This lively production delves into the complexities of relationships, societal expectations, and queer culture through a witty and unconventional lens, promising to entertain with its clever dialogue and unexpected twists, offering a contemporary comedy of manners.
Hayden Burke, Artistic Director of 7th Floor Theatre, highlights the company’s commitment to supporting local talent and fostering community creativity, describing 'Australian Open' as an ensemble piece that challenges societal norms while celebrating queer culture.
The play centres on Felix, whose 31st birthday dinner with his parents takes a dramatic turn when their conversation shifts from trivial matters to more provocative territory. The moment Felix reveals that he and his boyfriend, Lucas, plan to maintain their open relationship even after marriage, it sparks a chaotic series of events. What begins as a casual family dinner soon spirals into a witty and debauched exploration of relationships, expectations, and identity, with plenty of surprises along the way.
Here, we speak to 'Australian Open' Playwright Angus Cameron ahead of the show's run at PIP Theatre.
Firstly, how does it feel to be launching PIP’s 2025 season?!
It's always a pleasure to open anything up, and being first into PIP for 2025 is no exception.
What do you like about PIP Theatre?
Not being a native Brisbanite, I am unfamiliar with their game. But I certainly appreciate that they're willing to take a punt on my play. More theatres should do that.
Tell us a bit about ‘Australian Open’.
'Australian Open' is fast-paced and fun, it's a good night out, it's a comedy where everyone's politics get playfully interrogated and afterwards families can engage in conversation about relationships, love, and what it means to be there for someone.
Of course, the show is playing at a pretty convenient time for Australia (while the ACTUAL Australian Open is on!). Where did the inspiration for this production come from?
The play came about for a few reasons: first, I thought of the title and the pun was too good to pass up. It was also a time when marriage equality was in the air. I also set myself the intention of writing a fun, crowd-pleasing romp, combining light social commentary with entertainment. I just wanted people to enjoy themselves. Once the premise was clear the play unfolded pretty easily.
Why do you think this is a story worthy of being told?
There's not enough queer joy – I felt that when I wrote the play and I feel it now. We don't have to centralise or mine expected trauma to be worthy of being main characters. There are so many experiences, situations, and characters out there that get overlooked because they're not the 'right kind' of minority story – I think we need to liberate ourselves from this kind of thinking and embrace creativity. If writers are also connecting with broader humanity, you'd be surprised at what audiences will enjoy if given the opportunity.
It’s been around for a few years now. What’s the best part about presenting this show to audiences?
I'm very grateful to the many lives this play has had and the way it continues to make people laugh. It's one thing to write a play and it's another for it to connect with audiences, it's another thing again for it to do so multiple times! The best part is feeling as though I have done a good job of the thing I wanted to do, which is write a play.
What got you into the world of theatre, and, more specifically, creating it?
Growing up in regional Victoria, I never really felt like I connected with a lot of texts about my immediate vicinity; instead, I was drawn to plays and characters like those of Tennessee Williams. So, I felt there was more to be done to capture the world around me, the lives of those I knew, my experiences, and I wanted to be able to reflect that because perhaps then others might feel less alone. Writing seemed like the starting place to achieve this, especially in so far as a written document can survive time and the ephemerality of a singular performance.
How are you hoping PIP Theatre audiences respond to ‘Australian Open’?
I hope they love me.
And what’s next for you – is there something you’d love to explore on stage you’ve not been able to yet?
I would like to write more comedy, more joy, but it's been a difficult few years and opportunities seem fewer and fewer, and it's hard to not let that creep into the work. I am in awe of those who can block it out and focus on writing something great. I just hope to end up in a place where I can continue.
'Australian Open' is on at PIP Theatre (Brisbane) 8-18 January.
