Savages

By Patricia Cornelius

Directed by Robert Lewis

Presented by Persona Collective, Mudlark Theatre and Junction Arts Festival

Elizabeth St Car Park, Launceston

2014

The award-winning ‘Savages’ is a cautionary tale about a group of men who don’t really know themselves or what they can become. Multi award-winning playwright Patricia Cornelius’ confronting play takes a dangerously tough look at masculinity and misogyny amongst a pack of ordinary young men. The story is based on the story of Dianne Brimble who died on a P&O cruise ship after it set sail in 2002, but this play has no apparent victim. Audiences are taken on a journey as they follow these four blokes as they prepare for “the trip of a lifetime”. The four men: Rabbit, Runt, George and Craze, all around the 40 year-old-mark, are likeable larrikins who turn savage throughout the journey. A car park is transformed into a cruise ship, and the audience are taken on a journey though this dark and sometimes dangerous space. 

The heightened use of language is juxtaposed with the animalistic and brutal nature of these four men. The festive, holiday atmosphere is also contrasted with the dark and dangerous performance space. The text is visceral yet poetic. The conversational banter eventually turns into free-form rhyming verse that overlaps and interjects.

“This roving theatre piece about masculinity and group mentality is one of the best pieces of theatre I’ve ever seen. It gave me goosebumps and had me drawn in from the very first line. An absolute must see!” Alison, Junction Arts Festival Marketing Manager.

Featuring Chris Jackson, Cheyne Mitchell, Leigh Oswin, Travis Hennessey

Music composed by Yyan Ng

Music performed by Yyan Ng and Catherine Johnson

Movement dramaturg: Lucy Angell