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The Stones single work   drama   young adult  
Issue Details: First known date: 1996... 1996 The Stones
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AbstractHistoryArchive Description

Although not a re-creation of real life events, The Stones is loosely based on the 1994 killing of a motorist by two Melbourne youths who were throwing rocks off an overpass. The subsequent manslaughter trial and issues raised inspired the authors to create a semi-fictional account of the lead-up to the incident and the consequences of the boys' actions on that night. The play is therefore the story of a ten year relationship between friends who are continually trying to out-do each other and who are hooked on the thrills of dares and danger. The play explores this competitive behaviour and recklessness which results first in damage and destruction, and eventually the death of a man travelling in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The play was written by Nantsou and Lycos after extensive research and the assistance from the Victorian Police Force. It is performed by two actor/musicians who play the two boys and two detectives. The actors are required to switch quickly between characters and instruments. The use of loud electric music, a Zeal Theatre tradition, is again used to help establish an 'informal-style' production.

Exhibitions

Teaching Resources

Teaching Resources

This work has teaching resources.

Teachers' notes via publisher's website.

Notes

  • The Stones was devised shortly after Zeal Theatre relocated from its original base in Newcastle to Melbourne, and came about through a collaboration between the company's founder, Stefo Nantsou and ex-Sidetrack Theatre member, Tom Lycos. The play remains arguably the company's most successful production.

  • It has been performed more than 850 times throughout Australia, Europe (incl. Holland, Germany, Denmark and Hungry), Great Britain (London and Wales), North America, Canada and Asia. Some significant seasons were staged at the Royal National Theatre (London), The Esplanade (Singapore), Comedie Theatre (Zagreb), Sydney's Wharf Theatre, and the New Victory Theatre (New York). Two special Australian versions were devised for Barking Gecko Theatre (Perth) and for the Queensland Arts Council.

  • The show has received a 1998 NSW Frater award ; a Drama VIC award for best secondary production ; the Don Mackay award for outstanding contribution to the arts in Victoria ; a 2004 Critics Choice Award (Budapest, Hungry) ; a 2002 Dutch Theater award for Best New Work ; and has been translated and performed in over 20 countries.

  • Details for this entry have been derived in part from 'The Queensland Arts Council Study Guide', written and edited by Ros Stokes.

Production Details

  • 1996 : Trinity College, Melbourne ; 12 June (premiere). Prod. Zeal Theatre ; Dir. Stefo Nantsou and Tom Lycos. - Cast: Stefo Nantsou, Tom Lycos.

Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of

First known date: 1996

Works about this Work

y separately published work icon Queensland Arts Council Presents Zeal Theatre in 'The Stones' Ros Stokes , Brisbane : Queensland Arts Council , 1999 Z1322259 1999 single work criticism This study guide was published by the Queensland Arts Council and timed to coincide with Zeal Theatre's tour of The Stones. The guide includes information on the company, the writer/performers, background to the creation of the work, and provides curriculum activities and resources.
y separately published work icon Queensland Arts Council Presents Zeal Theatre in 'The Stones' Ros Stokes , Brisbane : Queensland Arts Council , 1999 Z1322259 1999 single work criticism This study guide was published by the Queensland Arts Council and timed to coincide with Zeal Theatre's tour of The Stones. The guide includes information on the company, the writer/performers, background to the creation of the work, and provides curriculum activities and resources.
Last amended 21 Oct 2022 11:40:30
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