Fences

An unforgettable portrait of family life in 1950s Pittsburgh by one of the US’s most lauded playwrights.

25 Mar - 6 May 2023

Wharf 1 Theatre

The Play

★★★★★ Time Out ★★★★★ Limelight
★★★★★ Stage Noise ★★★★½ Suzy Goes See
★★★★ The Guardian ★★★★ ArtsHub

"Fences deserved the 1987 Pulitzer Prize, and this production does it proud. Please see it." ★★★★½ Sydney Morning Herald 

FENCES

By August Wilson
Directed by Shari Sebbens

“I planted a seed and waited and prayed over it.”

August Wilson is one of the US’s most respected and lauded playwrights, and Fences is his tour de force. Full of rich and affecting dialogue, this play offers remarkable writing for actors and an unforgettable portrait of life in 1950s Pittsburgh.

Winner of the 1987 Pulitzer Prize and recently adapted into an Academy Award-winning film, Fences will have its long-overdue Australian premiere, featuring two of the starring performers from STC’s critically-adored A Raisin in the Sun.

Leading an ensemble cast, Bert LaBonté and Zahra Newman return to play Troy, a hardworking family man who’s still nursing the wounds of his failed baseball career, and Rose, his optimistic, resourceful and steadfast second wife. Troy and Rose’s marriage is the centre of a loving yet troubled family unit, buffeted by the winds of change but hamstrung by a history of injustice.

Directed by STC’s Resident Director Shari Sebbens, this mesmerising production will bring to life Wilson’s incredible, clear-eyed vision. Fences is a soaring allegory of the radical upheavals in twentieth century America, explored through Troy’s desperate attempts to shed the pain of his dashed dreams, and Rose’s unwavering commitment to protect and nurture everything they built together.

Approx. duration 2 hrs 40 mins (including interval). Subject to change. More info.

Content Strong language and racial language, physical violence, complete theatrical blackouts. Subject to change. More info. 

VISITOR SAFETY INFORMATION

The safety of our audiences, artists and staff is of paramount importance. For full details on our safety measures please visit our Visitor Safety Information page.

DATES

Previews 25 – 29 Mar 2023
Season 31 Mar – 6 May 2023

Night with the Artists
Mon 17 Apr, post-show Q&A

Captioned Performances
Tue 2 May, 6.30pm
Sat 6 May, 1.30pm

Auslan-Interpreted Performances
Thu 4 May, 7.30pm

Performance start times
Preview performances 7.30pm
In-season evening performances Mon & Tue 6.30pm; Wed – Sat 7.30pm
Matinee performances Wed 1pm; Sat 1.30pm

Approx. duration 2hrs 40 mins (including interval). Subject to change.

TICKET INFORMATION

Single tickets
Mon – Thu performances
Adult A Reserve $104
Seniors card holder $99
Concession $78
Under 30 $57

Fri & Sat performances
All tickets $109

Preview performances
All tickets $57

Season Ticket prices
Saturday evening A Reserve $98
Adult A Reserve $93
Seniors cardholder $89
Pensioner/Student $70
Under 30 $51
Preview $51

Mini Package prices
Mon – Thu performances
Adult A Reserve $98
Seniors cardholder $94
Pensioner/Student $74
Under 30 $54

Friday & Saturday performances
A Reserve $103

Preview performances
All tickets $54

Transaction fees may apply
Season Ticket bookings: no fees
Single ticket bookings: $8.50 online; $8.50 telephone; $0 Box Office counter

Prices are 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. More info.

Authorised ticket sellers
The only authorised ticket sellers for this event is Sydney Theatre Company. Only tickets purchased by authorised agencies should be considered valid and reliable. More info.

Director Shari Sebbens
Designer Jeremy Allen
Lighting Designer Verity Hampson
Composer & Sound Designer Brendon Boney
Accent Coach Amani Dorn
Assistant Director Daley Rangi
Fight Director Nigel Poulton
Community Engagement Consultant Cessalee Stovall
Community Engagement Associate Gabriella Appau

With
Bert LaBonté, Markus Hamilton, Damon Manns, Molly Moriarty, Zahra Newman, Dorian Nkono, Liannah Nandi Sibanda, Darius Williams

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 enews.

"Shari Sebbens has assembled an exceptional cast of talent…This production of Fences shows us what the classic could and should be" ★★★★★ Time Out

"This production’s power to immerse you in the lives of others is undeniable." ★★★★★ Limelight

Bert LaBonté is "riveting" and "exceptional"
"Jeremy Allen’s literal set is a joy of its own"
"Superbly realised in a production by director Shari Sebbens that reaches from assured to inspired"
★★★★ ½ Sydney Morning Herald

"Powerfully directed…a meticulously rendered presentation that always sings naturally and connects profoundly." ★★★★½ Suzy Goes See

"Fences is another landmark production in STC’s evolution and growth, and a brilliant one. Recommended without reservation." ★★★★★ Stage Noise

"This production is impeccably directed by Shari Sebbens, with thoughtful, measured performances from all the actors…A fine example of the playwright’s craft, staged to a very high standard, with an unfailing commitment to telling the story with as much clarity and affective impact as possible." ★★★★ ArtsHub

"Hits the high-water marks of dramatic intensity. It’s a remarkable achievement, reconfirming Wilson’s place in the theatrical cannon." ★★★★ The Guardian

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