HOODS by Angela Betzien

From the creators of 'Children of the Black Skirt' comes a contemporary tale of Hansel & Gretel

Each night two hoods ride a train to a wrecking yard on the outskirts of the city. Here, in this cemetery of stories, they are storytellers with the power to fast forward, pause and rewind. Tonight, they tell the story of three kids left in a car.

Rewind. It’s Friday, KFC night and the last day of school before Christmas. Kyle, Jessie and baby brother Troy are waiting in the car for their mum. As night approaches, the car park takes on a dark and sinister aspect, filled with strange and unfamiliar characters. The shopping centre closes, Mum still hasn’t returned, and the baby won’t stop crying.

Exploring issues of poverty and family violence, HOODS is a suburban tale of survival and solidarity against the odds.

This work was originally produced by Barking Gecko Arts in 2009.

Run time
60 minutes with no intervals

Content warnings
This performance contains references to domestic violence, self-harm, alcohol, and tobacco use, as well as coarse language, flashing lights, loud noises, and theatrical haze.

CAST
Joshua Everett as Kyle
Natasha Pearson as Jessie

PLAYWRIGHT
Angela Betzien

DIRECTOR
Andrea Gibbs

SET & COSTUME DESIGNER
Sam Knox

LIGHTING DESIGNER
Peter Young

COMPOSER/SOUND DESIGNER
Tim Collins