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ABC Arts

Topic: Theatre

Friday, August 7, 2026, at 4:30 am

Friday, August 7, 2026, at 11:27 am

Kat Stewart plays Pamela, a struggling mother, in the new Australian play Break of Day.

In the town of Burra Creek, something is always working at night.

The town has seen many industries come and go, but the latest one has arrived, bringing change.

The Warehouse is the world's largest online retail center and sits on the edge of town.

It represents the unease at the center of the play Break of Day, coming to Malthouse Theatre.

The story has a tense atmosphere, with The Warehouse always present.

Director Sarah Goodes has worked with the Sydney and Melbourne Theatre Companies.

Goodes says, 'We're all aware of this thing that doesn't sleep or eat, and it's always working.'

Break of Day tells a simple story of a struggling family in a small town.

But it captures something larger, especially with the rise of AI and technology.

Goodes says, 'It's culturally and economically specific, but everything in this play is universal.'

'I'm tired of not telling that story,' says Goodes.

Pam, played by Kat Stewart, has lived in Burra Creek her whole life.

She works night shifts at The Warehouse to support her daughter.

Pam feels invisible, but she gave up her dreams to ensure her daughter's success.

Sarah Goodes says of Sherry-Lee Watson, 'She's in everything right now.'

Rae, played by Sherry-Lee Watson, struggles with the town's limits and her future.

The play follows one chaotic day in the family's life as Pam's dreams for Rae are threatened.

For Goodes, the story felt very familiar.

Goodes grew up moving between cities and towns, seeing places that hadn't changed in years.

She says, 'If you don't leave, you're a loser, but if no one stays, how does it change?'

The play stood out to Goodes and Stewart after their success with Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Kat Stewart starred in Goodes's production of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

They considered another classic play, but it felt weird to do something about America's working poor.

Goodes thought of playwright Steve Rodgers and his script for Break of Day.

Goodes says, 'It asks great questions about Australia.'

'We all grew up on the dream that if you're passionate and work hard, you'll succeed,' says Goodes.

But Goodes says, 'It doesn't happen that way; we're human and flawed.'

Goodes chose Chum Ehelepola to play Pam's friend and boss, Sanjeeva, because she loves his work.

Humanity is at the center of the play.

Goodes wanted the play to not be entirely bleak, so there are moments of levity and love.

The play presents the characters and their world in a way that honors them without patronizing.

Steve Rodgers won the Australian Writers Guild Shane & Cathryn Brennan Prize for Playwriting.

Break of Day was a finalist in the Queensland Premier's Drama Award.

The play introduces characters that audiences can connect with and empathize with.

Once Kat Stewart was on board, Goodes knew the production would come to life.

Pam feels invisible, but her distinct voice holds the play together.

Goodes says, 'Pam is at an extraordinary point in her life where everything is coming to a head.'

Pam embodies the feeling of building pressure and not coping.

Goodes says, 'It's like being on a hamster wheel; you just have to keep going.'

Although Break of Day feels timely, Rodgers had been shopping the play around for years.

Goodes believes the play was waiting for its moment.

Sarah Goodes says of newcomer Theo Clarke, 'He just radiates light.'

Goodes says, 'It's about the play meeting the times.'

Everyone wants to find a formula for commissioning plays, but it's an alchemy.

The play happens when it's time for it to happen.

Goodes says people need this play now more than ever.

We spend so much time pushing everything down, but theatre is a place to express emotions.

Theatre is where you can go 'ah' and feel less lonely.

Break of Day is on until August 29 at the Malthouse Theatre.

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