See the A Clockwork Orange performed on stage
When Anthony Burgess’ A Clockwork Orange was first released in 1962, the novel sparked outcry in its native Britain. The read was heavy with violence, greed, manipulation, aggression and power, and was met with opposition almost immediately. Despite its dark plotlines, the novel is today largely lauded as literary genius and can be enjoyed in its latest incarnation as a theatrical production at QPAC.
A Clockwork Orange questions the essence of human nature and its wicked ways. Underlying themes of freedom are also prevalent, with the author posing thought-provoking questions like “Is it better for a man to have chosen evil rather than to have good imposed upon him?”
The novel also follows the story of young Alex and his gang of droogs as they pillage their local area in a dystopian kingdom. The stage is set in near-future London in a land infiltrated by terror and where the youth interact with a Russian-influenced vernacular that is referred to as ‘Nadsat’. Since its literary debut, the notorious story has found fame onscreen thanks to the unique eye of Stanley Kubrick, as well as recently hitting the stage as a production to shortly reach QPAC.
To mark the 50th anniversary of the novel’s creation, the theatrical production of A Clockwork Orange will tour Australia this month fresh from its UK debut. Martin McCreadie stars as main protagonist Alex in a modern interpretation of the text that will run from May 28 to June 9. The play is accompanied by a soundtrack filled with musical numbers from acts including Gossip, David Bowie, The Scissor Sisters, Placebo and Beethoven.
To find out more about what’s on in Brisbane, head to our Event Guide.
