AUSTRALIAN PREMIERE
It’s easy for you to accuse me now but you don’t understand. Everyone lived like we did! Well maybe not ‘everyone’, everyone. But… I wasn’t worse than anyone else.
The near future. The heat is stifling. The air is unbreathable. The climate emergency is escalating and there’s going to be a reckoning as those responsible are held to account for the damage done. The jurors? Teenagers.
A jury of young people weigh up the fate of adult defendants, each of whom attempts to defend their carbon footprint and its devastating consequences. But are the jury delivering justice, or just taking revenge?
Confronting, shocking, and searingly relevant, The Trials grapples with the burning questions of our age – what kind of planet are we leaving for our children? Will they condemn us for not taking action when we had the chance? And will they be justified?
The Trials was first performed at the Düsseldorfer Schauspielhaus in January 2022, followed by a West End run at the Donmar Warehouse, London, in August. In 2023, Canberra Youth Theatre will stage the Australian premiere of one of the most urgent and galvanising plays of our time.
“ ★★★★ A gripping climate dystopia… compelling and fascinating… a parable about the near future that’s also an unsettling window into the vertiginous chaos of revolution.”
– Time Out London
“Compelling… it holds us in its grip… a play that demands self-reflection and soul-searching beyond the auditorium.”
– The Guardian UK
This performance is supported by Canberra Theatre Centre, as part of a commitment to nurturing the young and emerging artists of the ACT.
Cast
Aadhya Karthik
Alexi Clark Mitchell
Edith Baggoley
Genevieve Bradley
Imogen Bigsby-Chamberlin
Jacqueline Tatam
Joshua James
Kathleen Dunkerley
Matthew Hogan
Phoebe Silberman
Sebastian Leigh
Tara Saxena
with
Elaine Noon
Zsuzsi Soboslay
Michael Sparks
Creative Team
Director Luke Rogers
Assistant Director Emily Austin
Lighting Designer Ethan Hamill
Sound Designer Patrick Haesler
Stage Manager Rhiley Winnett
Program
CONTENT ADVISORY
This production features haze, loud noises and strong language.
The Trials contains scenes that some people may find difficult to watch. The themes of these scenes are detailed in the drop-down section below. Please note, this section contains spoilers.
If you would like more information please email us at info@canberrayouththeatre.com.au
