The Removalists

When The Removalists premiered at Melbourne’s La Mama Theatre in 1971, it put a wrecking ball through the walls of genteel Australian theatre. Profane, honest and arresting in its depiction of the animal side of humanity, its most surprising revelation is in how little has changed.

Set in an inner-suburb of Melbourne, Fiona and Kate report an act of violence to the police hoping things will be resolved peacefully. However, the local constabulary like to handle things their own way. Over the course of one evening the hidden currents of competition, desire and brutality flowing beneath polite society will be dragged out into the open.

Anne-Louise Sarks directs the bracing revival of this dark satire in a production that sets its gaze on Australia – right here, right now – and refuses to blink.