Ruben Guthrie

Overview

Ruben Guthrie, like a lot Australians, enjoys a drink.  And, like a lot of Australians, believes that it is ‘un-Australian’ not to join in the festivities on every occasion, large or small by downing a drink - or twelve.  As creative director for an advertising agency he attends an industry awards night at a major hotel, and after a big night at the event he comes to the sensible conclusion that he has the ability to fly, and proceeds to jump off the hotel roof.  This somewhat flawed decision is the tipping point for Guthrie’s mother, who hauls her son off to Alcoholics Anonymous, an event which makes him face some harsh realities and has a life changing impact.

Ruben Guthrie was the brainchild of actor/writer extraordinaire Brendan Cowell who wrote the play after a year of sobriety. During the year off the grog Cowell realised that his life had become very dependent on and surrounded by drinking - he socialised, networked and relaxed with a drink in his hand (a reality most of us would have to face if we did some reflecting).    Out of this realisation was born the character and story of Ruben Guthrie, a man forced to face his alcoholic demons and change the course of his future.