The Lucky Country
Music and Lyrics by Vidya Makan in collaboration with Sonya Suares
Developed with the support of Frederic Marguerre and Rodrigo Martino
From 26 May at Hayes Theatre Co
The Lucky Country is a new Aussie musical for all Aussies. Digging deep into the themes of identity and belonging, The Lucky Country is heart-felt, wildly entertaining and a joyful celebration of a new vision of who we can be as Australians.
Featuring six exceptional performers and a five-piece band (including yidaki – didgeridoo), this 75 minute show introduces a host of new Australian anthems, illuminated and amplified by ground breaking audiovisual design.
With Music and Lyrics by Vidya Makan (Six, Merrily We Roll Along) in collaboration with Sonya Suares, The Lucky Country gives a voice to those typically marginalised in our collective conversations about Australian identity and history. Be the first to experience an hilarious and uplifting musical journey exploring what it means to be 'Aussie'.
"This musical has been a labour of love for all involved for the past several years" say Hayes Co-Artistic Directors Richard Carroll and Victoria Falconer. "Vidya and Sonya are two of the most electrifying and thought-provoking theatre-makers we have today - we're so excited for audiences to see the world premiere of this stunning work at the Hayes. Musical theatre that talks about our own country as it is today is sadly rare, which makes us all the more excited to present this show."
We meet Boy, a 13-year-old Thitharr Warra boy, whose youthful optimism is dashed when he clashes with his teacher's notion of 'our shared history'. It sparks a journey of self-actualisation that leads him back to Country and a moment of truth.
While Boy is grappling with the fault-lines in our national story, his totem bird – a sea eagle – introduces us to a collection of all-Aussie characters including: grey nomads who find love on a Contiki tour, a Chinese Australian restauranteur who dreams of life as a Byron Bay nudist, a young refugee in Mingoola, a WW2 veteran, an aspiring actress an all fake-Russian choir…and more!
"What does it mean to be Australian? Who are we as a nation when we attempt to include ALL the parts of how we came to be?," said writer Vidya Makan. "The Lucky Country is a love letter to these questions. Embracing the contradictions, love, hurt and joy of being 'Aussie'. It's an all Aussie musical, for ALL Aussies; featuring the voices I never got to see on stage, growing up."
Prices:
Previews & Thursday Matinees Full Price $60
Weeknights & Saturday Matinees Full Price $70 | Concession $65 | Group (8+) $65
Friday & Saturday Evenings Full Price $75
*Concession prices apply to Seniors, Pensioners, Students and MEAA members.
Bookings: www.hayestheatre.com.au or phone 02 8065 7337
Key Facts:
From 26 May at Hayes Theatre Co
New Australian Musical
The Lucky Country gives a voice to those typically marginalised in our collective conversations about Australian identity and history.
