'The Castle meets The Club in this original family drama that asks us: what are we willing to sacrifice for the great game?
'Doug Williams is the greatest footballer Donnybrook has ever seen. Hard as flint. Salt of the earth.
'Delveen, his wife, has been by his side for years, through head knock after head knock.
'The club want to honour Doug with a lifetime achievement award, so the kids are all flying home to join the celebration. But the sure hands of this once great player are starting to fumble the ball.
'Barracking for the Umpire tackles blokes and their vulnerability, the fragility of the human body, and the impacts of brain injury on ourselves, our family, and our community. This story will resonate with every AFL fan, player, and parent.'
Source: Black Swan Theatre Company.
Presented by the Black Swan Theatre Company of WA, 24 March - 10 April 2022, Subiaco Arts Centre.
Director: Clare Watson.
Set and Costume Designer: Sara Chirichilli.
Lighting Designer: Lucy Birkinshaw.
Cast: Caroline Brazier, Jo Morris, Kelton Pell, Stephanie Somerville, and Ian Wilkes.
Encore season by Black Swan Theatre Company of WA, 23 April - 5 May 2024, at Subiaco Arts Centre.
Director: Clare Watson.
Set and Costume Designer: Sara Chirichilli.
Lighting Designer: Lucy Birkinshaw.
Composer and Sound Designer: Joe Paradise Lui.
Dramaturg: Polly Low.
Cast: Michael Abercromby, Pippa Grandison, Joel Jackson, Steve Le Marquand, Jo Morris, and Ian Wilkes.
'Australian football culture – good and bad – is at the heart of this debut offering.'
'Australian football culture – good and bad – is at the heart of this debut offering.'
