Synopsis

What happens when a small-town girl meets a big secret?
At sixteen, Ophelia dreams of freedom, but life in Far North Queensland feels like a dead end—until Hamish.

He’s older, clever, and thrillingly rebellious, promising a way out of her overbearing brother’s shadow. But is his world all it seems?

O, Ophelia is a visually striking and emotionally resonant tale with a nod to the Shakespearean namesake that will captivate and surprise, taking audiences on a journey of self-discovery, courage, and the power of reclaiming one’s story.

Duration: 90mins

Content Advisories: Contains loud noise, theatrical lighting and asthma safe haze, depictions / representations of coercive control, drug use, sexual violence, and contains coarse language.

Context

Coercive control, a significant driver of domestic violence, affects people of all genders in Australia. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (2024) reports that one in five women and one in eleven men experience emotional abuse in relationships, while one in five women and one in sixteen men face physical or sexual violence from a partner.

In Queensland, coercive control will become a criminal offense in May 2025, highlighting its devastating impact.

O, Ophelia delves into these themes, exploring coercive control and relationship abuse through a creative lens. While the play avoids explicit depictions of violence, it offers a powerful and thought-provoking reflection on these urgent issues.

Why See O, Ophelia?

Through storytelling, we generate ideas. Through ideas, we spark conversations. Through conversations, we can reshape our culture.

O, Ophelia invites audiences to reflect, question, and engage with pressing societal issues, through this beautifully crafted story by playwright and director, Amber Grossmann. JUTE is incredibly proud to be able to co-produce this work with Amber's company Overall Arts, and touring this to Ipswich, Toowoomba, Bundaberg, and Yeppoon.

Don’t miss this bold and timely production—secure your tickets today.