Tim Winton is synonymous with the Western Australian psyche. There is perhaps no greater pride than seeing stacks and stacks of his most recent release consuming the shop fronts of London high street book stores as a humble sandgroper far from home.
Black Swan Theatre Company’s The Shepherd’s Hut celebrates what we know, expect and savour from Winton: it’s sometimes languid, sometimes larrikin, always lyrical and, ultimately, about the limitless power of love.
Its also a lot of sadness near/around/on sand (beach or outback) – another Winton speciality.
Tim McGarry, the writer, has expertly adapted the complexity of the novel to an impactful stage production. We follow Jaxie Clackton, a teenage boy fleeing a violent home life and trekking across the harsh Western Australian landscape. Here he meets Fintan MacGillis – an Irish priest in exile with his own secrets. No pre-reading is required though – god bless.
The Shepherd’s Hut. Photography Philip Gostelow.
McGarry strikes a perfect balance between light and dark which keep you gripped over the 90 minute run time. Its a coming-of-age tale with moments of extreme trauma and violence, along with tender moments of connection and gentle laughter (usually compliments of George Shevtsov’s MacGillis).
The success of the script is in large part due to expert emotional release and control of the ensemble cast. Their commitment to an almost unrelenting stream of narration and dialogue is admirable. The direction works in synergy with these factors. The ebb and flow of the actors movements and pace are organic and fluid.
Given the stark and baron setting, the production leans almost exclusively on prose, atmosphere and performance rather than elaborate staging. This challenge is ultimately its greater strength. While it might seem impossible, Heath Ledger Theatre is effectively transformed into a vast and isolated scrub.
There are moments of discomfort and heaviness that are challenging, but they feel honest rather than gratuitous. The Shepard’s Hut is a masterclass of raw and powerful storytelling – and a must see of contemporary theatre.
The Shepard’s Hut is on from May 9-31 at the Heath Ledger Theatre.