From page to stage: Trent Dalton’s Love Stories takes theatrical leap

Armed with an Olivetti typewriter and a keen ear on a bustling street corner in Brisbane’s CBD, best-selling author Trent Dalton listened to tales of love in all its forms, from the beginnings of romance to the bittersweet farewell of loss.

Now the stories will have their own stage adaptation to premiere at QPAC during this year’s Brisbane Festival in September.

Actor Jason Klarwein will play the Trent Dalton role in the stage adaptation of Dalton’s book Love Stories, playing during Brisbane Festival 2024.Credit: David Kelly

“Can you please tell me a love story?” The question triggered 150 tales from strangers in 2021 that formed his book Love Stories that went on to win Book of the Year at the 2022 Indie Book Awards.

From an actress torn between love and ambition and a dance shared by a husband and wife amidst the shadows of dementia to a widow who witnessed her husband save two children from a falling awning at the cost of his own life, Dalton’s narratives invite people to ponder the depths of love’s infinite possibilities.

Love Stories will be adapted for the stage by Tim McGarry, with additional writing and story by Dalton and his wife Fiona Franzmann, and directed by Sam Strong, following the success of Strong and McGarry’s stage adaptation of Boy Swallows Universe.

Leading the cast are Matilda Award-winner Jason Klarwein as the writer and husband, and Michala Banas as his wife, while Rashidi Edward is the narrator Jean-Benoit, a Belgian busker who befriends the writer on the corner of Adelaide and Albert streets.

Dalton said the stage adaptation would involve more of his and his wife’s own love story.

Trent Dalton and wife Fiona Franzmann.Credit: Lyndon Mechielsen

“What I never said in that book was just how much I was learning [from] the people on the street ... so people might get something out of our story too,” he said.

“I was guilty of leaving the complex parts out over the 23 years of our relationship and the failings that I have had as a husband.

“Fiona has been unsparing and unmerciful with the dialogue and the play is so much more powerful because of her.

“I’m normally the one talking, so this is her first chance to share her thoughts with everyone. I’m very proud of her.”

Dalton said the love stories were colourful and sometimes tragic.

“Love can often be seen as a cheese ball thing or as blind optimism to believe in love these days but trust me, this is the absolute reason we’re here,” he said.

“Why do you do things in life? To love. To love five people. If you’ve got 10 people to love then I’d say you’re the luckiest person in the world.

“It doesn’t matter how you find it ... all you have to do is believe in it.”

McGarry said the stories that captured really extraordinary moments of the heart were incredibly raw and honest.

“The overarching theme is love but as we looked at the stories and the dialogue Trent and Fiona had so beautifully written, we realised there was going to be the notion of ‘home’ and what that means for all of us.

“Whether it’s a physical home, a home with a partner or home in your heart and in yourself.

“One of the pieces of advice I give my daughters, as simple as it sounds, is to follow your conscience and follow your heart. If you let them guide, you will find the happiness that we all strive for.”

When asked what he thought about the high expectations after the success of Boy Swallows Universe, McGarry said the creative team had made a conscious choice to make this production different.

“It feels like the pressure is on,” he said.

“I hope the audience goes away realising life is incredibly short. Open your heart to the world and the people around you and be happy in the moment right now.”

Love Stories will play at the Playhouse, QPAC, September 10-29. Tickets ($79-$99) are on sale via qpac.com.au or 136 246.

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