Australian culture and politics put under the microscope
Written by Geoffrey Atherden (Mother and Son), Liberty Equality Fraternity is a laugh-out-loud parody of our surveillance society, produced by Sydney’s famous Ensemble Theatre.
What Geoffrey does so cleverly is put Australian culture and politics under the microscope – but of course he does this in a very comedic way.
Liberty Equality Fraternity features Geoffrey’s gift for characterisation, and his excellent cast Caroline Brazier (Rake), Andrew Ryan (INXS: Never Tear Us Apart) and Helmut Bakaitis (The Matrix), play it with style and humour.
Geoffrey’s script highlights the fine line between our impulse to share information with the social media world (Facebook, etc), and our right to privacy.
It tests our complacency about intelligence gathering, access to personal information and the government’s ‘Right to Know’.
It’s the kind of show that’s going to leave people buzzing in the foyer, talking about all the different issues in the play for a long time afterwards. – Shannon Murphy (Director).
Content Warnings: coarse language, adult themes.
“Geoffrey Atherden’s Kafka-esque comedy jacks neatly in to our anxieties regarding online privacy and the collection of personal data. A humourous reminder that in any revolution heads roll.”
“You’ll be amazed and highly amused by the play… delighted by the performances.”
“The dialogue sizzles with lots of laugh-aloud moments.”
“Author Geoffrey Atherden should be proud of this effort, which uses generous serves of humour in order to sweeten the bitter reality the play explores.”
“Skilfully raises serious questions without missing the opportunities for big belly laughs… funny, surprising and thought-provoking.”
“Liberty Equality Fraternity highlights Geoffrey Atherden’s gift for characterisation… very funny”
“ Hooray for funny, literate, Australian drama with something important on its mind.”
“Excellent… a night in the theatre that stirs and provokes.”
Cast
Caroline Brazier, Andrew Ryan and Helmut Bakaitis
Creative Team
Playwright Geoffrey Atherden
Director Shannon Murphy
Designer Michael Hankin
Lighting Designer Verity Hampson
Sound Designer Stephen Toulmin
Photography Heidrun Lohr