Michael Gow (1) (1955–)

This is a play of dialogs and trialogs displaying with unpleasant accuracy the many forms of dysfunction within families. One couple has a soldier son who died. A second couple has a dying child. The third couple' child unforgivingly observes their unhappiness. The buildup is like watching a pileup. But while some resolution is declared and played by rote, any scenes where the characters show that, at a minimum, they have seen the source of another's pain are just missing.

Away is a fine example of Australian theatre and I really enjoyed reading it. Despite being set on holidays, this play is actually about coming home. Coral's illness, Tom's knowledge of his fate, Gwen's attitude to life - all are things which set these characters apart from their peers and loved ones. Yet at the end we see all come together in a spirit of cooperation and enjoyment bringing closure or the sense of 'coming home' mentioned earlier. I would very much like to see this play performed.

I wound up with two copies of this. I read the other copy, but here's what I thought.

Away is a fine example of Australian theatre and I really enjoyed reading it. Despite being set on holidays, this play is actually about coming home. Coral's illness, Tom's knowledge of his fate, Gwen's attitude to life - all are things which set these characters apart from their peers and loved ones. Yet at the end we see all come together in a spirit of cooperation and enjoyment bringing closure or the show more sense of 'coming home' mentioned earlier. I would very much like to see this play performed. show less