“Rabbits don’t talk Mr Wertheim. They keep their stupid mouths shut or they get whacked on the head with a shovel... Learn to be a rabbit.”
Johann’s super-sized rabbits are his pride and joy. Much to his surprise, the Supreme Leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has taken a special interest, and will stop at nothing to get his hands on them. When a bungled undercover rescue mission transports Johann to North Korea, he finds himself, and the bunnies he betrayed, in a bit of a stew.
Preposterously based on a true story, A Rabbit for Kim Jong-il is a cunning comic thriller spanning two continents. Crammed with secret agents, espionage, double-crossings and a giant rabbit named Felix, the play is also a pointed parable about betrayal and forgiveness, greed and regret.
A Rabbit for Kim Jong-il was lovingly raised by playwright Kit Brookman and will be set free on stage by Lee Lewis.
Co-commissioned by Playwriting Australia and Griffin Theatre Company with the support of the Robertson Family Foundation.
Director Lee Lewis
Designer Elizabeth Gadsby
Lighting Designer Luiz Pampolha
Sound Designer Steve Francis
Stage Manager Charlotte Barrett
With Kate Box, Kit Brookman, Kaeng Chan, Steve Rodgers, Mémé Thorne
PERFORMANCE DATES
Previews 10, 12, 13, 14 October
Season 17 October – 21 November
RUNNING TIME
100 minutes, no interval
Meet the Artists after the performance on 20 October
PERFORMANCE TIMES
Monday – Friday 7pm
Saturday 2pm and 7pm
“It starts out absurd and then creeps up on you and hits you over the head” “a theatrical ambush.” The Australian
“The brilliant opening scene sets the tone of a comic thriller – funny and scary in equal parts.” Australian Stage
“almost any scene involving Chan, are highlights of the play. His performance as the sickly polite, immaculately groomed wheeler-dealer naturally lent itself to comedy and suspense.” Arts Hub
“Steve Rodgers is outstanding as Johann” Daily Review
“…the playwright, Kit Brookman’s performance of Felix the rabbit steals the show.” Australian Stage
“An entertaining new satire on capitalism, socialism, geopolitics and perfect, fluffy innocence.” Concrete Playground
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