Little Brother, Big Sister

On the brink of artistic discovery, Michel’s plans for the future are interrupted by a diagnosis of schizophrenia – he must rely on his sister – yet Karen has dreams of her own, how long can she push them aside to care for him?

Drawn from the writer’s lived experience of schizophrenia, this powerful play explores the relationship between siblings who grapple with managing this condition, which interrupts their focus on transforming the world through art.

Michel is writing his first novel, Hipflask, his older sister Karen is in Europe turning the world into paintings. Michel’s letters take a strange turn. He believes Joan Miro and Franz Kafka are his companions and he can speak with them. His sister Karen rushes home. Diagnosed with schizophrenia, Michel is unable to accept it. Karen becomes her brother’s career, which tests but cannot destroy their strong bond.

Cathy Hunt’s direction has led to four superb performances, and the nuance each actor brings to their characters is to be commended. – The Music

Writer: Michel Paul Tuomy

NDIS Arts Mentor: Tania Smith

Dramaturg: Peter Matheson

Mad Comrade: Sandy Jeffs

Director: Cathy Hunt

Directing Attachment (Emerging Director Award, Union House): Vaishnavi Ravikrishna

Set & costume designer: Kris Bird

Sound designer & composer: Jess Keeffe

Lighting designer: Shane Grant

Production & Stage manager: Hayley Fox

CAST:

Michel: Adam Cass

Karen: Jane Barry

Image by Darren Gill

Content warning: References the experience of acute mental ill health in the form of schizophrenia.