From Darkness explores family politics, the loss of a loved one, and the powerful force of human connection as we navigate these things. Co-produced by La Boite and Brisbane Festival, the world premiere of this darkly funny new work, written by Steven Oliver, is not only a compelling portrait of one family’s pain and their struggle to remain connected through grief, but a commentary on personal and cultural connectedness, the stigmatisation of suicide, and the importance of caring for those left behind.

Benjin Maza. Photograph © Stephen Henry

It is the anniversary of Vinnie’s death, and the family has gathered for dinner. In the past year his mother Abigail has taken to drinking herself numb, and his father Eric has pushed down the pain to live in denial. Twin brother Preston stays locked in his room, visited by spirits as he sleeps, and little sister Akira retreats into the online world, glued to her phone. Nanna Lou, brash and bold, copes best by talking…and talking…and talking. There is a spiritual force present in the house as well, and each of them are desperate to connect with it in their own way. Preston’s connection to...