CALIBRE

In 1996, in the wake of the Port Arthur tragedy, Australia introduced some of the toughest gun laws in the world. Getting there was anything but straightforward.

Thirty years after the completion of Australia’s landmark gun buyback, master political storyteller, playwright Paul Hodge (Joh for PM, Clinton, Round the Twist), takes audiences behind the closed doors of one of the most consequential political battles in modern Australian history.

Six weeks into his prime ministership, John Howard is determined to turn national tragedy into lasting reform. There’s just one problem. Guns are a state issue and some of the fiercest opposition is coming from his own side. What follows is an extraordinary battle of leaks, threats, backroom deals, public outrage and increasingly high-stakes gamesmanship as a newly elected Prime Minister puts everything on the line to get eight states and territories to agree.

One of Australia's most celebrated theatre directors, Neil Armfield AO, returns to La Boite for the first time in 17 years to direct acclaimed actor Darren Gilshenan (Colin from Accounts, Bay of Fires) in this one-man tour de force.

Unexpectedly funny and deeply human, Calibre is a political thriller about conviction, compromise and the difference between having power and being prepared to lose it.

I'm delighted to be returning to La Boite with a new Australian work that has so much to say about leadership, courage and the choices that shape a country. - Neil Armfield, Director