Wake in Fright
UMAC acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the unceded land on which we work. We pay respect to their Elders past and present, and their enduring traditions of knowledge sharing, performing and storytelling on this land.
Actors name
Chars name
UMAC presents Malthouse Theatre's
Wake in Fright
Adapted from Kenneth Cook's novel
By Declan Greene & Zahra Newman
Union Theatre , Arts and Cultural Building
When
7pm
Auslan Interpreted Performance: Friday 27 Nov
Where
Union Theatre
Arts and Cultural Building
The University of Melbourne
15 Monash Road, Parkville VIC 3010
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Welcome to Bundanyabba, the best little town in the world! You’ll never want to leave. And even if you did ... you can’t.
Well-heeled schoolteacher John Grant is en route to Sydney, when a layover in the mining town of Bundanyabba turns into a three-week freefall. Stranded and starving, Grant is forced to rely on the locals for survival. But as the beer flows and the nights wear on, he finds himself stripped of his money, his identity and his sanity.
In a ferocious solo performance, Zahra Newman (STC's Dracula) returns to the twisted heart of Wake in Fright — Kenneth Cook’s cult Australian novel and, later, an iconic horror film. Directed by Declan Greene (Whitefella Yella Tree) and featuring a thrilling, bone-rattling score from friendships, this bold adaptation plunges you into a uniquely Australian kind of hell: full of booze, bravado and buried violence.
Returning to Melbourne for the first time since its acclaimed 2019 premiere, this is a descent you won’t forget.
★★★★½ “Miraculous” - The Sydney Morning Herald
★★★★½ “Brilliant, bold and deeply unnerving theatre” - The Age
★★★★½ “Powerful” - ArtsHub
★★★★ “Remarkable” - Time Out
★★★★ “Striking” - Limelight Magazine
Content Warnings
This production contains adult material, gunshots, course language, smoke haze, flashing light, and extremely loud noise. Recommended for ages 15+.
Duration
Approximately 1 hour without an interval.
University of Melbourne student tickets
University of Melbourne students can access $28.95 (inclusive of $3.95 transaction fee) to this production. A valid University of Melbourne student ID will be required at the venue.
Photography
Creative Direction: Susu Studio
Photographer: Brett Boardman
Accessibility
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Accessible toilet available
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Infrared Hearing Assist System
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Companion tickets available
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Wheelchair accessible
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Registered assistance animals welcome
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The performance on Fri 27 Nov will be Auslan interpreted
A Malthouse Theatre production
Credits
Director & Co-Creator Declan Greene
Performer & Co-Creator Zahra Newman
Lighting & Projection Designer Verity Hampson
Sound Designer James Paul
Composer & Multimedia Designer friendships
Wake in Fright was first produced and presented by Malthouse Theatre in 2019.
Wake in Fright was commissioned and developed by Malthouse Theatre.
Wake in Fright is a Malthouse Theatre Production, presented by University of Melbourne Arts and Culture.
Welcome to Bundanyabba, the best little town in the world! You’ll never want to leave. And even if you did ... you can’t.
Well-heeled schoolteacher John Grant is en route to Sydney, when a layover in the mining town of Bundanyabba turns into a three-week freefall. Stranded and starving, Grant is forced to rely on the locals for survival. But as the beer flows and the nights wear on, he finds himself stripped of his money, his identity and his sanity.
In a ferocious solo performance, Zahra Newman (STC's Dracula) returns to the twisted heart of Wake in Fright — Kenneth Cook’s cult Australian novel and, later, an iconic horror film. Directed by Declan Greene (Whitefella Yella Tree) and featuring a thrilling, bone-rattling score from friendships, this bold adaptation plunges you into a uniquely Australian kind of hell: full of booze, bravado and buried violence.
Returning to Melbourne for the first time since its acclaimed 2019 premiere, this is a descent you won’t forget.
★★★★½ “Miraculous” - The Sydney Morning Herald
★★★★½ “Brilliant, bold and deeply unnerving theatre” - The Age
★★★★½ “Powerful” - ArtsHub
★★★★ “Remarkable” - Time Out
★★★★ “Striking” - Limelight Magazine
Credits
Director & Co-Creator Declan Greene
Performer & Co-Creator Zahra Newman
Lighting & Projection Designer Verity Hampson
Sound Designer James Paul
Composer & Multimedia Designer friendships
Wake in Fright was first produced and presented by Malthouse Theatre in 2019.
Wake in Fright was commissioned and developed by Malthouse Theatre.
Wake in Fright is a Malthouse Theatre Production, presented by University of Melbourne Arts and Culture.