“A revelatory production…a fine revival of a great classic.” The Australian

Never underestimate the power of difference, it is the powerful premise behind this watershed Australian play about cultural and generational tension. 

Year 12 Drama made themselves at home in our Drama classroom for an afterschool screening of Riverside Theatre's 2021 production of Norm and Ahmed, a core text for study in their unit on Australia's Dramatic Traditions.

The 1969 two-hander play explores issues of xenophobia and Australian identity during the winding down of the White Australia Policy.

A fantastic afternoon of theatre appreciation and bonding time for our Drama class!

This critically acclaimed production refreshes Buzo’s sharp, witty, tension-fuelled dialogue between a young, articulate Pakistani uni student and a middle aged Aussie bloke for a contemporary audience. 

Norm and Ahmed’s sensational 1968 premiere quite literally put Australian theatre on the front page for the first time and the infamous nation-wide censorship battle that ensued is a far cry from its brand new listing as a NSW HSC Drama text in 2010.

The performance will be followed by a Q&A session specifically designed to enhance the students understanding of the play’s social and cultural context, plus the techniques used by Buzo and the inspiration behind the play.