Cirrus@Austlit

Commissioned by the Sydney Theatre Company, Gronks explores issues concerning domestic violence, families living in poverty, street kids who live in extreme circumstances and police harassment. It was largely inspired by the real life events which took place during the Redfern and Macquarie Fields riots in Sydney, and was was devised after extensive research, including interviews with street kids, police and social workers.

The action takes place over four days, beginning in the country where the Kay family live. The play opens with the daughter, Danny (who is already in trouble with the police), describing her life in the country with her mother, father and brother. When her brother takes off from home after beating up their drunken and violent father the mother, Wendy, decides that she too has suffered one too many domestic battles. She and Danny leave their home and travel to the city where they move in with an uncle who lives in (the fictitious suburb of) Cook Vale. Unbeknownst to all concerned, a police operation codenamed Endeavour is about to go ahead, with the intention being to target crime and violence in the Cook Vale area. The tension is increased as situations arise that put pressure on both mother and daughter. Danny's problems occur after she meets a group of street kids. While hanging out she helps steal money from a local pusher to buy drugs and alcohol. Danny's father, Barry, appears at the uncle's home in an effort to reconcile his marriage. Howwever, after he gets gets drunk and is harrassed by the police Barry goes back and takes out his frustrations by bashing Wendy. The climax sees a riot take place after the brother of one of Danny's new friends is accidentally killed by police.