Synopsis
You Can Do It! (Follow Your Dreams) satirically investigates the modus operandi of families, morality, culture and mental illness. Spending an evening with this thermo-nuclear family we observe the apotheosis of dysfunction. Everyone is coming for a delicious pot roast; Dad’s been pre-gaming since mid arvo and if everything goes to plan, they’ll be finishing off the meal by all munching on Mum’s sticky date. Yum!
Everyone just wants what’s best for Billy and that’s what hurts the most. He watches them stride about with “Success Uber Alles!” branded on their foreheads by their strutting porcine masters, setting an example, trying to inspire him. But Billy isn’t an achiever. He is more likely to walk into a door than to open it.
Tonight will be different though. Tonight he will show that, like his sister, he 'can' be a winner too! However, despite his best efforts and much to his father’s consternation, Billy has once again failed to kill himself - another disappointment to add to his wall of shame.
They’re at the end of their tether, their love and patience stretched to the point of breaking. Dad’s firm hand isn’t working. Mum’s coddling seems to have made him weaker. Billy looks up to Thad, but they’re too different to understand each other. Perhaps Fleur can set an example? She’s succeeded at everything else, so perhaps she can show him how this whole silly 'suicide' thing is done? Can’t hurt... he’s family after all and what wouldn’t we do for our family :)
So, ultimately then in a blood red Freudian bacchanal of carnage, Billy is reborn as a new man. The man his father always wanted him to be. The man of the house.
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Reviews
- "This is the type of writing we need to see more of on main stages; it's a sucker punch in the face that shakes us out of complacent theater" ~ Theatre Travels
- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Like watching the Brady Bunch while in the throes of an acid trip. Thoroughly nihilistic, but you cannot look away. ~ The Age
Audience Reactions
Awesome smack in the face. Not for the faint hearted. A+
Sure - you'll laugh, gasp, cringe (a lot)... it's all there. But what I went away thinking about was the underlying statement it makes about us as a society. What we strive for, endure and condone is often what we know to be wrong. But yes - hugely funny and a great piece of art. Thank you
Dark and Brilliant, morbid yet hilarious. A show that leaves you unsure whether to be mortified or burst out laughing, and then you can help but laugh anyway. Check the trigger warnings and go if you're able. I highly recommend it.
"What the actual f@#k?" flew out of my mouth as the cast took their bows, and I looked around in utter shock and disbelief. By far the darkest play I've witnessed. The cast did not hold back, their commitment had me locked in on the edge of my seat. Uncontrollable bursts of laughter punctuated a deep state of unease. Comedy and darkness masterfully interwoven. A raw, unforgettable experience. I will definitely be seeing it again. Now, where's the bar? I need a drink
Splendid actors, exceptional blocking with subservient media interface. Not for the faint hearted. Extraordinary production, a pleasure to soak in!
Everybody involved is clearly 100% committed to this work, which is the only way it can work. Excellent set design. Very high concept, totally unhinged. If you miss the freaky grassroot art plays that Fringe began with, go see this, but be mentally prepared for when the energy hits the ceiling several times over.