Counting and Cracking — Belvoir and Co-Curious

Overview

An epic new Australian story, complete with live music, dance and an authentic Sri Lankan meal.

16 people. Five languages. Two continents. If you think this sounds a tad larger than Belvoir's usual fare, you'd be right. They think so, too. Counting and Cracking, a new work by Homebush-based writer S. Shakthidharan is the first show in Belvoir's history that's demanded a separate venue.

It revolves around a single family, but it also has some serious sprawl. Crossing continents, languages and generations with a cast of almost 20 actors, the Belvoir's Upstairs Theatre was never going to cut it. Director Eamon Flack and the gang have upped stumps to Sydney Town Hall for an ambitious theatre experience.

The work is an epic that follows Radha and her son Siddartha and how they find themselves torn by life in Australia and the demands of a family back in Sri Lanka. New strings and old are pulled taut as family and circumstance begin dredging up the past. Through music, dance and a story of action and romance, the play explores broader and more complex issues — particularly the political and social challenges of migration. It's a clever piece of storytelling that shares what life in Australia is like for many and what 'home' means.

Ensuring the show (and by extension, its message) won't be easily forgotten, Belvoir is making the experience truly immersive. The Sydney Town Hall you know will be replaced by a Sri Lankan equivalent, complete with sarongs on seats, wrought iron gates and, of course, a cricket scoreboard on the wall. Before the performance commences, you'll be treated to an authentic Sri Lankan meal. Bookings are limited so we recommend moving quickly if you want to witness this spectacular show.

Image: Brett Boardman.