‘This isn’t high school’: JUTE Theatre explores grief, addiction and manipulation in new show, Cooked
Lightning storm survivors confront trauma and cult influence in JUTE Theatre's electric new drama exploring the dark undercurrents of regional Australian youth.
A crisis of faith, hope and delusion combine in electric new show, Cooked, by JUTE Theatre Co at Bulmba-ja Arts Centre on November 28 and 29.
The dramatic comedy, written by JUTE Theatre creative producer Kathryn Ash, is set in a small Queensland town and follows the “Electric Five” – the survivors of a freak lightning storm that claimed the lives of 17 young locals.
One year on, the survivors are brought together for a television documentary intended to celebrate resilience and healing.
Instead, the reunion triggers fractures, confessions and confrontations that expose a town caught between grief, sensationalism and the growing influence of a cult-like religious movement.
Director Amber Grossman said the show was about touched on relevant concepts for young people, particularly in a regional context.
“It is a deeply interesting narrative that takes many twists and turns, it is a play about young people and … touches on a unique perspective of youth,” Ms Grossman said.
“This is not a bullying narrative, this is not a high school, schoolyard bell ringing narrative, this is something deeper, something grittier that really explores the undercurrent of regional Australian youth.”
Actor Grace Meyers, plays Frankie, a 16-year-old who survived the freak storm that killed 17 of her peers.
“She’s developed an addiction to oxycodone … following the lightning storm and the accident and her chronic pain, so she’s certainly quite a volatile character,” Ms Meyers said.
“I hope audiences get to see a new perspective on this idea of troubled youth or troubled youth in regional towns in particular.”
Cooked, will premiere at Bulmba-ja Arts Centre on Friday, November 28, and Saturday, November 29.
Tickets are on sale now on the Jute Theatre Co website.
Warning: Cooked contains strong language; mature themes relating to religion and spirituality; references to drug and alcohol use; depictions of grief, trauma and death; loud noises associated with extreme weather; and discussion of underage sexual exploitation. Recommended for mature audiences 15+.
More Coverage
Originally published as ‘This isn’t high school’: JUTE Theatre explores grief, addiction and manipulation in new show, Cooked
