To celebrate the 20^th anniversary of Away, Michael Gow will direct a magical production of his iconic Australian story in the same venue where it all began. Griffin Theatre Company premiered Away in January 1986 and is thrilled to stage this enchanting Australian classic for an entirely new generation of theatergoers.

Audiences will once again be inspired by Gow’s story of three different families on Christmas vacation in 1967.  Following an end-of-year school performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the families depart for their beach holidays but their apparent seasonal cheer masks deeper concerns.

Immigrants Harry and Vic love their adopted country but are faced with their son Tom’s terminal illness. Jim and Gwen fret over their daughter Meg’s blossoming independence and her friendship with the socially unsuitable Tom. Roy is unable to console a grief-stricken Coral over the death of their only son in Vietnam.

But with the help of some Shakespearean fairies and a spectacular storm, these families are reconciled and face the future anew.

For two decades audiences have been enthralled by this story about the coming of age of both a group of individuals and the country in which they live. Despite being set almost 40 years ago, this multi-award winning play is as relevant as ever with its themes of reconciliation and loss.

Away is sharply observed, clever, funny and yet very moving. Out of the familiar family ingredients, Gow has constructed a magical play that every Australian can relate to. It depicts the hopes of a new generation, prompting us to consider what is ultimately most important in our lives.