Empire: Terror on the High Seas

Overview

The luxury ocean liner the Empress of Australia has docked at the Bondi Pavillion as Tamarama Rock Surfers ushers in its most ambitious production of 2013.

Following up on the award-winning success of last year’s I Want to Sleep with Tom Stoppard, Toby Schmitz brings us Empire: Terror on the High Seas, a nautical murder mystery featuring a 20-strong cast. Directed by Schmitz’s long-time collaborator Leland Kean, the production oozes 1920s swagger and jazzy interludes. As the play steadily ploughs through the Atlantic, an enticing narrative is woven as the characters attempt to uncover the identity of the macabre serial killer stalking the shadowy depths of the ship.

Tackling the challenge of creating a post-colonial Australian story external to the great southern land, Schmitz and Kean combine forces to present an epic and gothic tale overflowing with frights, gags, flashy frocks and dinner suits. Don't miss what is sure to be an entertaining and tumultuous voyage.