Cirrus@Austlit

'In August 2011, Animal Farm, one of the most controversial and studied political commentaries arrives in Brisbane in a brand new physical theatre production. Playing at the Cremorne Theatre for a strictly limited season, George Orwell's simple yet intensely powerful fairy tale illustrates how greed and absolute power corrupts absolutely and, with devastating consequences, can change the course of history.

Revolution has taken place at Manor Farm. The pigs have assumed control and under the principles of 'Animalism' a better life free from human service is promised to all. Guided by a simple set of rules and an unrelenting respect for authority, it is not long until the rules that promised freedom become the chains that bind the animals once again. Directed by Michael Futcher and brought to life by shake & stir theatre co and a cast of Queensland's most dynamic actors, Animal Farm promises to be one of the most shocking, exciting, relevant and wickedly funny theatre events of 2011.' (Source: http://www.shakeandstir.com.au/animalfarm.html)

'A blistering new one-man version of George Orwell’s political classic.

'Revolution is coming to Manor Farm. Under the guidance of some rebellious pigs, a group of farm animals unite to drive out their cruel human oppressors and build utopia. But the swine are not as united as they appear and their division gives rise to a terrifying new system of power and repression.

'Written in the 1940s as a response to the rise of authoritarian governments around the world, Animal Farm is a searing examination of extremist rule.

'In his final production as Artistic Director, Geordie Brookman and the mercurial Renato Musolino join forces to create a scintillating take on one of the greatest stories of English literature. A sublime and unadorned piece of theatrical storytelling, Animal Farm will see Musolino inhabit upwards of 20 characters, from the revolutionary pigs to the stoic draft horse and the tyrannical Mr Jones.'

Source: State Theatre Company of South Australia program.

'Manor Farm is in a state of rebellion as a gang of pigs unite to overthrow their cruel human oppressor.

'Written in the 1940s by George Orwell as a response to the rise of authoritarian governments, Animal Farm is a timeless examination of extremist rule. This new adaptation continues to caution with the universal message that power can corrupt – and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

'Adapted by political powerhouse Van Badham (Banging Denmark, Q&A, The Drum and writer at The Guardian), this high-octane three-hander features a cast of stellar comedians, improvisers and storytellers. They bring to life a farmyard of characters including the hardworking Boxer and power-hungry Napoleon. This is a biting political satire that will make you grunt.'

Source: Black Swan Theatre Company.

'Why do we to suffer? 

'There is only one answer: MAN. 

'We are being robbed of everything. 

'One of the most brutal stories ever told. Written by one of the most incisive and subversive writers of the twentieth century. 

'Adapted by The Bloomshed, George Orwell’s fierce critique of power is funnelled through a contemporary context that sees political oppression, extremism, misinformation and food production erupt into an all-out assault on our contemporary political landscape. ANIMAL FARM is a high-octane mess of punk-protest, political allegory and epic theatre with a rhythm beaten out on abandoned grain silos. 

'If you want to make an omelette, you’ve got to crack some eggs.'

Source: Theatre Works.