Sydney Theatre Company’s Rough Drafts are week-long creative developments that take occur regularly as part of the Company’s Next Stage program.  They give theatre makers the opportunity to experiment: to try out new ideas, new ways of working and new collaborations.

At the conclusion of each, audiences are invited to enjoy a free, one-off showing which gives a unique opportunity to delve into the creative process and ask questions of the artists.

Joining STC for Rough Draft #7 are director Sarah John and playwright Duncan Graham. Continuing their long standing creative partnership, the duo will collaborate with a team of four actors to workshop their latest project CUT.

This fledgling theatrical thriller, set in a gated community replete with security guard and video surveillance, is populated by a cast of characters whose need to protect themselves from the outside world, blinds them to the insidious threat within. Despite living a strata-controlled haven, the residents are unable to shut out fear, longing and loneliness. The underlying threat of violence haunts them, their homes and the play itself.  

Over the course of the week-long workshop Sarah and Duncan will seek to develop the first draft script and explore the possibilities for a future production. They will examine the text, consider its staging potential and seek to answer critical questions about what the work might become.

The company presents a one-off showing at the conclusion of the week on Saturday 24 July at 5pm, in Wharf 2. This will be a unique opportunity to hear the artists talk about the process of creative development and to have a sneak peak at fragments or extracts of a work in progress.

Tickets are free for Rough Drafts, but we do recommend booking in advance by calling the STC Box Office on (02) 9250 1777 or sydneytheatre.com.au