THE WHALE
By Samuel D. Hunter
Directed by Jennifer Sarah Dean
28 JUN — 14 JUL 2024
Approx. 120 minutes with interval
Alex Theatre, St Kilda
1/135 Fitzroy St, St Kilda VIC 3182
MSC Studio is proud to present the Victorian premiere of
The Whale by Samuel D. Hunter. A gripping exploration of isolation, redemption, and human connection.
On the outskirts of Mormon Country, Idaho, Charlie hides away in his apartment. Desperate to reconnect with his long-estranged daughter, he reaches out to her, only to find a viciously sharp-tongued and wildly unhappy teen. Big-hearted and fiercely funny, The Whale tells the story of a man's last chance at redemption, and of finding beauty in the most unexpected places.
PlayWright Samuel D. Hunter
Hailing from Moscow, Idaho, Samuel D. Hunter earned acclaim for his plays A Bright New Boise and The Whale, winning the 2011 Obie Award and the 2013 Drama Desk Award, respectively. His impactful storytelling led to a 2014 MacArthur Fellowship, delving into themes of faith and human connection. Hunter's acclaimed stage production, The Whale, received significant recognition with its cinematic adaptation, earning him a BAFTA Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay in 2023 and clinching two Oscars, including Best Actor for Brendan Fraser.
During my career I have been fortunate enough to be in a real variety of theatrical productions, but the thing that unifies them all is telling important stories. At heart I am a storyteller and after reading this play I immediately knew that it was a story that I wanted to share.
Charlie’s story is one that is often overlooked. It’s a story of someone who is imperfect, racked with grief and guilt and yet he is striving for connection, redemption and a better future for his daughter. I love that this play isn’t afraid to explore some of the more challenging, complex and conflicting parts of us that are inherently human.
I am excited to be able to share Charlie’s story with Melbourne audiences for the first time here at The Alex Theatre in St Kilda.
The Whale TEAM
Thank you to the Palais Theatre Community Fund and the City of Port Phillip.
