Past the Shallows

Written by Julian Larnach
Based on the novel by Favel Parrett

A co-production with Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP)

About

Harry and Miles live with their father, an abalone diver, on the wild and beautiful south coast of Tasmania. With their mum dead and their alcoholic father largely absent, they look after each other as best they can. Over a school holiday while Miles works on the boat, Harry begins an unlikely friendship that will upset the delicate balance holding this unpredictable world together.

Adapted by playwright Julian Larnach from Favel Parrett’s award-winning debut novel, Past The Shallows is an ode to brotherhood and a heart-wrenching, lyrical exploration of mortality, family secrets and the capacity for both brutality and tenderness within contemporary masculinity.

Acclaimed director Ben Winspear directs a powerhouse cast of three young actors playing multiple roles in our final production of the year. Let yourself be swept away on the tide of this compelling and deeply poignant story that will stay with you long after the lights come up.

WARNING: Themes of alcoholism and family violence

Awards

Tasmanian Theatre Awards 2023

The Cast. Best Ensemble – Professional Theatre

Julian Larnach. Best New Writing

Ben Winspear. Best Director – Professional Theatre

Best Production – Professional Theatre

Cast

Meghan Clark

Ryan Hodson

Griffin McLaughlin

Jake Pike (Understudy Hobart)

Ben Jackson (Understudy Sydney)

Production

Favel Parrett – Writer

Julian Larnach – Screenplay

Ben Winspear – Director & Dramaturg

Keerthi Subramanyam – Set and Costume Designer

Glenn Richards – Sound Design

Jason James – Lighting Design

Nema Adel – AV Design

Taryn Brown – Production Manager

Hannah Crane – Stage Manager

Luke Stambouliah – Photo

Film

Set in lutruwita (Tasmania)’s rugged South, this experimental film adaptation from director Ben Winspear and cinematographer Matt Scott casts us into a cold, dark place where beauty and hardship reign and where an apple from an outcast can be the kindness that saves a child, if only for a day.

Now on the NSW and VIC Education syllabuses, the film is available to rent. An interesting option before you come to the co-production with Australian Theatre for Young People in September.

This film was supported by Ten Days on The Island Festival, the Tasmanian Government and the Huon Valley Council’s Stronger Together Grant Program.

Rent the Film

Gallery

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A vibrant and moving experience
Merlene Abbott

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See it! We did and it was brilliant!
Lesley Wickham

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Something everyone associated with this production should be proud of. An exceptional piece of theatre!
Rod Anderson

Proudly Supported by

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

In recognition of the deep history and culture of the island on which we live and work, we wish to acknowledge the Tasmanian Aboriginal community, who are the traditional owners and continued custodians of the land and waters of lutruwita/Tasmania.

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