Amphibian

An epic story of displacement, loss and adapting to different worlds.

Chloe and Hassan are under suspicion for stealing money while feeding the class Axolotl. Sent outside to work out who’s responsible, the unlikely pair find they have something in common. Each of them has been forced by their parents to leave their respective homes and face life as the new kid at school.

As their personal histories are revealed, Chloe hears the incredible first-hand account of an Afghan boy who’s travelled alone, thousands of kilometres across land and sea, for a better life.

Is the discovery of Hassan’s back story enough to save him from Chloe’s desire to protect her position in her new-found friendship group?

A Windmill Theatre Company Production recommended for ages 12+. Written by Duncan Graham.

Presented by Arts Margaret River with support from Margaret River HEART.

“Exploring themes of displacement, loss, and adapting to different worlds, Amphibian is funny, moving story wonderfully told through affecting performances by both actors. THE UPSIDE NEWS

“A must-see work for teenagers and adults that could start some important conversations.” INDAILY

Director’s Statement:

“The first seeds of Amphibian were planted when Windmill’s Artistic Director Rosemary Myers invited writer Duncan Graham and me to undertake an initial development to explore the potential of creating a new touring work. With endless possibilities, we began thinking about the work we wanted to create together. As we looked inwardly and outwardly, locally and globally and questioned widely, we began landing on common thoughts, worries and hopes. Looking more specifically at children’s experiences within all these situations, we became aware of the massive numbers of unaccompanied minors in existence across the world, making extraordinary journeys across thousands of miles in search of safety. With this as our starting point Duncan and I began our shared journey. We undertook research, interviews with school students, multiple developments, community consultation (most notably with Muzafar Ali and Elyas Alavi – two refugees from Afghanistan now settled in Australia) and almost two years on, Amphibian the play was born.” Sasha Zahra