Drawn from the writer’s lived experience of schizophrenia, this powerful play explores the relationship between siblings who grapple to manage this condition, interrupting their urge to transform 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 now believes he can speak with Joan Miro and Franz Kafka and they are his companions. His sister Karen rushes home from overseas. Diagnosed with schizophrenia, Michel is unable to accept it. Pushing her own artistic practice to the side, Karen becomes her brother’s carer, which tests but cannot destroy their strong bond.

‘a love letter to those diagnosed with schizophrenia and the people who care for them…a theatrical experience that does gently take you on a journey… must-see theatre.’ – THEATRE TRAVELS, Casey Bohan (on Little Brother, Big Sister in 2021)

 

Written by Michel Paul Tuomy

Directed by Cathy Hunt

Performed by Adam Cass & Jane Barry

Dramaturg: Peter Matheson

NDIS Arts Mentor: Tania Smith

Mad Comrade: Sandy Jeffs

Set & costume design by Kris Bird

Sound design & composition by Jess Keeffe

Lighting design (original) by Shane Grant

Lighting realisation & recreation by Giovanna Yate Gonzalez

Michel’s artworks by Michel Paul Tuomy

Karen’s artworks by Elyss McCleary

Image by Darren Gill