Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? — Queensland Theatre and State Theatre Company South Australia

Overview

Fresh from playing Sydney Festival 2022, this race-conscious Australian retelling of Edward Albee's classic play Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? comes to Brisbane, adding a fascinating chapter to the storied history of one of the most acclaimed theatrical works of the 20th century.

Based on the play that originally hit the stage in 1962, won the Tony for Best Play the following year, and was also adapted into a 1966 film starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, the story takes place over the course of a single evening in the apartment of academic couple George and Martha — who invite their new colleagues, Nick and Honey, over for a drink following a faculty party. What follows is essentially a booze-fuelled cage fight between the hosts.

For its current at QPAC Playhouse from Saturday, February 12–Saturday, February 26 — thanks to Queensland Theatre — this thoroughly contemporary reimagining of Virginia Woolf is helmed by acclaimed First Nations director and actor Margaret Harvey. The result is a uniquely Australian perspective that explores themes of identity, illusion and desire.

Key to this new voice is Harvey's considered stable of players. The production stars Wagadagam man Jimi Bani (Mabo) as George, Susan Prior (The Rover, Puberty Blues) as the powerhouse Martha, with Juanita Navas-Nguyen (Bluey's Big Play, A Doll's House) and Congolese-born Melbourne actor Rashidi Edward (Rabbit) rounding out the cast.