The beloved Australian miniseries, The Shiralee, which captivated audiences in 1988, is making its debut on stage, set to premiere at the Sydney Theatre Company on October 6, 2023. This new adaptation, crafted by Kate Mulvany, delves deeper into the themes of masculinity and power, drawing from the original 1955 novel by D’Arcy Niland rather than the more sanitized television version.
Originally broadcast as a two-part television event, The Shiralee featured Bryan Brown as the itinerant worker Macauley and Rebecca Smart as his daughter, Buster. The series became a cultural touchstone, prompting viewers to make arrangements, such as recording the episodes on VHS, to ensure they did not miss a moment. Mulvany remembers her childhood connection to the series, stating, “We only ever had two videotapes with ‘Do not ever, ever tape over’ written on them… It got me.”
Exploring Deeper Themes in a New Adaptation
Mulvany’s adaptation aims to honor her father’s memory while engaging with the darker elements present in Niland’s work. “I wanted to base it more on the book,” she explains. The narrative follows Macauley, who grapples with his past and relationships while journeying through South Australia with Buster. The complexities of Macauley’s character, portrayed by Josh McConville, reveal the struggles men face in expressing their emotions, a theme that resonates with contemporary audiences.
McConville describes Macauley as a character oscillating between violence and tenderness. “There’s trauma in his own life that resonates into the world around him,” he notes. This portrayal allows for a nuanced exploration of masculinity, challenging traditional perceptions of strength and vulnerability.
Character Depth and Personal Connections
The adaptation also features Catherine Văn-Davies as Macauley’s first love, Lily, and Ziggy Resnick as young Buster. Mulvany emphasizes that her portrayal of Marge, Macauley’s wife, is not merely of a “bad mother” but a woman fighting to survive in a harsh environment. “Marge is doing what she has to do to keep her roof over their heads,” she explains, underscoring the complexities of her character’s motivations.
Mulvany’s connection to the material is deeply personal. Since her father’s passing in 2017, she reflects on the emotional weight of the production. “I had a little emotional moment… I wanted to check on something, and I picked up my phone, went to his number… and I just had this moment going, ‘I can’t call him, the bugger,’” she recalls. This blend of nostalgia and artistry enriches the performance.
The new staging of The Shiralee offers audiences a fresh perspective on a story that has long been embedded in Australian culture. With its examination of familial bonds and societal expectations, it invites viewers to reflect on their own narratives while celebrating the legacy of a classic tale.
The production will run at the Drama Theatre in Sydney Opera House until November 29, 2023. For those interested in the original miniseries, it is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
