2018
Cage
Old 505 Theatre/Freshworks
Cuong, Bryce and Ryan turn up in Thailand for three very different reasons. They meet in a sordid little place in the city, where they disrespect the country beyond recognition. As the three negotiate their way through a firestorm beyond their wildest imaginations, a rite of passage joy ride turns into a nightmare.
Written by: Jordan Shea
Direction: Shae Riches
Design realisation: Antoinette Barbouttis
Lighting design: Liam O’Keefe
Sound design: Alexander Lee-Rekers
Fight choreography: Josh Anderson
Bump out: Michael Shea
Cast: Josh Anderson, Badai Maftuh-Flynn and Patrick Diggins
Writer’s note:
This was a passion project for me (the first of many). It was inspired by Australia’s long and toxic relationship with travelling through Asia. I had actually heard a foul discussion about sexual exploits on a flight back from the Philippines, perpetrated by White, male, Australians. It was also inspired by the morons who wore the Malaysian flag as swimwear in Malaysia. One of the men that did that was a staffer for MP Julie Bishop. Atypically ‘smart’, I wanted to create three male characters totally different to one another - I think I succeeded.
Other memories included Dad ripping the set apart on the final night, at 65 years young. We played to a great crowd, and were offered more- but feasibly couldn’t afford it. I do want to revisit it, maybe with three women playing the parts. Anyone out there? It’s available!