The Long Forgotten Dream
23 Jul - 25 Aug 2018
Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House
The Play
★★★★ Limelight ★★★★ The Guardian
Sydney Theatre Company and Allens present
THE LONG FORGOTTEN DREAM
By H Lawrence Sumner
A search that unravels a family. A must-see world premiere.
Don’t miss this extraordinary and unique new Australian drama that is already making waves. For its world premiere at Sydney Opera House, The Long Forgotten Dream unites a star-studded cast and creative team led by lauded film and theatre director Neil Armfield (Holding the Man, STC’s The Secret River).
Evoking our windswept Australian coast and reaching into far corners of the world, this epic tale is a rich tapestry of families, history and murder told with wry humour, an array of captivating characters and even a little magic.
Archaeologist Simone Tucker (Shakira Clanton) has returned home to South Australia with good news. Having crossed oceans to follow historical clues, she has scoured archives in great and obscure museums of the world to find her great-grandfather’s bones. After two years of cramped planes, dingy hotels and endless searching, she has finally found them, jumbled in a dusty box. Now, it’s her mission to put him to rest. She wants to give him the burial he always deserved.
What Simone doesn’t realise is that this burial will unearth heartrending secrets for herself and her family. Her small coastal town has a dangerous history, and her father Jeremiah (Wayne Blair) just wants to keep the peace.
Inspired by true stories, Ngarrindjeri writer H Lawrence Sumner’s exceptional play is a sweeping family story that brings to life four generations of history in an enchanting Australian town. This is a beautiful piece of writing by one of the most exciting new voices to come along in many years.
The Long Forgotten Dream will capture your mind and heart. Join us for a wonderful, deeply moving night in the theatre.
“Finally something deep and good is happening. Something that you don’t understand.”
Jeremiah
Duration 2hrs 25mins (including interval)
Content warning Strong language
Production Patron The Girgensohn Foundation
Ticket information
Single ticket prices
Saturday evening $99
Adult $99
Seniors cardholder $99
Concession $89
Under 30 $83
Preview $83
Group bookings (10+ people) $92
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
$7.50 online; $8 telephone; $0 Box Office counter
Dates & Prices
Dates
Previews 23 Jul 2018 – 26 Jul 2018
Season 28 Jul 2018 – 25 Aug 2018
Performance start times
Preview performances 8pm
In-season evening performances Mon & Tue 6.30pm; Wed – Sat 8pm
Matinee performances Wed 1pm; Sat 2pm
Duration 2hrs 25mins (including interval)
Pricing and ticket information
Single tickets
Saturday evening $99
Adult $99
Seniors cardholder $99
Concession $89
Under 30 $83
Preview $83
Group bookings (10+ people) $92
Prices correct at the time of publication and subject to change without notice. Exact prices will be displayed with seat selection.
Authorised ticket sellers
The only authorised ticket sellers for this event are Sydney Theatre Company and Sydney Opera House. Only tickets purchased by authorised agencies should be considered valid and reliable. More info
General terms and conditions for tickets and attendance at Sydney Opera House events
For further information on general terms and detail on resale restrictions please visit the Sydney Opera House website.
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
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.
Access Performances
Captioned performance
Fri 24 Aug 8pm
Audio described performance
Sat 25 Aug 2pm
Auslan interpreted performance
Thu 23 Aug 8pm
Schools Days
Wed 15 Aug 11.30am
Wed 22 Aug 11.30am
Creatives
Director Neil Armfield
Set Designer Jacob Nash
Costume Designer Jennifer Irwin
Lighting Designer Mark Howett
Composer & Musician William Barton
Sound Designer Steve Francis
Assistant Director Deborah Brown
Stand-in Musician Nathan Scott
With
Simone Tucker/Deborah Shakira Clanton
Jeremiah Tucker Wayne Blair
North/Mandeep Nicholas Brown
Young Jeremiah Brodi Cubillo
Gladys Dawson/Erica Melissa Jaffer
Lizzie/South Spirit Ningali Lawford-Wolf
Young Jeremiah Wesley Patten
Pastor Henry Gilles/Old Man Gillies/Keith Justin Smith
King Tulla Ian Wilkes
Marketing image Rene Vaile
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.
Events
Insight Events
We offer a range of free and ticketed events designed to give you further insight into our plays. Find out more about our Insight Events.
Pre-season Briefing
Mon 16 Jul 7pm
Richard Wherrett Studio
FREE
Night with the Actors
Mon 30 Jul post-show
Mon 13 Aug post-show
Reviews
★★★★ “An award-worthy performance from [Wayne] Blair…in his finest role yet." The Guardian
★★★★ "An affecting piece of theatre that’s been gorgeously realised by Armfield and his team. From Jacob Nash’s spare but beautiful set, to the evocative score that’s performed onstage by William Barton, The Long Forgotten Dream brims with life and the recognition that there is grace in the telling of difficult stories." Limelight
“This powerful production is a generational family drama, an epic of indigenous dispossession and a ghost story. It is beautifully produced and acted, and it includes a performance by Wayne Blair that is the best I have seen in his career.” The Australian
“Sumner’s play looks near-epic on the letterbox shaped stage at the Drama Theatre." Time Out
“There are few stories as profound and important for us today, as H Lawrence Sumner’s The Long Forgotten Dream. Director Neil Armfield brings palpable life to this tale of lost souls and transposed dimensions... It is an exquisite cast that takes the stage.” Suzy Goes See
Feedback from the audience:
“Amazing play - stunning cast, moody, thoughtful, wonderful music; cannot recommend enough.” Andrew, Facebook
“A once in a hundred plays. It will be a classic. Armfield is a national treasure.” Natalie, Facebook
“A brilliant play. We loved it.” Jenni, Facebook
“Such a powerful and wonderful story. Congratulations to the STC for putting this together.” Joel, Facebook
“Magical, beautiful, uplifting and such wonderful acting." Elizabeth, Facebook
“Loved this when I saw it last week. It sits with you for days after.” Niki, Facebook
“Wayne Blair bats it out of the park as usual.” Margaret, Facebook
“It was amazing - can’t recommend it highly enough.” Anita, Facebook
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