Great Expectations

Great Expectations

by Charles Dickens

Stage adaptation by Tanika Gupta

Presented by VCA Acting & VCA Design and Production
Directed by Georgina Naidu

Tanika Gupta’s Great Expectations relocates Dickens’ tale to Bengal at the height of the British Raj. Performed by a versatile ensemble, the story becomes one of shifting power, fractured class hierarchies, and the weight of colonial rule. As Partition looms and empire declines, lives are entangled in love, betrayal, and ambition, revealing how personal dreams cannot be separated from the turbulence of history.

Ticket Prices

Full: $15
Concession: $10

Content Warnings

This performance uses burning incense, haze and fog. This piece is set in colonial India and covers themes of colonialism and empire, Partition, class struggle, social hierarchies, racial identity and colourism. It also discusses themes of manipulation, emotional abuse, violence, intimidation, death, grief, mental health struggles, economic hardship and religious symbolism. For a full breakdown of content warnings and detailed implications, see the bottom of the page. 

Runtime

This performance will run for approximately 3 hours including an interval. Any latecomers will be admitted at the discretion of front of house.

Venue

This performance takes place in Grant Street Theatre which is accessible via Lionel's Lounge. Please enter Lionel's Lounge via Grant Street, Southbank, to be admitted to the performance space by front of house staff.

Image: Thao Nhu 2024.

PARKING

The City of Melbourne has changed the parking restrictions around the Southbank Campus. Parking control hours are now expanded to 7am–10pm, seven days per week, and are capped at three hours. A $2-per-hour fee after 7pm is also now in place. There is no change to the $4-per-hour peak rate between 7am–7pm. Parking inspectors are regularly in the area fining drivers who overstay their meter, so we encourage everyone to be aware and avoid an expensive fine.

ACCESSIBILITY

All venues at the Southbank campus are wheelchair accessible. To read more about access services available at our venues, please visit:  https://finearts-music.unimelb.edu.au/access-our-events.  

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• Please stay home if you feel unwell, even with mild symptoms. Face masks are welcome in all settings for community and personal safety.  

• In order to account for drop-off in attendance, we overbook a select number of free events at the Faculty. If you have not arrived by the start of the performance, your ticket may be released to any waiting patrons at the door. Please arrive at the venue at least 15 minutes before the performance to secure your seat.  

• Admission to any of our concerts and events is strictly at the discretion of Front of House. We have zero tolerance for any disrespectful behaviour. 

EXPANDED CONTENT WARNINGS
Colonialism & Empire
The narrative critiques British colonial rule in India, exploring themes of oppression, exploitation, and the psychological impact of colonization.

Partition 
Set against the backdrop of the 1903 Bengal Partition, the play delves into the societal and personal upheavals caused by this historical event.

Class Struggle & Social Hierarchies 
The story examines rigid caste and class systems, highlighting issues of social mobility and discrimination.

Racial Identity & Colourism 
The adaptation addresses themes of racial identity and colourism within the context of colonial India.

Manipulation & Emotional Abuse 
The character of Miss Havisham symbolizes the manipulative aspects of colonial power, influencing others for personal gain. 

Violence & Intimidation 
The narrative includes scenes depicting physical intimidation and threats. 

Death & Grief 
The story involves themes of loss and mourning, particularly concerning parental figures. 

Mental Health Struggles 
Characters experience psychological distress and trauma, reflecting the broader societal tensions. 

Economic Hardship 
The play portrays poverty and the challenges of economic survival under colonial rule. 

Religious Symbolism 
The adaptation incorporates elements of Hindu religious practices and symbols, such as the Goddess Lakshmi and the Wheel of Dharma.