The Poison of Polygamy

A world-premiere adaptation of Australia’s first Chinese-language novel, a historical frontier adventure and a morality tale for the ages.

8 Jun - 8 Jul 2023

Wharf 1 Theatre

The Play

★★★★★ Time Out
★★★★★ Suzy Goes See
★★★★ Stage Noise
★★★★ Limelight

The Poison of Polygamy

A play by Anchuli Felicia King
Based on the novel by Wong Shee Ping, Translated by Ely Finch
Directed by Courtney Stewart

Love, betrayal, and an epic gold rush adventure

Set sail with this cross-continental odyssey that sprawls across Qing Dynasty China, to Victoria’s nineteenth century goldfields, and the urban sprawl of Melbourne’s Chinatown. One of Australia’s most exciting, versatile, and provocative playwrights, Anchuli Felicia King, returns to STC to adapt this historical story of colonisation, migration, morality, and desire – in a production that makes thrilling use of Wharf 1 Theatre’s ‘in the round’ formation.

Originally published in 1910, The Poison of Polygamy was Australia’s first ever novel by a Chinese Australian author, Wong Shee Ping. It tells the story of Sleep-sick (Shan-Ree Tan) – an opportunistic young man from Guangdong who has his sights set on amassing a fortune in Australia’s goldfields. He leaves behind his faithful but long-suffering wife Ma (Merlynn Tong) and sets out across the sea to try his luck.

Along the way, he charms and cheats an eccentric cast of characters until he meets his match: the seductive and cunning Tsiu Hei (Kimie Tsukakoshi). Will Sleep-sick keep his promise to Ma? Or will the temptations of wealth, beautiful women and opium prove too much to bear?

Take a look into a slice of Australian history that is rarely seen on stage and discover a tale that reaches across the ages to illuminate the experiences of contemporary Chinese Australians. Also featuring Ray Chong Nee, Hsin-Ju Ely, Anna Yen, and Gareth Yuen, The Poison of Polygamy is a frontier story, a morality tale for the ages, a intergenerational ghost story, and a rollicking, horse-drawn escapade.

Approx. duration 2 hrs 50 mins (including interval). Subject to change.
Content Violence, infanticide, drug use, sexual themes, references to suicide, theatrical smoke and haze. Subject to change.

VIVID SYDNEY

Please be aware that several performances of this production coincide with Vivid Sydney. Please check your performance date and, if affected, please plan your trip and allow additional travel time to reach the theatre. 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 8 – 9 Jun 2023
Season 12 Jun – 8 Jul 2023

Night with the Artists
Mon 26 Jun, post-show

Audio Described Performances
Tue 4 Jul, 6.30pm

Auslan-Interpreted Performances
Thu 6 Jul, 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 2 hrs 50 mins (including interval). Subject to change.

Ticket Information

Single tickets
Mon – Thu performances
Adult A Reserve $99
Seniors card holder $94
Concession $75
Under 30 $54

Fri & Sat performances
All tickets $104

Preview performances
All tickets $54

Groups Discount (10+ people)
Monday – Thursday
A Reserve $89

Please call the Box Office on (02) 9250 1777 to book groups.

Corporate entertainment packages are also available for this production.

Season Ticket prices
Saturday evening A Reserve $93
Adult A Reserve $89
Seniors cardholder $84
Pensioner/Student $67
Under 30 $48
Preview $48

Mini Package prices
Mon – Thu performances
Adult A Reserve $94
Seniors cardholder $89
Pensioner/Student $71
Under 30 $51

Friday & Saturday performances
A Reserve $98

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 Courtney Stewart
Designer James Lew
Lighting Designer Ben Hughes
Composer Matt Hsu
Sound Designer Guy Webster
Fight & Intimacy Director Nigel Poulton
Choreographer Deborah Brown
Vocal Coach Melissa Agnew

With
Ray Chong Nee, Hsin-Ju Ely, Silvan Rus, Shan-Ree Tan, Merlynn Tong, Kimie Tsukakoshi, Anna Yen, Gareth Yuen

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.

"The remastering of the epic requires an epic production, and director Courtney Stewart harnesses collaboration to deliver production elements that surprise and entrance to resounding perfection." ★★★★★ Time Out

"A fantastic cast of eight, each performer contributing passion and diligence" ★★★★★ Suzy Goes See

"Hugely entertaining, revelatory and thought-provoking… Eyes, hearts and minds will be flung open as never before. Recommended without reservation." ★★★★ Stage Noise

"A work of impressive ambition and scale, strikingly realised" ★★★★ Limelight

"A brilliant success" The Conversation

"The Poison of Polygamy is a triumph" The Saturday Paper

"A beautifully crafted work" ArtsHub

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