Talking to the Future

Talking to the Future takes an in-depth look at some of the people who created Australia as a Nation. Idealistic, complex, and energetic, yet to some modern eyes, limited by the beliefs of their era. The cause they strove for, the dilemmas they faced, are strongly relevant today, in a time of concern about globalisation, race, social inequality and national division.

This richly textured and extensively researched play presents the complex vision and political, personal and spiritual life of Alfred Deakin, often called this country’s greatest Prime Minister.

“Around 2016, I became interested in Alfred Deakin” explains writer and director Darryl Emmerson. “This was the time of the Trump election in the US, Brexit in the UK and what seemed to me, an increasing cynicism and apathy in Australian politics, a partial loss of faith in our democracy. My mind began to play around with the Federation era, what its principal figures were trying to do, what sort of people they were, what were their words, dreams, fears and visions? What I found surprised me, and became the play.”

A fascinating look at the life of Alfred Deakin and the people who helped create Australian democracy.

Live Stream option on Friday 24 June at 7.30pm.