How to Rule the World

A motley group of political operatives plots to take over the world – using a likeable white guy as a puppet. A new, hilarious stinging satire on Australian politics.

Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House

The Play

★★★★ The Guardian ★★★★ Limelight

 

Sydney Theatre Company and Allens present

 

HOW TO RULE THE WORLD

By Nakkiah Lui

 

World premiere

 

Sex, lies and the balance of power

 

An Aboriginal, an Asian and an Islander walk into a bar. It’s not the beginning of a racist joke, it’s the catalyst for a stinging satire on Australian politics from award-winning playwright Nakkiah Lui (Black is the New White).

 

Vic, Zaza and Chris are political insiders hustling their way to the top. They want influence, they want change, they want to take over Parliament House. They leave that bar drunk on power, with a plan to take over the world. First step: find a likeable white guy to use as a political puppet. What could possibly go wrong?

 

In the hands of STC Associate Director Paige Rattray, who brought us Lui’s smash-hit rom com Black is the New White, How to Rule the World is a fast-paced comedy that tackles our country’s myths of multiculturalism and the fair go. This motley group of political operatives are convinced they can beat the system from the inside. But will they change the system? Or will the system change them?

 

Production patron Simona Kamenev

 

Approx. duration 2hrs 30mins (including interval). Subject to change. More info
Content warning Strong language, adult themes, drug use, sexual references, theatrical haze and strobe lighting. Subject to change. More info

 

Ticket information

 

Single tickets

 

Mon – Thu performances
Adult $94
Seniors cardholder $86
Concession $75
Under 30 $60

 

Fri & Sat performances
All tickets $99

 

Preview performances
All tickets $60

 

Season Tickets

Choose 6 or more plays for savings of up to 20% and exclusive benefits. More info and bookings.

 

Saturday evening A Reserve $79
Adult A Reserve $75
Concession $60
Seniors cardholder $68
Preview $60
Under 30 $60

 

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 11 - 14 Feb 2019
Season 16 Feb - 30 Mar 2019

 

Performance start times
Preview performances 8pm
In-season evening performances Mon & Tue 6.30pm; Wed – Sat 8pm
Matinee performances Wed 1pm; Sat 2pm

 

Approx. duration 2hrs 30mins (including interval). Subject to change. More info

 

Ticket information

 

Single tickets

Mon – Thu performances
Adult $94
Seniors cardholder $86
Concession $75
Under 30 $60

 

Fri & Sat performances
All tickets $99

 

Preview performances
All tickets $60

 

Season Tickets

 

Choose 6 or more plays for savings of up to 20% and exclusive benefits. More info.

 

Saturday evening A Reserve $79
Adult A Reserve $75
Concession $60
Seniors cardholder $68
Preview $60
Under 30 $60

 

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

 

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.

 

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.

 

 

Director Paige Rattray
Designer Marg Horwell
Lighting and AV Designer Emma Valente
Composer and Sound Designer Paul Mac and Steve Francis
Assistant Director Kenneth Moraleda
Choreographer Kurt Phelan
Fight Director Nigel Poulton

 

With
Gareth Davies, Vanessa Downing, Michelle Lim Davidson, Nakkiah Lui, Hamish Michael, Rhys Muldoon, Anthony Taufa

 

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.

 

 

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 4 Feb 6.45pm
Richard Wherrett Studio
Past event

 

Night with the Actors
Mon 4 Mar post-show
Mon 25 Mar post-show

 

 

★★★★ The Guardian ★★★★ Limelight

 

★★★★ "One of Australia’s most interesting writers continues to evolve, in this punchy, relevant play about power and race in Canberra." The Guardian

 

★★★★ "This is a laugh-a-minute play with strong performances from Lui, Davidson and Taufa." Limelight Magazine

 

"Lui’s latest play is a rollicking satire on power, how to wrest it from the usual suspects and the consequences of having it." The Australian

 

"Extraordinarily funny and incisive political satire." Time Out Sydney

 

"We’ve said it before: Lui is the most important Australian theatrical voice of her generation. All of her work is hugely ambitious; she’s always trying to smash open conversations, break down silences and challenge our accepted beliefs, whatever medium or genre she’s using." Time Out Sydney

 

"A passionate work, piercingly funny." Suzy Goes See

 

 

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