Brookman, who was Artistic Director from 2012-2019, is delighted to be coming back for Jack Maggs in which the audience will travel back in time to 19th-century London, where intrigue and mystery mix in this world premiere.
“It means a great deal to be coming back to State Theatre Company South Australia and in particular to be coming back with a project like Jack Maggs. The play is infused with ideas around identity and our sense of home and State Theatre, from its staff to its artists and audience members, is intrinsically stitched into my artistic identity and is most certainly my ‘theatrical home’.
Peter Carey’s best-selling and Miles Franklin Award-winning “reworking” of Charles Dickens’ canonical novel Great Expectations, Jack Maggs comes alive on stage in a new adaptation by South Australian playwright Samuel Adamson.
The story follows the enigmatic ex-convict Jack Maggs (Carey’s version of Magwitch) returning to London from Australia and embarking on a relentless quest to find his ‘son’ Henry Phipps, who has mysteriously disappeared. Maggs soon becomes entangled in the web of Phipps’ neighbour, Percy Buckle and his bizarre household, where he makes a deal with young novelist and “mesmerist” Tobias Oates (or is it Charles Dickens himself?) to find Phipps. Oates has other plans though, and in Maggs, might just find the perfect inspiration for his new novel.
Unveil a world of ambition, secrets and unexpected alliances, with a cast of beloved and celebrated South Australian actors including Mark Saturno (The Goat or, Who Is Sylvia?, A View from the Bridge) as Jack Maggs, James Smith (Euphoria, Girl From The North Country) as Tobias Oates, Jacqy Philips (Mr Burns, a Post-Electric Play), Nathan O’Keefe (Gaslight, The Puzzle), Rachel Burke (The Dictionary of Lost Words, Decameron 2.0), Dale March (Animal Farm, A View From The Bridge), Ahunim Abebe (The Puzzle) and Elder Conservatorium graduate Jelena Nicdao.
Director Geordie Brookman on bringing Jack Maggs to the stage
Acclaimed director Geordie Brookman is no stranger to complex narratives. With a diverse portfolio spanning theatre, musicals, opera and even circus, he also served as Artistic Director of the State Theatre Company South Australia from 2012 to 2019. His latest project, an adaptation of Peter Carey’s Jack Maggs, presents an exciting challenge. Brookman’s admiration for Carey’s work is clear: “I’ve always loved Peter Carey’s work and Maggs is the novel I’ve returned to the most over the years. Its layered storytelling and exploration of place, home, and identity really resonate with me—especially since moving to Europe five years ago.”
Jack Maggs, a reimagining of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations, isn’t merely a retelling but a fresh perspective on a classic. Brookman credits playwright Samuel Adamson for successfully weaving the complexities of Carey’s novel into the stage adaptation. “Samuel’s work is extraordinary. He’s built an incredibly layered piece that celebrates both the English language and our innate craving for stories. Together, we’ve worked to ensure that the adaptation not only honours Carey’s vision but also breathes new life into it.”
The collaborative process between Brookman and Adamson has been an essential part of shaping the production. “We’ve worked on this for years, across London, Berlin, and Adelaide,” says Brookman. “The result is a piece that moves seamlessly between grand theatricality and intimate storytelling.” With a talented cast of South Australian actors, Brookman has assembled an ensemble that pushes creative boundaries. He emphasises the importance of working with performers who challenge and inspire him, stating, “You want to walk into the rehearsal room every day thinking, ‘I’ve got to be on my A-game.’ With actors like Mark Saturno, Rachel Burke, and Jacqy Phillips, that’s exactly how I feel.”
Brookman, alongside designer Ailsa Paterson and lighting designer Nigel Levings, has crafted a visually rich and dynamic stage environment. “We wanted to capture the gritty, Dickensian atmosphere while embracing theatrical imagination. The play moves constantly, and we’ve incorporated traditional theatre magic—projections, shadow play, and even stage fog—to create an immersive world for the audience.”
Jack Maggs by Samuel Adamson | Based on the novel by Peter Carey
15 Nov — 30 Nov 2024 | Dunstan Playhouse | Adelaide Festival Centre
