In one of the final Sydney Theatre Company productions for the year, the Company is back at the Drama Theatre at the Opera Theatre for The Shiralee, which is based on the D’Arcy Niland novel. The story centres around Macauley who after a domestic dispute with his wife and her new partner, takes (or kidnaps) his daughter, Buster, taking her everywhere from Grafton to Coonamble. 

The story is poignant and deals with the loneliness of parental alienation as both parents lose their child for a period. It also deals with themes of city living vs rural living and the transition for a child, as the audience largely view the production through the perspective of 10-year-old Buster with the show presenting as a bildungsroman. 

The acting in this production is sublime. Josh McConville gives a powerful performance as Macauley, emphasising his internal struggle and his genuine desire to care for his daughter in the way that he can. Ziggy Resnick is also strong as Buster, playing a character at least fifteen years younger, which creates some disconnect but Resnick handles it well. Kate Mulvany is also superb as Marge while Paul Capsis steals the show as the flamboyant Desmond. 

The set is also very well done, with Jeremy Allen capturing Kings Cross as well as the rural settings very well (including the liminal space of the highway). Trent Suidgeest’s lighting also adds to the mystical ambiance, with the theatrical mythology of the book preserved quite well. 

Where the play is somewhat lacking is in its exploration of the issues of domestic violence, which linger throughout the play. While it would be a bit much to say that the issues are trivialised, there is somewhat of a failure to recognise the actions of both the leading men in the production for what they are. In addition, the presentation of Macauley as a flawed hero, in light of a modern-day awareness of the manifestations of domestic violence is perhaps something that could have been explored in more detail and with more criticality. 

With that said, there is a sense of power in the ending of the production, with love eventually coming through as the overwhelming theme. While at first glance, the production may seem to focus on somewhat mundane subject matter, it certainly punches above its weight in developing an interesting and thought-provoking story. 

Overall, this is a strong production with superb acting and a clever storyline. The stagecraft in the work is also fantastic with the set and lighting being clear highlights. While the play is slightly glossy in its treatment of some of its tougher themes, it is a fantastic watch for those interested in the history of Australia (especially in rural areas). Another great production from Sydney Theatre Company. 

Rating: ★★★★

The Shiralee plays at the Drama Theatre at the Sydney Opera House until 29^th November 2025. For more information, click here.

Photo credit: Prudence Upton