piece of theatre”★★★★ Daily Review 

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