Sydney Theatre Company Presents AWAY

Michael Gow's Away is widely regarded as one of the classic plays of the Australian theatrical canon. In Sydney Theatre Company and Malthouse Theatre's new production, beginning 18 February 2017 at Sydney Opera House followed by a Melbourne season, director Matthew Lutton will heighten the theatrical breadth and spectacle inherent in this sharply observed and emotionally-charged drama.

It's Christmas, 1967, and three families are about to go on their summer holidays. Immigrants Harry and Vic love their adopted country but are faced with their son Tom's terminal illness. Jim and Gwen worry about their daughter Meg's blossoming independence and her friendship with the socially unsuitable Tom. Roy is finding it impossible to console a grief-stricken Coral following the death of their only son in Vietnam.

At the story's heart are the three mothers portrayed by Heather Mitchell, Natasha Herbert and Julia Davis, each dealing with loss and loneliness in their own particular way. Their personal tragedies and small victories play out in front of a snapshot of Australian history, with the Vietnam War and the social upheavals of the 1960s providing a complex backdrop.

For over two decades audiences have been captivated by this story about the coming of age of both a group of individuals and the country in which they live.

Following her 2016 triumph in STC's Hay Fever, Heather Mitchell plays Gwen. Making a welcome return as Tom, following his STC debut in The Golden Age is Liam Nunan, while Glenn Hazeldine, last seen at STC in Disgraced, plays Roy.

Matthew Lutton was appointed artistic director of Malthouse in 2015. As an award-winning director, Lutton has collaborated with companies around Australia and overseas including Sydney Theatre Company, BLACK SWAN State Theatre, Belvoir, Griffin Theatre, Opera Australia, West Australian Opera, New Zealand Opera and Bavarian State Opera. Previously for Sydney Theatre Company he has directed The Duel (2009), The Mysteries: Genesis (2009) with Andrew Upton and Tom Wright, and The Trial (2010).

Following its season at the Sydney Opera House, Away transfers to Malthouse Theatre in Melbourne from 3 - 28 May 2017.

Cast: Marco Chiappi, Julia Davis, Wadih Dona, Glenn Hazeldine, Natasha Herbert, Heather Mitchell, Liam Nunan, Naomi Rukavina.

Director Matthew Lutton. Designer Dale Ferguson. Lighting Designer Paul Jackson. Composer & Sound Designer J. David Franzke

For further information: Katherine Stevenson (02 9250 1705 kstevenson@sydneytheatre.com.au) or Tim McKeough (02 9250 1703 tmckeough@sydneytheatre.com.au)

Pricing and ticket information:

2017 Season Tickets (packs of 6 - 14 plays) on sale now

Single tickets go on sale for Away on Mon 5 Dec 2016

Saturday evening A Reserve $84, Adult A Reserve $79, Concession $63, Seniors cardholder $72, Preview $61, Under 30 $61.

Box Office: 02 9250 1777. www.sydneytheatre.com.au.

Audi Night with the Actors: Monday 27 February and Monday 13 March post-show.

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