Content Warnings & Additional Information
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CONTENT WARNINGS
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 / education@malthousetheatre.com.au
BE ADVISED THAT THE BELOW CONTENT WARNINGS CONTAIN SPOILERS
SEASON 2024
All warnings are subject to change, please check back closer to the time of performance for an updated list of potentially sensitive content.
FREQUENT COARSE LANGUAGE
FREQUENT USE OF RACIST LANGUAGE
Throughout the show there is frequent use of racially violent slurs. Some are explicitly said, and others are implied. If you would like more information on what words are said, please contact New Work Manager Bernadette Fam on engineroom@malthousetheatre.com.au
EXPLORATIONS OF RACE AND EXPLICIT DEPICTIONS OF RACISM (BOTH PHYSICAL AND VERBAL)
The Hate Race follows Maxine’s childhood growing up Black in the predominantly white suburbs of Western Sydney in the 1980’s and 1990s.
The emotional arc of the work follows Maxine as she faces different forms of racism in her schooling and adult life. We bear witness to Maxine’s journey as she finds her voice and creative expression despite of the hate she faces. Consequently, within the work there is frequent depiction and descriptions of racism – both physical and verbal – towards Maxine.
There is also a scene which speaks about an act of racial violence Maxine has committed towards another student.
The forms of racism explored within the show are:
- Interpersonal Racism
- Institutional Racism
- Systemic Racism
- Internalised Racism
- Cultural Appropriation
The forms of verbal violence within the show include:
- Racial slurs
- Threats to harm another individual
- Bullying
- Microaggressions
The forms of physical racial violence within the show include:
- Bullying such as the throwing of rocks and physically blocking an individual from passing
- Threats to harm another individual
If you would like more information on what instances of racism occur in the show, please contact New Work Manager Bernadette Fam on engineroom@malthousetheatre.com.au
REFERENCES TO SLAVERY
There are multiple references to slavery within the work. There is a key scene where the Transatlantic Slave Trade and Empire Windrush is explained in detail to child Maxine by her father.
DEPICTIONS OF ANXIETY
There are multiple instances where the character of Maxine experiences mild to severe anxiety, including panic attacks, due to racial attacks.