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 - 6.50pm arrival for a prompt 7.00pm performance start.

Content Advisories: Contains loud noise, theatrical lighting and asthma safe haze, depictions / representations of coercive control, drug use, sexual violence, and frequent coarse language. Not recommended for audiences under 15 years.

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 offence 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.

For Educators

Standard school group bookings are available (includes x1 complimentary teacher ticket per 10 attending students). For custom group sizes, please contact jess@midpointtheatre.com.au. Midpoint Theatre Company recommends this work for senior students only. Education resources available here.

**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.

About the Producers

O, Ophelia is a JUTE Theatre Company and Overall Arts Co-Production, written and directed by Amber Grossmann. This work is hosted in Yeppoon by Midpoint Theatre Company, featuring a chorus of local actors.