This event is part of the UK/Australia Season.
The UK/Australia Season is a major new cultural exchange celebrating the diverse and innovative artist communities and cultural sectors of each nation. A collaboration between the British Council and the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, The Season is a vibrant programme spanning theatre, film, visual arts, dance, design, architecture, music, literature, higher education and a public engagement programme.
Designed to strengthen and build cultural connections, the Season theme is “Who Are We Now?” and will reflect on our history, explore our current relationship, and imagine our future together. The Season launched in both countries in September 2021.
Overview
Presented by the Birmingham 2022 Festival
எண்ணிக்கை, இல்லையேல் கையோங்கு ගණන් නොගන්නේ නම් ගණන් කරන්න
On the banks of a suburban Sydney river, Radha and her son Siddhartha release the ashes of Radha’s mother – their final connection to the past, to Sri Lanka and its struggles. Now they are free to embrace their lives in Australia. But a phone call from Colombo brings the past spinning back to life, and we’re plunged into an epic story of love and political strife, of home and exile, of parents and children.
Counting and Cracking is a work of international ensemble theatre. It features a world-class cast of 19 performers hailing from six different countries: Australia; Sri Lanka; India; Malaysia; New Zealand and France. It follows the journey of one Sri Lankan-Australian family over four generations, from 1956 to 2004. In the course of telling this family’s epic story of break up and reunion, the narrative also tells the tale of two countries: Sri Lanka post-independence and Australia as an immigrant nation.
Winner of 14 major awards including Helpmann Awards for Best Production and Best Direction, Counting and Cracking is touring to the UK, presented as part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival.
Acknowledgements
Presented by Season Patrons, the Australian Government including through its Australian Cultural Fund and International Cultural Diplomacy Art Fund, the NSW Government through Create NSW and the British Council, as part of the UK/Australia Season 2021-22.
Originally co produced by Belvoir with Co-Curious, developed with the support of Curious Works.
And co-commissioned by Confederation of Australian International Arts Festivals Inc, Sydney Festival, Adelaide Festival and Belvoir.
The UK tour is supported by Sam Meers AO, David Gonski AC & Dr Orli Wargon OAM, Simon Mordant AO & Catriona Mordant AM. The Executive Producer is Sue Donnelly.
Presented by Birmingham 2022 Festival. Generously supported by Arts Council England and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
