Thomas Murray and the Upside Down River - Griffin Theatre Company

Overview

Reg Cribb, creator of the AACTA Award-winning Last Cab To Darwin, is back with a new play. Titled Thomas Murray and The Upside Down River, it's Griffin Theatre's first show for 2016.

Protagonist Thomas Murray (played by Grant Cartwright) has never known a life outside his family's Darling River property. They've been farming there for five generations. Out of the blue, two childhood friends turn up, unearthing long-buried secrets. In the aftermath, Tom has no choice but to head down stream, in an attempt to reconcile past grievances and save his marriage.

With this tense, personal drama at its centre, the play also explores wider social, cultural and environmental issues, including indigenous relations and climate change.

Taking care of direction is Chris Brendall, CEO of Critical Stages and former artistic director at both Fremantle's Deckchair Theatre (2008-2012) and Melbourne's Theatre@Risk (2001-2007). He was a 2014 Tour of the Year Drover Award finalist for his direction of The Magic Hour.