The acclaimed Australian miniseries, The Shiralee, originally broadcast in 1988, is being adapted for the stage, marking a significant cultural revival. Starring Bryan Brown and Rebecca Smart, the miniseries captured the hearts of viewers as it followed the journey of an itinerant boxer and his daughter. The new theatrical version, set to premiere at the Sydney Opera House on October 6, 2023, is directed by Kate Mulvany, who also stars in the production.
In the original miniseries, which became the most-watched television show in Australia in its airing year, Macauley, portrayed by Brown, grapples with the challenges of fatherhood while navigating the complexities of his own life. Now, Mulvany aims to return to the source material, D’Arcy Niland’s 1955 novel, to create a more nuanced exploration of the characters and their struggles.
Mulvany reflects on the impact of the original series, stating, “It got me. I’d watch it with my dad.” Her personal connection to the story is deepened by the memories of her own father, a Vietnam veteran, who often shared insights about their life on the road. This adaptation is not just a retelling; it serves as a tribute to her father and an examination of masculinity, vulnerability, and the relationships between fathers and daughters.
The storyline of The Shiralee follows Macauley, an itinerant worker and boxer who, after losing his first love, Lily, finds himself in a complicated relationship with Marge, whom he marries. As they grapple with the difficulties of life, their daughter, Buster, becomes a focal point of their tumultuous existence.
Mulvany emphasizes the darker themes present in Niland’s work, describing it as “so much darker” than the original miniseries. She aims to delve into Macauley’s emotional struggles, allowing the audience to witness a character wrestling with his past while trying to connect with his daughter. “There’s trauma in his own life that resonates into the world around him,” says Josh McConville, who plays Macauley. He adds that the character’s journey involves grappling with emotions that have long been suppressed.
The complexity of Macauley’s character demands a wide emotional range from McConville, who notes the challenge of conveying both his character’s violent tendencies and tender moments with Buster. Mulvany has crafted this role specifically for him, recognizing the need for an actor who embodies both warmth and strength. “You have to have that sort of an actor in order to step into the shoes of Mac,” she explains.
The character of Marge, Macauley’s wife, is also given a more profound examination in this adaptation. Rather than being simply portrayed as a “bad mother,” her actions reflect the harsh realities of life in the 1950s. “Marge is doing what she has to do to keep her roof over their heads,” Mulvany states, highlighting the difficult choices faced by women of that era.
As the production gears up for its opening, the cast, including Ziggy Resnick as young Buster, prepares to portray a world rife with challenges, including themes of addiction and survival. Mulvany has made a conscious decision to keep the character of Buster at a young age to emphasize the brutality of the environment without subjecting a child actor to the darker aspects of the narrative.
For Mulvany, The Shiralee represents more than just a theatrical endeavor; it symbolizes a lasting connection to her father, who passed away in 2017. She recounts a poignant moment of reaching for her phone to call him during the creative process, only to remember he was no longer there. “He’s so present in my head and in the room right now,” she reflects.
The stage adaptation of The Shiralee not only aims to honor the original narrative but also seeks to resonate with contemporary audiences by exploring themes of familial bonds and the complexities of masculinity. With performances running from October 6 to November 29, 2023, the Sydney Theatre Company invites audiences to engage with a powerful story that continues to evoke deep emotions and reflections on human relationships.
