You're human, you're fallible. You've made a mistake. But that's not a mistake. At least not an honest one. That's calculated betrayal. And that's one of the cruellest things you can do to someone...
Two couples set out to betray their partners… A lover returns from the past and a husband doesn’t answer the phone… A woman disappears and a neighbour is the prime suspect…Contracts are broken between intimates and powerful bonds are formed between strangers.
In Andrew Bovell’s masterfully interconnected polyphony, an evocative mystery unravels at the same time as a devastating tale of disconnection between individuals, partners and communities.
Premiering at the SBW Stables in Griffin’s 1996 season, Speaking in Tongues went on to win the AWGIE for best play before being transformed into the multi AFI award winning hit film Lantana. On the fifteenth anniversary of the play, and the tenth anniversary of the film, Griffin welcomes an all time Australian classic back to the intimate space where it all began. Artistic Director Sam Strong (The Power of Yes, THOM PAIN (Based on Nothing), Red Sky Morning) will reimagine the work with a new generation of talent in a powerhouse new production.
Director Sam Strong
Designer Dayna Morrissey
Lighting Designer Danny Pettingill
Sound Designer & Composer Steve Francis
With Lucy Bell, Caroline Craig, Andy Rodoreda, Christopher Stollery
Preview 4, 5, 7, 8 February
Season 10 February – 19 March
Performance Times
Monday-Friday 7pm
Saturday 2pm and 7pm
Run Time
2 hours including an interval.
Warnings
Smoking and haze effect.
Trailer, Speaking in Tongues
“Strong’s assured production…makes gripping drama” Sydney Morning Herald
“…a richly entertaining modern classic. A must-see.” The Australian
“This is a gripping, emotionally and intellectually satisfying production of an exceptional piece of contemporary Australian theatre. Go get tangled up in its wonderful web.” Time Out
“What is there left for me to say? Speaking in Tongues: see it. It is perfect.” Augusta Supple
“It’s possibly the best Australian play in a generation or two, a must-see…And Strong’s production is bloody marvellous…A+” Crikey – Curtain Call
“Speaking in Tongues is a play that has stood the test of time and deserves the title of modern Australian classic…it is a production that would reward repeated viewings.” Australian Stage
“If you haven’t already purchased tickets, don’t walk, stampede to the Griffin box office to book for this intense firecracker of a show.” Arts Hub
“Not only technically clever…but sweetly poignant and funny too” Stage Noise
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