David Williamson’s dark satire The Removalists premiered in 1971 but remains as shocking as ever. Set in an inner suburb of Melbourne, two sisters report an act of domestic violence to the police, hoping things will be quickly resolved. However, the local constabulary likes to handle things its own way. MTC Artistic Director Anne-Louise Sarks directs a new production of the classic Australian drama, with a cast including Steve Mouzakis as the chauvinistic Sergeant Simmonds and Michael Whalley as Kenny, who is accused of knocking his wife around.

Limelight Editor’s Choice

David Williamson’s The Removalists is still as provocative and relevant as it was at its debut.

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.