Going Home

“A black comedy. That’s what they called it.” Going Home wasn’t just a play. It was a snapshot of Australian life in the 1970s. A story of artists abroad struggling to find their place. Imagine Jim and Zoe in snowbound Canada. Desperate to return to their homeland. They’re frustrated with their lives. But their journey home isn’t easy. Jim lost art students across the US border. He faces his angry boss Tom. He also contends with the rivalries and resentments of successful ex-pat artist Mike. Mike made a splash in the New York art world. Going Home explores themes of longing. It also delves into the undercurrents of male violence in Australian society. The play premiered in 1976 by the Melbourne Theatre Company. It was a groundbreaking work by Alma De Groen. It’s one of her most well-known plays. The 1980 ABC film adaptation starred Graeme Blundell and Gary Day. It was a production by Alan Burke directed by Michael Carson. It was part of the Australian Theatre Festival. Going Home is more than just a play. It’s a piece of Australian theatre history. It reflects the experiences of many Australians abroad. It’s a story that continues to resonate today. The play’s themes of identity and belonging are timeless. The characters grapple with the complexities of relationships and ambition. Going Home remains a powerful and poignant exploration of the human condition. The play offers a glimpse into a specific time and place. It also speaks to universal themes that transcend cultural boundaries. The play remains relevant today. It invites reflection on our own journeys and search for home.