When Newcastle playwright Carl Caulfield started drafting his latest play, The Whisper, he wanted to write a thriller exploring how the online world is perverting our understanding of reality.
He knew he'd be delving into the murky underworld of trolls and incels; what he didn't expect to do was revisit his upbringing as a Catholic.
"I was interested at looking how disinformation and conspiracy theories that have always been part of the human experience have become more mainstream and problematic because of the internet," he says.
"In looking at people's belief systems I realised I could draw on my own experience of Catholicism."
Seven drafts later, The Whisper is set to make its world premiere as part of the UpStage season at the Playhouse, produced by Stray Dogs Theatre Company. Caulfield is co-directing with Felicity Biggins and a cast of local actors: Tony Jozef, Matt McFarlane, Tracey Gordon, Isabella O'Brien and Austin Cooper. Set design is by the award-winning Newcastle sculptor Roger McFarlane, with lighting and sound by Matt Hudson and costumes by Ghilly Sullivan.
Caulfield says the play can best be described as a comedy/thriller/tragedy: "I don't want too many spoilers, but the premise is, a stranger answers an ad to lodge at the home of the Ellin family in suburban Sydney. He bears the same name and a striking resemblance to their deceased son, brother and grandson, Cameron. Havoc ensues!"
Stray Dogs had a hit in the 2024 season of UpStage with Karma Kafé, a musical by Caulfield and Gareth Hudson.
The Whisper is a dark tragi-comedy for our age, the story of an ordinary Australian family questioning their beliefs and values at a time where two plus two equals five, cognitive dissonance is deafening, and the tech bros are surveilling us through our phones.
"Known for creating ambitious thought-provoking theatre, Stray Dogs continues to create challenging work that engages and resonates with audiences," Civic Theatre executive manager Leonie Wallace says.
"We are thrilled to have them as part of a season that continues to champion new works and bold re-imaginings, bringing exciting and distinctive theatre to the Playhouse stage."
