Naturism is probably the most anticipated production of the Griffin Theatre Company’s season this year, and for one main reason: every actor is completely naked in the production. This is a fairly novel concept in Australian theatre and as a result, a number of curious theatregoers descended on Sydney Theatre Company’s Wharf 2 Theatre for this bold new work featuring some of Australia’s finest acting talent.

The production tells the story of a commune where three members have shunned the outside world in order to reduce their environmental footprint. Their quiet existence is disrupted when a young TikToker joins the commune, bringing chaos in her wake. Soon after, the young owner of the land appears with plans to turn it into a festival site. The disaster that follows forces the audience to reflect on the climate crisis and the impact humans have on their environment.

The acting is generally strong and the performers make the most of the material they are given. Glenn Hazeldine, as Ray, stands out as the leader of the commune, while Hannah Waterman (Helen) and Nicholas Brown (Sid) convincingly embody the laid-back, hippie energy of their characters. They contrast well with Camila Ponte Alvarez, who plays Evangeline, a Gen Z influencer looking to escape the suburban grind and embrace the commune’s lifestyle and Fraser Morrison, the festival loving and laidback rapper who has inherited the land.

Where the production falters is in the writing. The script often feels juvenile, with dialogue that is repetitive and surface-level. As a result, the play struggles to offer a truly incisive take on the climate crisis. Beyond the novelty of its nudity, there is little that sets the production apart. Many of the jokes are repeated frequently and as they fail to land, the production becomes somewhat monotonous to watch.

James Browne’s set design and costuming are well considered, effectively evoking the feeling of a faraway, remote landscape. The staging is cleverly configured for the Wharf 2 Theatre space, creating an immersive physical environment that suits the story’s setting.

Ultimately, while Naturism is built on an interesting concept and features some strong performances, it ultimately falls flat in both dialogue and message. The nudity doesn’t add much substance to the story and the play lacks the thematic depth needed to sustain its premise. In the end, Naturism feels a little like an ambitious experiment that relies too heavily on the initial draw, privileging a gimmick over dramatic weight. If this production is to go further, some attention will need to be given to the script to allow the actors to truly flourish.

Rating: ★★1/2

Naturism plays at the Wharf 2 Theatre until 15^th November. For more information, click here. 

All photo credits: Brett Boardman