Cracked Actors Theatre present THE WILD NIGHTS OF YOUTH

Set against a backdrop of Melbourne ‘Sharpie’ subculture in 1972, precocious teenagers & wannabe poets/sharpies, Adam Pescado & his unwholesomely close friend Cliff Marr are on the loose on the streets in Cracked Actors production of ‘The Wild Nights of Youth’ by Bill Marshall, winner of CAT’s Summer Reading 2021. In 1972 the Spectre of war in Vietnam hung over teenagers’ entry to adulthood with conscription a dark reality.

The nation was on the brink of the electing the Whitlam Government. As such tumultuous events occurred in the world, in suburban homes life continued and, in the laneways, and pubs a uniquely Melbournian subculture known as ‘Sharpies’ ruled. The Wild Nights of Youth is a slice in the life of a pair of best friends, whose toxic ‘Bromance’ leads to excitement, hilarity, mental breakdown and betrayal.

Director Matthew Richard Walsh made the design decision to set the play in the ‘Sharpie’ world saying:

Our ‘cultural cringe’ has caused us to shy away from these types of characters, but they define a huge part of our urban history.

Playwright, Bill Marshall is no stranger to Melbourne subculture. He founded the ‘Festival of Surrealisms’ in the early 80s and has had his plays produced at nearly every Indy venue in town over his 35 year plus career.

Writing from his own experiences, his wonderful characters and ability to take audience from tears to fits of laughter makes every offering a thoroughly entertaining and thought provoking adventure.

Nick Pilgrim, Theatre People:

All credit must be given to Cracked Actors Theatre (CAT) for supporting and developing new Australian content.

Content Warnings: This play contains adult concepts, coarse language, drug references, smoke effects,
suicide references, sexual assault references, references to child abuse, themes surrounding mental
illness, racism, homophobia, sexism, ableism and loud music. This play is set in 1972.

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Season Details

Venue: Cracked Actors Theatre
Date: 26 Nov to 4 Dec 2022

For more information click HERE