Loaded, written by Christos Tsiolkas and Dan Giovannoni
Almost 30 years ago, Christos Tsiolkas’ debut novel Loaded painted a portrait of a young man who is restlessly searching for himself in opposing worlds. To this day, the story resonates with migrant and queer communities as a reminder that you are not alone. Ari is 19 and unemployed—he doesn’t want to be gay and he doesn’t want to be Greek. He doesn’t want to be anything. Drawn by the alluring pulse of Collingwood’s gay clubs, he finds an escape, and a family in the form of drag queens and one-night stands.
First adapted as the award-winning 1998 film Head On, Ari’s anarchic odyssey sees him travel the four corners of Melbourne.
Production history
Commissioned and first presented by Malthouse Theatre, directed by Stephen Nicolazzo, 2023
Praise for Loaded
“Extraordinary…Angry…Sensual” - Limelight
“Riveting, extraordinary and alarming” - Kate Herbert Reviews
“Feverish…Spellbinding…Astounding” - Arts Hub
“Precise…thoughtful…fearless” - Theatre First
“Danny Ball is magnificent, cocksure and charismatic” - The Guardian
Production photography
Tamarah Scott