Marooned An Australian Play (Snippets)

By Michael Gray Griffith
Directed By John Orcsik

“A play about suicide that needs to be seen” the Sydney Morning Herald
But this play is not about death, it's about life, and as the review states “Marooned uses
communal storytelling, aka theatre, to confront Australia’s epidemic of life-threatening
despair, shame and grief. It does so with humour and compassion and raw honesty.
The play was written after the suicide of an actor and initially it was only meant to be
staged for the acting community as a form of healing, but from the first night it was clear
that the play was special. We have performed at the MTC Lawler and to many country
towns before being invited by The Australian Army to Canberra to perform for the Chief
of Army and other military VIPs.

For more info call Rohana 0425854942
Email thewolvestheatre@gmail.com
www.wolvestheatre.com

https://www.facebook.com/thewolvestheatre

The Wolves Theatre Company has been running since 2015. We produce bold and
original pieces that often are hard hitting and poignant. Marooned has both elements. It
makes a powerful statement about suicide while making the audience laugh, taking

them off guard.

Before the first great Melbourne lock-down
we performed two shows at the Red Rock
Regional Theatre near Colac. Before the
shows audiences were more reserved than
normal due to the fact that the play was
seen as a suicide prevention play however
both shows received a standing ovation.
People constantly urge us to bring this play
to their town. It’s an important play that
really resonates with audiences, especially
men. To date we have had over 50
performances. After the play people hang
around for ages wanting to talk and the
discussions are healthy. One young
lieutenant who saw it at Victoria Barracks
one weekend, drove 400kms to see it
again at Yarrawonga.
.

Marooned Quotes and Reviews

Our audiences are our best judges and so I will let them speak for the

play.

“Marooned is undoubtedly the finest piece of theatre I’ve seen in many years. It had me
in tears and belly laughing. Beautifully written and expertly performed. Stunningly good.”
~Megan Watts.
“Is it only last week Australian of the Year Grace Tame told us, “History, lived
experience, the whole truth, unsanitised and unedited, is our greatest learning resource.
It is what informs social and structural change”? Marooned is a play that fulfils this
urgent purpose, using communal storytelling, aka theatre, to confront Australia’s
epidemic of life-threatening despair, shame and grief. It does so with humour and
compassion and honesty. It needs to be seen” Harriot Cunningham.
The Sydney Morning Herald

Thank you for bringing Marooned to Castlemaine. My husband, daughter and I were in the
audience last night and were emotionally touched by the performance, as were the people
around us. We just wish our boy had had a chance to return but it was not to be. We are all
involved in suicide prevention in our local community and wish to thank you for all the
elements your play covered. It was very cleverly done and we sincerely hope more people
get to see this play for the discussion it would spark around suicide prevention.
“Each of the characters’ stories represents a different group in our community, but all
reveal how delicate is the human psyche, how fragile is our mental health and how
tenuous our grip on this life.” ~Kate Herbert ★★★ The Herald Sun
“This is an important play,” ~Alan Hopgood. Playwright
“While I can see the influences of Harold Pinter, this is not Pinter. This is an original
voice. And Marooned is a marvelous play. A clever and engaging work. Highly original
& witty.” ~Bruce Beresford Director
“Marooned is a revolution in Suicide Prevention because it entertains and holds an
audience’s attention, and while it powerfully conveys its message it manages to leave
you feeling uplifted.” ~LTCOL Andy Cohn Army Psychologist
“I laughed, I cried, I felt. It’s raw and extremely real. The actors are beyond amazing,
the writing is phenomenal. It was an occasional shifting of bodies that brought you back
to the reality that reminded you that this was a play.” ~Natalie Powel
“I think it’s fair to say that any play that holds your attention for 90 minutes is something
special. Having been in the audience, I can tell you this is that play. Miss it at your peril.”
~Simon Walters

If you get the chance, it is highly recommended. Funny, touching and poignant. Great
performances by all involved.” ~Brian Molony

“It’s refreshing, honest and raw – yet uplifting. I don’t think I’ve seen anything like this
on the topic of suicide. Fantastic script and performances.” ~Marie Budimir
“Brilliant is all I can say. It’s a story that needs to be told and everyone needs to see it.”
~Charlie Heylar
“What an absolutely brilliant show. Fantastic actors, superbly written. The cast, writer
and everyone associated with Marooned thoroughly deserved their standing ovation
and extended applause. A great theatre experience.” ~Jeffrey Byrant Jones
Well done - thanks for having us! Very important topic and great performances
Sabella Sugar Producer
Well done to all involved! What an incredibly moving play brought to life by the amazing
actors. Christine Turner
I encourage you all to see it. I went to Castlemaine when it was playing there. It’s an
excellent show.
Catherine Becker
One of the best Indy plays I’ve seen - about a tough subject - but it’s full of humour and
pathos. Reminded me of a young David Williamson, poignant and effective with a clever
premise. I can highly recommend it..
Richard Wolstencroft
Outstanding play!
Thought provoking, sad, funny.
Impressive cast who played their roles brilliantly.
I truly hope this play gets the growth and recognition it deserves. 
Robyn Tikal
Managing to make the audience laugh on such a serious topic is a great achievement.
Long life to Marooned!
Fiona Coletta
Congratulations!    Absolutely outstanding play.
I was deeply moved by it.
Debbie Mattea
Beautifully written "a masterpiece of a play" Kate Borland"
How to Book Marooned for your town.

You can book Marooned as a single event, a one-off fee will include
travel costs to bring the play to your town, and one night’s
accommodation for 4 actors plus tech. We suggest you apply for funding
allowing you to put the play on as a free event for the community. We
have found that local groups will help with marketing and generating
interest from within the community to attend the play and a hall or
theatre space can be hired or offered for free.
Or
You can book Marooned along with a workshop for Men run by The
Outback Mind Foundation You can also apply for a larger amount of
funding to incorporate this workshop to be a part of your event.

The Outback Mind Foundation

The Outback Mind Foundation exists to empower men throughout regional
Australia to live healthier, happier, more consciously connected lives. With the
climbing rates of mental health issues and male suicide, The Outback Mind
Foundation works to proactively get ahead of the problem, providing men with
the tools and solutions to find self-awareness and reach their full potential.
The Outback Mind was founded in 2019 by Aaron Schultz, becoming a health
promotion charity - The Outback Mind Foundation - in 2022. After more than
20 years of experience in managing male teams across the construction,
mining and manufacturing industries, Aaron knows that there is a huge need
to provide men in regional Australia with more mental health support. With a
preventative approach to men’s health, The Outback Mind Foundation
provides ongoing well-being solutions that aim to help men get in front of

their physical, mental, and emotional health.
https://www.outbackmind.org.au/

If you would like to book Marooned and or Marooned and the workshop
or just to find out more please contact us at
thewolvestheatre@gmail.com