Belloo Creative is an all-female, award-winning Australian theatre company that produces original contemporary works for stage and film.
Boy, Lost
Hero Image by Sean Dowling. Photo by Cinnamon Smith. Featured actor Zoe Houghton
Kristina Olsson’s
BOY, LOST
Adapted for the stage by Katherine Lyall-Watson
Directed by Caroline Dunphy
Adapted from Kristina Olsson’s award-winning memoir, Boy, Lost is a dynamic, award-winning, new production by Queensland Theatre’s 2020 resident company, Belloo Creative. A true story of a boy snatched from his mother’s arms and their journey back to one another, this is an ultimately uplifting story of survival.
Travelling down the train tracks of the east coast of Australia and spanning fifty years, the play ricochets from post war Brisbane to Cairns and Sydney as it follows one boy’s life long search and a family’s journey from loss to redemption.
Told in Belloo Creative’s signature style of fluid storytelling and physicality, Boy, Lost combines dramatic storytelling and nuanced music theatre to create a testament to the tenacity of the human spirit.
From the book by Kristina Olsson
Adapted for the stage by Katherine Lyall-Watson
Trailer by Optikal Bloc.
2022 MATILDA AWARDS
“The writing is beautifully modulated, sometimes tough, often poetic, jumping time-zones in a whirlwind of storylines and characters until they settle and draw the audience through to the heart-rending climax. The play takes us on a journey through difficult topics with far-reaching impact and, rather than offering blame, invites us to consider compassion, self-reflection and the possibility of change.” - The Matilda Judges
PERFORMANCE DETAILS
Details: Saturday 29 October 2022 to Saturday 19 November 2022
Duration: 75 minutes with no interval.
Venue: Diane Cilento Studio, Queensland Theatre.
Photo by Cinnamon Smith.
boy, lost Cast and Creatives
From the book by Kristina Olsson
Adapted for the stage by Katherine Lyall-Watson
Director & Co-creator | Caroline Dunphy
Cast: Zoe Houghton; Hsiao-Ling Tang; Colin Smith, Stephen Geronimos & Morgan Francis.
Dramaturg | Kathryn Kelly
Lighting Designer | David Walters
Set & Costume Designer | Penny Challen
Sound Designer | Guy Webster
Composer | Morgan Francis
Assistant Director | Kristen Maloney
Disability Sensitivity Consultant | Madeleine Little
Production Manager | Lauren Sallaway
Stage Manager | Jeremy Gordon
Design Assistant | D’mitri Cossar
Directorial Observation | Emmy Moore
Rehearsal Photos | Cinnamon Smith
Accent Coach | Melissa Agnew
Reviews of Boy, Lost
"extraordinary stage adaptation which is so brilliantly realised under the expert direction of Caroline Dunphy" — Phil Brown, Courier Mail.
“The cast’s fluid costume changes – signalling the shifts as performers move between roles – showcase the beauty of physical theatre when it’s done well” Yen-Rong Wong, The Saturday Paper.
“it is a tightly woven and rich true tale that takes its audience along on a moving, emotional journey" — Meredith Walker, Blue Curtains Brisbane: Stories From The Stalls.
"It is very moving to see this true family story turn a very dramatic series of events into a poetic piece that engages you – it never force-feeds – and encourages you to think about other people’s contexts and the background to the institutions that we allowed to develop in our society" — Beth Keehn, Stage Whispers.
"Highly recommended" — Beth Keehn, Stage Whispers.
“Belloo Creative has created a wonderful and thought-provoking piece of theatre” — Jake Goodall, Theatre Haus.
“‘Boy, Lost’ was such an impacting production, that it will leave viewers talking about it all the way home” — Jake Goodall, Theatre Haus.
“fascinating, heartbreaking, and inspiring story” Gemma Keliher, Theatre Travels.
Reviews of the award-winning memoir, Boy, Lost
“A beautiful story of heartbreak and loss but also of hope and love” — Arts Hub
“Exquisitely written and achingly intimate, this is a significant book which sets a new benchmark for memoir.” — Judges’ comments, Queensland Literary Awards
“..this unflinching story is gripping, moving, and a testament to the tenacity of the human spirit.” — Judges’ comments, Victorian Premier's Literary Awards
“Moving and insightful … a devastating portrait of 1950s Australia.” — The Age
Warnings
Boy, Lost is based on a true story, and contains strong references to domestic violence, child institutionalisation, child abuse, ableism, and a deceased First Nations person.
Belloo has engaged in script and production processes that have sought advice and consent about the placement of these real stories in their historical context. We wish to prepare audience members for all aspects of the show and further information has been provided in the program materials and foyer display.
Strobe lighting effects as well as smoke and haze effects will be used during this performance.
The use of photographic or recording equipment is not permitted inside the theatre.
Digital Program
Click HERE to access Boy, Lost Digital Program.
SUPPORTERS & ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This production has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body.
Supported by Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund – an Australian Government initiative.
Creative development was supported by Brisbane City Council Creative Sparks program. The Creative Sparks Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council to support local arts and culture in Brisbane.
Boy, Lost was developed with support by Queensland Theatre and will premiere in 2022 in the Diane Cilento Studio, Queensland Theatre.
