Why Australia’s most famous playwright is heading to a small local theatre

ACCLAIMED Australian playwright David Williamson will attend a special fundraising performance of his play Family Values at Goonellabah’s Rochdale Theatre next month.

The writer behind 1970s comedic dramas Don’s Party and The Club, as well as the war film Gallipoli, will join the cast and crew for a Q&A session following the performance.

It is the third Williamson play directed by Sharon Brodie for Lismore Theatre Company, following her previous productions of Birthrights and Dead White Males.

“I keep coming back to Williamson because of his unique perspective of the Australian experience,” she said.

Family Values is a one-act dark comic drama centred on a 70th birthday celebration for recently retired Federal Court judge Roger.

Roger doesn’t want gifts or an elaborate dinner for his milestone birthday – just a quiet, stress-free gathering with his family.

Unfortunately, peace and quiet is never on the menu when his children are involved. While they have never truly got along, their sibling rivalry escalates to new heights during the party.

Roger’s eldest daughter Lisa is on a mission to rescue Saba, an Iranian asylum seeker who has recently escaped from a community detention centre in suburban Australia. Middle child Michael is eager to share his newfound religion with everyone, while youngest daughter Emily introduces her new partner, border force commander Noeline.

Family Values runs at Rochdale Theatre in Goonellabah over three weekends from Friday 29 of May to Saturday 13 June. Tickets for the matinee performance Williamson will attend on Sunday 7 June cost $40.

Tickets cost $30 for adults and $25 for concession holders and are available via Trybooking.