HIR

★★★★ “HIR was done not so long ago in Sydney so why re-visit? Because director Patrick Howard has delivered a version which takes into account the rapid shifts in current world issues and attitudes. A little lesson how important is a director’s vision and decisions made by casts. HIR is challenging, dark and provocative. And current. You up for it?” Theatre Now

“A wild and potent fantasy of feminist resistance … Director Patrick Howard demonstrates genuine affiliation with the spirit of the writing, making the production a captivating one … Thoughtful set design by Victor Kalka and Xan Hardman’s costumes bring vibrancy to the staging.” Suzy Goes See

“The cast is impressive: Jodine Muir captures the stubborn, new-born woke-ness of Paige and brings vital energy to the early family tirades. A rascally Rowan Greaves is convincing as an infirmed Arnold, Lola Kate Carlton is both fierce and funny as young Max and Luke Visentin is consistently true and engaging as the lost Isaac.” Stage Whispers

“A bruising, darkly funny interrogation of what happens when old systems collapse, it delivers moments of incisive commentary laced with biting caprice. Part domestic farce, part political scream, but never subtle — and all the more powerful for it.” Faith in Theatres

★★★.5 “A powerful commentary on a dysfunctional time, this production shows ways in which we could (and definitely should not) deal with it … Leaves audiences with a lot to consider. And it is that consideration which makes it valuable.” State of the Art

★★★.5 “Taylor Mac’s HIR, now over a decade old, remains startlingly ahead of its time … Mac’s lived experience outside the gender binary lends his observations both sharpness and authenticity. But beneath the surface, HIR it is a raw exploration of trauma and control … Its characters are deliciously complex … Mac understands it’s the person beneath the surface who truly matters.” Cultural Binge

“A fine interpretation of Taylor Mac’s play … HIR has an important message to relay and is well-balanced between drama and comedy. Worth seeing!” Absolute Theatre

“A gorgeously grotesque and merrily misanthropic romp.” Australian Stage

“A fearless and emotionally potent production that’s brought to life in a really funny and really dark manner … This is theatre at its best: ambitious, well executed, and unafraid to wrestle with the big questions.” Theatre Thoughts

“The audience was taken on a roller coaster of contradictory emotions. What begins as a conventional family drama is broken wide open, resulting in an insightful, relevant, and challenging genderqueer piece of theatre.” Guide to Gay

“Taylor Mac’s play is provoking. You want to laugh – but feel a bit guilty when you do! … All four performers make this very challenging play one that stays with you.” Carol Wimmer

★★★.5 “Explores the collision of PTSD and male privilege … Mac has crafted a family in free fall in a country that provides no parachutes … Plus there are some genuine laugh-out-loud moments.” Arts Hub

“Thanks to writing that honours the need for fully formed characters, direction that gives the story the seriousness that true satire deserves, production qualities that make it like watching a warped sitcom live on stage, and – especially – total commitment from its cast, HIR rises up to make compelling theatre.” Ricky Osman

“A camp tour de force that screams for the audience to sit up, listen and pay attention … With American politics rapidly infiltrating the rights of so many while seemingly at odds with it’s own people, HIR has never been more relevant nor more of a must see.” Australian Arts Review