Away

Set against the backdrop of the 1967-68 summer holidays, Away by Michael Gow is a cornerstone of Australian drama. It follows three different families from distinct social classes who depart Sydney for their annual Christmas vacations, all carrying hidden burdens.

The Story The play opens at a high school performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream, introducing the central characters: * Tom and his parents (Harry and Vic): Working-class British immigrants who are secretly struggling with the knowledge that Tom is terminally ill.

* Meg and her parents (Gwen and Jim): A middle-class family defined by Gwen's bitter perfectionism and Jim's quiet endurance.

* The Headmaster (Roy) and his wife (Coral): A couple grieving the loss of their son in the Vietnam War, a trauma that has left Coral mentally fragile.

When a massive storm ravages the coast, the families are forced out of their isolated holiday bubbles and brought together on a beach. In this "magical" natural setting, the barriers of class and resentment begin to dissolve.