David Williamson’s ‘The Removalists’ Opens at the Melbourne Theatre Company

David Williamson’s The Removalists first premiered at Melbourne’s La Mama Theatre in 1971 and went onto win the AWGIE Award for Best Stage Play and Best Script in Any Medium. David was also the first person outside Britain to receive the George Devine Award for The Removalists. Over fifty years later, the Melbourne Theatre Company’s revival, directed by Anne Louise-Sarks opened this past weekend to glowing reviews.

Set in an inner-suburb of Melbourne, Fiona and Kate report an act of violence to the police hoping things will be resolved peacefully. However, the local constabulary like to handle things their own way. Over the course of one evening the hidden currents of competition, desire and brutality flowing beneath polite society will be dragged out into the open.

“David Williamson’s iconic dark satire The Removalists retains its dramatic power. The play was written long before the term “toxic masculinity” was coined, yet it unmasks the worst aspects of Australian male behaviour with sharpness and savagery – and a grimace at anyone who’d turn a blind eye to it – so that it feels shockingly relevant today.” ★★★★ The Age

“Savage, simple and canny, Williamson’s 1971 work about male brutality is as relevant as ever” ★★★★ The Guardian

Running until 17 April at the Southbank Theatre, The Sumner. Photo by Pia Johnson.