Grappling and exploring elements of life and belonging that are as core to us as they are avoided, Tribes, the new play from playwrite Nina Raine, is set to uncover taboo topics with startling dark humour and acute analysis, commencing in May.

Tribesseeks to tackle disability, belonging and family, retaining the complexity, frustrations and nuances felt in the lives of those navigating what it is to be deaf, becoming so or caring for a family member who is.

Raine has sought to create real characters responding to their circumstances, foregoing any airbrushing to save us the emotional squirming. In testament to truth and life imitating art, Raine stipulates that a deaf actor stars in the production as Billy, and after an extensive search Luke Watts was cast for this production. Watts and the Ensemble Theatre are to bring a raw production with the rough edges of love and life exposed.

Tribes will be at the Ensemble Theatre, Thursday May 26 until Saturday July 2.

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