The Secret River
1 - 20 February 2016
Roslyn Packer Theatre
The Play
CLOSED
Sydney Theatre Company and Allens present
THE SECRET RIVER
By Kate Grenville
An adaptation for the stage by Andrew Bovell
The return of a landmark production
A sold out hit in 2013, The Secret River is a stirring adaptation of Kate Grenville’s award-winning novel. In 2016, it returns for an encore season.
Directed by Neil Armfield, The Secret River is a story of two families divided by culture and land. William Thornhill arrives in New South Wales a convict from the slums of London. His family’s new home offers him something he hadn’t dare dream of: a place to call his own. On the banks of the Hawkesbury River, he plants a crop and lays claim to the soil in which it grows.
But the Hawkesbury is already home to another family. A family from the Dharug people, whose existence depends on that land. As Thornhill’s attachment to the land deepens, he is driven to a terrible decision that will haunt him for the rest of his life.
Winner of six Helpmann Awards, including Best Play, Best Direction and Best New Australian Work, The Secret River was heralded as “a stunning, shattering piece of theatre that goes to the heart of our history” (The Sunday Telegraph). Don’t miss out.
“Astonishingly beautiful to look at, languid in its storytelling and deeply affecting… Essential viewing.”
Sun Herald
Duration 2hrs 50mins (including interval)
Content warning Strong language, violence and partial nudity
Commissioning and Touring Patrons
David Gonski AC & Orli Wargon OAM,
Catriona & Simon Mordant AM
#STCSECRETRIVER
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government’s Major Festivals Initiative, managed by the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body, in association with the Confederation of Australian International Arts Festivals Inc., Sydney Festival, Perth International Arts Festival and The Centenary of Canberra.
Pricing information
Season Ticket prices
Pick six or more plays to create a personalised Season Ticket package. More info
Saturday evening A Reserve $96
Adult A Reserve $89
Concession $69
Seniors cardholder $80
Preview $71
Under 30 $69
Single Tickets
Saturday evening A Reserve $116
Saturday evening B Reserve $106
Adult A Reserve $104
Adult B Reserve $94
Concession $84
Seniors cardholder $95
Preview $80
Under 30 $84
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: $0
Single tickets: $7.50 online; $8 telephone; $0 Box Office counter
Dates & Prices
Dates
Previews 1 Feb – 4 Feb 2016
Season 6 Feb – 20 Feb 2016
Performance start times
Tue – Sat 7.30pm; Mon 6.30pm; Wed 1pm; Sat 1.30pm
Wed 10 Feb 11.30am
Tour
After the Sydney season at Roslyn Packer Theatre Walsh Bay, The Secret River will embark on a tour to the following cities:
25 Feb - 5 Mar 2016
Queensland Theatre Company, Brisbane
10 Mar - 19 Mar 2016
Arts Centre Melbourne, Melbourne
Pricing and ticket information
Season Ticket prices
Pick six or more plays to create a personalised Season Ticket package. More info
Saturday evening A Reserve $96
Adult A Reserve $89
Concession $69
Seniors cardholder $80
Preview $71
Under 30 $69
Single ticket prices
Saturday evening A Reserve $116
Saturday evening B Reserve $106
Adult A Reserve $104
Adult B Reserve $94
Concession $84
Seniors cardholder $95
Preview $80
Under 30 $84
Prices 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 boxoffice@sydneytheatre.com.au. Please quote your booking reference number.
Access requirements
For specific access requirements, please call Box Office on (02) 9250 1777 to book your seats.
Transaction fees may apply
Season Ticket bookings: $0
Single tickets: $7.50 online; $8 telephone; $0 Box Office counter
Insight Events
Pre-season Briefing
Mon 18 Jan 6.15pm
Roslyn Packer Theatre
FREE. RSVP here
Audi Night with the Actors
Mon 15 Feb post-show
Find out more about our Insight Events.
Access performances
Captioned performance
Fri 19 Feb 7.30pm
Schools Day
Wed 10 Feb 11.30am
Creative Team
Director Neil Armfield
Artistic Associate Stephen Page
Set Designer Stephen Curtis
Costume Designer Tess Schofield
Lighting Designer Mark Howett
Composer Iain Grandage
Musical Director Isaac Hayward
Sound Designer Steve Francis
Tour Director Kip Williams
Dramaturg Matthew Whittet
With
Georgia Adamson, Joshua Brennan, Toby Challenor, Shaka Cook, Nathaniel Dean, Frances Djulibing, Jennifer Hagan, Isaac Hayward, Trevor Jamieson, Heath Jelovic, Ningali Lawford-Wolf, Madeleine Madden, Colin Moody, Jeremiah Mundine, Wesley Patten, Kelton Pell, Richard Piper, Rory Potter, James Slee, Bruce Spence, Matthew Sunderland
Photo James Green
Reviews
"Extraordinary theatre laced with enchantment and truth" ★★★★½ Sydney Morning Herald
"Finely realised stagecraft, an ensemble on form and a story that invites all Australians to reflect." ★★★★½ Limelight Magazine
"A transcendent piece of theatre...an honest reckoning with our dark history of invasion, dispossession and genocide." ★★★★★ Arts Hub
"A thrilling, pivotal and agonisingly honest production." Stage Noise by Diana Simmonds
"A stunning, shattering piece of theatre that goes to the heart of our history" ★★★★½ Sunday Telegraph
“Astonishingly beautiful…Essential viewing.” Sun Herald
"An unmitigated triumph, an unforgettable piece of theatre" Daily Telegraph
"A rich, complex and engrossing drama that details a very real and dark chapter in this nation’s history... This is captivating and often rather tough but essential viewing" The AU Review
Best Play, Best Music Direction, Best Direction of a Play, Best Male Actor in a Supporting Role in a Play, Best Original Score, Best New Australian Work – Helpmann Awards 2013
Audiences loved The Secret River in 2013. Here is a snapshot of what they said.
"This is a superb production which should be seen by every Australian" Lesley via Facebook
“The Secret River is a compelling, powerful, necessary story for Australians to see! Adaptation, casting, staging deadly!” @AnitaHeiss via Twitter
"Absolutely speechless after seeing this performance last night - blown away by the talent & creativeness - altered by the story - wow!!" Jenni via Facebook
"Wonderful production! Adored it and have recommended many friends to see this one because I loved it so much" Sharon via Facebook
"The best. Peerless. See this play. That's all." Sally via Facebook
"This play is totally engaging, a must see!" Lydia via Facebook
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