Hunger Pains

This performance is presented as part of the VCA Master of Theatre (Writing) Festival 2025.

Hunger Pains

Written and directed by Corey Saylor-Brunskill

A tall tale of love, war and magic.

Content Note

This performance contains frequent coarse language, references to violence and depictions of murder and cannibalism.

Runtime

This performance will run for approximately 120 minutes.

Performance schedule

Wednesday 12 November, 4PM
Saturday 15 November, 12PM

Credits

Yichen Zhang, Raimondo Cortese

About the writer

Thirty years ago in the deepest darkest corners of Western Australia, two mortal souls met at their own behest. One, a man of Anglo Saxon origin with a brash tongue, a stylish gib and a devilish grin. The other, a noble and kind hearted Meriam Mir woman from the far reaches of Erub in Zenadth Kes. Fastly, they fell in love and created two small children. One named after the son of the one and only Bob Marley. The other just simply... Named. Ziggy and Corey were their names. Today's writer is the latter. Born to perform, on this plain to entertain, Corey, not long after his creation began to find himself twiddling with his toy keyboard, creating stories with Action Men and building worlds of wonder in his own brain. He eventually went to his first acting classes in grade three, and would stay loyal to the craft for over two decades (Not far off three). Later in life he would find himself writing music and spoken word, where he would gradually find courage to perform such ballads to crowds of many under the alter ego Torres Green. Of course, he still wasn't satisfied. So now on his latest endeavour, Corey has decided he shall write a play of great magnitude. One of love, lamentation and lousy leaders. One of morality, mischief and magic. And one of war, wrangling wellbeing and wanting what we wish. This won't be the last time Corey writes something you listen to or watch, but he hopes it's a good start and wishes you nothing but... Whatever you need out of it. Yawo for now!

Acknowledgement

I would firstly and formerly like to acknowledge the fact that Raimondo Cortese and The Willin Centre were of the upmost helpfulness in enrolling into this course.
I'd like to to acknowledge my classmates for inspiring me and being so damn talented.
I'd like to acknowledge my Nana and Pop for raising me and loving me.
I'd like to acknowledge my Mum and Dad for growing me and loving me.
I'd like to acknowledge my Step Mother for stepping up and loving me.
I'd like to acknowledge my Brothers and Sisters for believing in me and loving me.
I'd like to acknowledge my friends for making my life easier and loving me.
I'd like to acknowledge my partner for believing in I can succeed with every endeavour I take on.
And for loving me.
I'd like to acknowledge my housemates for giving me a peaceful sanctuary to rest in and loving me.
I'd like to acknowledge this Earth, and this Universe as My God, and thank it for loving me.
And finally.
I would like to acknowledge this land was never Terra Nullius.
And I would like to acknowledge I do not have custodianship over this land, but it has always cared for me.
I would like to acknowledge that I am grateful for all our ancestors that came before us, and made any of this possible.

Ticket Price

Free. Registrations required on Humanitix.

Please note that there is often a drop-off in attendance at our free events on the day of the performance. If this event is booked out and you have not secured a ticket, we encourage you to arrive at the venue 15 minutes before the advertised start time and speak to our Front of House team. Once audience members with tickets have been seated, any remaining seats will be made available to patrons waiting at the door. Please be advised that entry without securing a ticket in advance cannot be guaranteed.

If you have booked for a performance and are no longer able to attend, please cancel your booking via your Humanitix account or email us at fineartsmusic-tickets@unimelb.edu.au.

Venue

This reading takes place in Studio 4, located in the Dodds Street Performing Arts Building which is accessible via paths in the Dodds Street Linear Park.
Please meet our friendly Front of House staff in the foyer on the ground floor of the Dodds Street Performing Arts Building. Studio 4 is then accessible via the stairs or lift.

Read more about the Master of Theatre (Writing) graduates presenting this season.

Image: Don Shearman.

PARKING

The City of Melbourne has recently 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.