David Williams – acclaimed documentary theatre maker, writer and football fanatic – is the ‘Smurf’.
For the uninitiated, ‘Smurf’ is the nickname given to a Sydney Football Club Fan and ‘Wanderland’ is the home ground of the Western Sydney Wanderers.
Williams is a long-suffering Sydney FC fan, who frequented Western Sydney Wanderers’ games on their home turf in Parramatta. Kitted out in his Sydney FC sky-blue jersey, Williams-the-Smurf stuck out like a sore thumb amongst the sea of red and black.
Instead of fearing for his life, Williams found a beautiful and profound unity amongst the ritual and fierce loyalty of the Wanderers fans.
Directed by Griffin Theatre Company’s Artistic Director Lee Lewis, Smurf in Wanderland is a must-see for both theatre-lovers and football fans alike across Western Sydney and beyond.
This is a story that breaks down the barriers of geography and debunks the myths of hooliganism at the football. It tells a tale of loyalty and unity integral and familiar to all football fans.
In conjunction with the production, National Theatre of Parramatta will present a photographic exhibition ‘Wanderland’ by award-winning photographer and die-hard Western Sydney Wanderers fan, Eric Berry (2015 Photographer of the Year, FourFourTwo).
The exhibition will feature stunning images from Western Sydney Wanderers matches and a unique insight into the magic of football.
- Exhibition: 5 to 29 April in the foyer of Riverside Theatres.
- Riverside Theatres, Parramatta performance dates.
- Thursday 20 April at 7.30pm – Preview.
- Friday 21 April at 7.30pm – Opening night.
- Saturday 22 and 29 April at 2pm and 7.30pm.
- Wednesday 26, Thursday 27 and Friday 28 April at 7.30pm.
- Thursday 27 April at 11am - includes Q&A.
Followed by Griffin Theatre Company season: SBW Stables Theatre, Kings Cross, 2-13 May
Duration: 90 minutes plus interval
Venue: Riverside Theatres – Corner of Church and Market Streets, Parramatta. Visit www.riversideparramatta.com.au
Directed by Lee Lewis With David Williams Set and Costume Designer Charles Davis Lighting Designer Luiz Pampolha Sound Designer and Composer James Brown Dramaturg Kate Worsley.
