The Shepherd's Hut stage adaptation premieres in Perth

The world premiere of The Shepherd's Hut, adapted from Tim Winton's novel by Tim McGarry and directed by Matt Edgerton, opened at the Heath Ledger Theatre in Perth to a standing ovation. The Black Swan production features Ryan Hodson as Jaxie Clackton, a traumatized youth hiding in the desert, and George Shevtsov as Fintan MacGillis, a disgraced Irish priest living in isolation. The play uses dual narrators (Ella Prince and Ben Mortley) and expressionist set design by Bruce McKinven, with a literal sandpit stage and a versatile curtain of threads. Video design by Roly Skender, sound design by Tim Collins, and compositions by Rachael Dease enhance the atmosphere. The narrative explores trauma, memory, and redemption, with Jaxie projecting his abusive father onto Fintan through dual casting. The production runs until 31 May.