Amber Grossmann

O, Ophelia

written and directed by Amber Grossmann

Cairns: 7-15 March at Bulmba-ja Arts Centre
Ipswich: 20-21 March
Toowoomba: 24 March 
Bundaberg: 27 March
Yeppoon: 29 March 

About the play

Ophelia is a walking tragedy, her fate dictated by circumstances of misfortune, grief and naivety. Enter Hamish; an aloof, mysterious older boy with a penchant for chaos and eyes for Ophelia. He drags her into his underworld, and slowly erodes her agency, identity and prospects for the future.

This modern tale of codependent relationships explores themes of coercive control and emotional abuse in young relationships, shedding light upon these important themes, while  exploring the role of Shakespeare’s the tragic heroine in “Hamlet”, Ophelia. In the original text, Ophelia exists solely for the furthering of the male narrative, and once she has been expended, she dies. O, Ophelia takes control of the tragic narrative and brings life and agency to this otherwise two dimensional female character.

Written and directed by Amber Grossmann, the founder of emerging youth theatre company Overall Arts, O, Ophelia has been developed from ‘the seed of an idea’ into a full-scale touring production thanks to support and a unique partnership with JUTE Theatre Company.

Duration: 90mins

Content Advisories: Contains loud noise, theatrical lighting and asthma safe haze, depictions / representations of coercive control, drug use, sexual violence, and contains coarse language.

Context

Coercive control, a significant driver of domestic violence, affects people of all genders in Australia. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2024) reports that one in five women and one in eleven men experience emotional abuse in relationships, while one in five women and one in sixteen men face physical or sexual violence from a partner.

In Queensland, coercive control will become a criminal offence in May 2025, highlighting its devastating impact.

O, Ophelia delves into these themes, exploring coercive control and relationship abuse through a creative lens. While the play avoids explicit depictions of violence, it offers a powerful and thought-provoking reflection on these urgent issues.

Why See O, Ophelia?

Through storytelling, we generate ideas. Through ideas, we spark conversations. Through conversations, we can reshape our culture.

O, Ophelia invites audiences to reflect, question, and engage with pressing societal issues, through this beautifully crafted story by playwright and director, Amber Grossmann. JUTE is incredibly proud to be able to co-produce this work with Amber’s company Overall Arts, and touring this to Ipswich, Toowoomba, Bundaberg, and Yeppoon.

Don’t miss this bold and timely production—secure your tickets today. 

Creative Team

Amber Grossmann – Playwright and Director
Simona Cosentini – Costume Designer
Simone Tesorieri – Set Designer
Bernie Tan-Hayes – Lighting Designer
Wil Hughes – Sound Designer
Russell Milledge – Projection Designer
Claudia Harms – Directorial Intern
Jordan Locke – Sound Design Mentee
Cate Harbert – Lighting Design Mentee
Aaron Jeffery – Stage Manager

Actors

Charlotte Davies 
Matt Domingo
Harrison Everingham 

Cairns Chorus

Grace Meyers 
Lillian White 
Tess Wilson 
Maya Hassall 

2023 Creative Development Video

This project was made possible by the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund, provided through Regional Arts Australia, administered in Queensland by Flying Arts Alliance

Co-produced with:

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