Discover the story of one family's journey through love, heartbreak, civil war and migration to Australia in this epic multigenerational tale.
A profoundly moving story of love and political strife, of home and exile, of parents and children. Counting and Cracking follows the journey of one Sri Lankan-Australian family over four generations, from 1956 to 2004. It features nineteen performers hailing from six different countries: Australia, Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, New Zealand and France.
On the banks of a suburban Sydney river, Radha and her son Siddhartha release the ashes of Radhas mother " their final connection to the past, to Sri Lanka and its struggles. Now they are free to embrace their lives in Australia. But a phone call from Colombo brings the past spinning back to life, and were plunged into an epic story of breakup and reunion.
Written by S. Shakthidharan, a Sri Lankan-Australian who researched and developed the work over the course of ten years, the play tells the tale of two countries: Sri Lanka post-independence and Australia as an immigrant nation. It is directed by Eamon Flack, an award-winning director and the Artistic Director of Belvoir, one of Australias most celebrated theatre companies.
Performed in English, Tamil and Sinhalese, with live translation into English.
Part of the UK/Australia Season 2021"22, supported by the UK/Australia Season Patrons, the Australian Government including through the International Cultural Diplomacy Arts Fund and the Australian Cultural Fund, the NSW Government and the British Council as part of the UK/Australia Season 2021"22
Originally co-produced with Co-curious
Supported through the PLACE programme
S. Shakthidharan Writer & Associate Director
Eamon Flack Director & Associate Writer
Anandavalli Costume & Cultural Advisor
Dale Ferguson Set & Costume Designer
Damien Cooper Lighting Designer
Stefan Gregory Sound Designer & Composer
Carissa Licciardello Assistant Director
