Malthouse Theatre to Stage PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK, 29 Feb-20 March

Tom Wright's World Premiere adaptation of PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK, based on Joan Lindsay's novel, will be directed by Matthew Lutton at Malthouse Theatre's Merlyn Theatre, running 26 February - 20 March 2016. Set to star are Harriet Gordon-Anderson, Arielle Gray, Amber McMahon and Nikki Shiels.

The play features set & costume design by Zoe Atkinson, lighting design by Paul Jackson, composition by Ash Gibson Grieg and sound design by J. David Franzke.

Matthew Lutton, Artistic Director, says: "Lindsay is one of Australia's most revered writers. Her 1967 novel has haunted our psyche, inspired a legendary film, and still speaks to what it means to live in this country and be Australian today. This is Malthouse Theatre's 2016 vision of Lindsay's nightmare."

PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK is a piece of Australian mythology that has cemented itself in the national psyche. But never before has it been adapted for the stage - until now. Joan Lindsay's haunting tale has had such an impact that it has established itself as a piece of faux-Australian history, helped in large part by the celebrated film adaptation directed by Peter Weir.

One summer's day in 1900, three schoolgirls and a teacher inexplicably vanished, never to be seen again. In this chilling adaptation, five performers will struggle to solve the mystery, and in the process find that the potential for history to repeat itself is nightmarishly real. PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK is a story that defies explanation, a story that proves that horror is a warm, sunny day.

A co-production with Black Swan State Theatre Company. Proudly supported by the Art Series Hotel Group.