Children Of the Sun at Sydney Opera House

By Benjamen Judd

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The Sydney Opera House never fails to entertain and this season their showing of Maxim Gorky’s grim comedy Children of the Sun is a must for anyone staying in our city.

Reinterpreted by the brilliant Andrew Upton and presented by The Sydney Theatre Co., Children of the Sun, which runs until October 23, is an exploration of the human condition against the backdrop of Russian aristocracy.

In a rambling mansion in provincial Russia at the beginning of the 20th century, a sister, a brother, their partners and admirers pursue their intimate intrigues oblivious to bigger new realities brewing at their door. A family born to privilege but bound for dysfunction.

Protasov might be the man of the house, but, even when he lifts his eyes from his chemistry set, he is blind to his wife’s infidelities, his friend’s advances and his sister’s quiet despair. In something of a casting coup, three of Australia’s most treasured actresses – Justine Clarke ( Les Liaisons Dangereuses ), Jacqueline McKenzie ( Sex with Strangers ) and Helen Thomson ( Mrs Warren’s Profession ) – form a formidable trio around our hero, as outside the propulsive energy of revolution reaches a crescendo.

Both a sparkling comedy and a thoughtful exploration of the larger issues of privilege, progress and being caught at the wrong end of history, Children of the Sun captures the atmosphere of upheaval of its era – with more than a fleeting resonance to our own troubled times.

Andrew Upton’s vision of Gorsky’s Children of the Sun is now showing at the Sydney Opera House until Thursday, October 23.

Warning: Contains theatrical haze, strobe lighting and limited organic herbal cigarette smoking.