Against the backdrop of one of the most intriguing events in Newcastles recent history, the grounding of the Pasha Bulker, we meet Farrah, a young Novocastrian with a fascination for Newcastles industrial port, a fascination none of her peers share or comprehend.
Yet when a storm forces the ship on Nobbys Beach and the worlds attention turns to the harbour she knows so well, the impact on Farrahs own reality is not what she expects. Farrahs obsession with shipping and bulk carriers allows audiences to explore universal themes of isolation, belonging and identity, and that time in your life when the obsessions of childhood get grounded in reality.
Tantrum Theatre and Australia’s flagship youth theatre company Australian Theatre for Young People have co-commissioned nationally recognised playwright Alana Valentine to create this new work which celebrates Newcastles identity and the significance of the working harbour to Newcastles culture.
Grounded will be performed by a cast of talented young people, accompanied by professional actor Paul Kelman. Paul is known for appearing in feature films such as Mullet with Ben Mendlsohn, Terra Nova and A Cold Summer, along with having roles in All Saints, McLeods Daughters, Home & Away, Water Rats and A Country Practice.
Grounded will be performed for a local audience at the Playhouse and also to Sydney audiences for a season at the Australian Theatre for Young People Studio 1, The Wharf.
Approximate running time 1hr and 30min with no interval. Recommended for ages 12 +