Content Warnings & Additional Information

Malthouse Theatre is a new work company, meaning that a lot of our productions are being written and rehearsed in-house, before premiering on one of our stages. 

A lot can change along the journey from concept to production, as scripts are redrafted, actors make discoveries, designers bring in new elements, and directors make big changes right up to Opening Night. 

We update content information throughout rehearsals as the show takes shape, and publish this on our dedicated Content Warnings page on the Malthouse website.

We do our best to warn you well in advance regarding what you’re about to see, but it’s important to be aware that things may change at the last minute.

You’ll find age recommendations and content warnings here on our website, pre-show emails, in your program and in the foyer on the night. If you do like to know what you’re in for, check back in here for the latest information. 

If you have further questions, you can always email or call us before your visit, or speak to our Box Office and Front of House teams on the night for more information or advice.

Education Bookings / if you would like to discuss any of these warnings further please contact our Education team at education@malthousetheatre.com.au

BE ADVISED THAT THE BELOW CONTENT WARNINGS MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS

This production contains smoke effects, loud noises and flashing lights. Nudity, explicit language, mature themes, descriptions of sexual assault, and graphic depictions of violence will be present. 

Nudity 

Full frontal nudity in one scene.  

Explicit language 

The script contains strong language, including but not limited to: fuck, shit, dickhead, pissed off.    

Mature themes 

War and violence

  • The production includes discussions of war crimes and depictions of violence    

Surveillance and paranoia

  • Themes of intense surveillance, invasion of privacy, and psychological distress related to being watched  

  • Depictions of extreme isolation, paranoia, depression, and psychological deterioration  

Descriptions of sexual assault  

  • In one scene, a character known as ‘Rosie, 30’, tells a story of her younger sibling, who was sexually abused by a family friend / Priest when they were children 

  • Two women provide graphic descriptions of instances of alleged sexual assault 

  • There are discussions about sexual assault allegations, media framing and the legal system’s treatment of accusing and accused individuals.  

Graphic depiction of violence 

  • There are discussions of war crimes throughout the play.  

  • In one scene, a video titled ‘Collateral Murder’, leaked by Chelsea Manning and published by WikiLeaks in 2010, shows footage from a U.S. Apache helicopter attack in Baghdad on July 12, 2007. This video captures a group of men on the street, some carrying objects mistaken for weapons. Among them are two Reuters journalists, Namir Noor-Eldeen and Saeed Chmagh. At least 12 people, including the two journalists are killed, and two children are injured. The video reveals the helicopter crew’s casual and callous remarks which sparked outrage upon release.  

Nudity

Partial nudity, including a male character shirtless and wearing only underwear. Costume includes fake breasts attached.

Explicit language

The script contains strong language, including but not limited to: cunt, fuck, shit, bitch, cock, and dickhead.

Mature themes

War and violence
The production includes discussions of warfare, genocide, slavery, terrorism, and torture. There are depictions of violent acts, including implied decapitation and murder. Weapons are used as props.

Colonisation and racism
The play contains explicit conversations about colonisation, cultural appropriation, and racism.

Death and bodily harm
Depictions of death as a figure, amputation (realistic prop body parts, including skulls and amputated arms), and discussions of bodily trauma. The play also includes simulated airplane turbulence and simulated vomiting.

Mental health
Themes of psychological distress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and discussions of self-harm and suicide. There is also a passing reference to dementia.

Religion
Strong negative views about religion are expressed, including extreme references to God and depictions of devil/satanic imagery.

Drug use
Simulated drug use, including the presence of drug paraphernalia (bong) and herbal cigarettes.

Sexual content
Simulated sexual acts, including masturbation. Sexual references and the presence of sex toys (giant dildo). Partial nudity and scenes of a sexual nature. Discussions around identity, pregnancy, abortion, and menstruation.

Audience interaction

There may be prolonged eye contact with front-row audience members. Props such as cat food tins and water bottles will be passed to audience members in the front row.

Sensory elements

Blinder lights, strobe lighting, loud and dynamic sound effects, naked flames, and smoke/haze effects will be used.

Additional considerations

Themes of misogyny, sexism, bullying, and strong language related to gender and identity are present throughout the production.