Olympic drama sets the scene for the Cultural Olympiad
A new play explores the coming drama of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games to be held in Brisbane.
The Cultural Olympiad is not upon us yet but with 2032 looming Brisbane’s upcoming Olympic Games has already inspired a new Australian play, to be premiered at PIP Theatre’s annual Toucan Club Festival.
8 More Years is a quintessentially Australian comedy with relatable flavour and, according to our sources, a touch of Kath and Kim. It is about the classic suburban family rife with petty dramas set against the backdrop of the countdown to the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which will be held in Brisbane.
Playwright Amelia Slatter says she wanted the piece to be a conversation starter and from all accounts it will be.
“I wanted to tell a story from a local and timely perspective,” Slatter says. “Something relatable, funny and silly, but also one that looks at how the upcoming Olympics will change Brisbane.
“News stories kept popping up about Queensland gearing up for the games, with large-scale developments on the cards – particularly the new Olympic stadium being built at Victoria Park and locals protesting the development.
“Public transport, congestion, cost of living and housing affordability are all things that will change how we live in the lead up to the games. Back in 2024, it got me thinking, what would Brisbane be like in eight years’ time?”
Slatter says the play is to make people think and discuss the issue and is not overtly political.
“I’m not opposed to the Olympics,” she says. “The play is intended to hold up a cheeky mirror to our home, our habits and the hilarious chaos that ensues with change. It is intended to spark a conversation about navigating change, not only socially and economically, but within a family unit.”
The play touches on some very real challenges faced by everyday Australian families, set against the backdrop of a fundamental part of our national identity – our sporting culture. It poses the question: How do we navigate progress and change?
Slatter will also star in the production as Tracy Baxter, a precocious eight-year-old who is not happy about her favourite park getting bulldozed. Sam Herbertson will star as 14-year-old potential Olympian Jay-sun Baxter, Hayden Burke is Coach and Meryn Cooper takes to the stage as Mum.
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Award-winning actor, theatre maker and puppeteer Calum Johnston will direct the production, with lighting design by Noah Milne and sound by Cam Cahill.
8 More Years dives headfirst into pure Aussie absurdity! It is part of PIP Theatre’s Toucan Club Festival, which features more than 30 productions from now until December 13.
8 More Years plays Pip Theatre, 20 Park Rd, Milton, December 10-12.