A misfit group of politically active countercultural “youths” roam their city. With placards in hand, they protest against urgent issues, like war and pollution. They champion peace, free love, and radical self-expression. When they aren’t fighting conformity, the interpersonal dramas of their non-monogamous situationships also keeps them busy – and a little hedonism by way of sex, drugs and rock’n’roll takes the edge off. 

It sounds like a story that could be playing out on the streets of Melbourne today. But in fact, this is the outline of Hair, the American “tribal love-rock musical” that broke new ground with its Broadway debut in 1968. More preoccupied with themes than a strict plot, Hair is the story of a “tribe” of long-haired hippies living a bohemian life in New York City and fighting against conscription into the Vietnam War (something that was still actively happening).

The Australian debut in 1969 was a smash-hit – it launched the careers of some of our biggest stars and courted controversy for its profanity, depictions of illicit drug use, nudity and (gasp!) its racially integrated cast. 

So, how does the...