Kristina Olsson’s

Boy, Lost

Adapted for the stage by Katherine Lyall-Watson

Directed by Caroline Dunphy

Adapted from Kristina Olsson’s award-winning memoir, Boy, Lost is a dynamic, award-winning, new production by Queensland Theatre’s 2020 resident company, Belloo. A true story of a boy snatched from his mother’s arms and their journey back to one another, this is an ultimately uplifting story of survival.

Travelling down the train tracks of the east coast of Australia and spanning fifty years, the play ricochets from post war Brisbane to Cairns and Sydney as it follows one boy’s life long search and a family’s journey from loss to redemption.

Told in Belloo’s signature style of fluid storytelling and physicality, Boy, Lost combines dramatic storytelling and nuanced music theatre to create a testament to the tenacity of the human spirit.

Gallery

  • Duration: 75 minutes, no interval

    Content warning: This production is based on a true story, and contains strong references to domestic violence, child institutionalisation, child abuse, ableism, and a deceased First Nations person. Strobe lighting effects will be used during this performance.

    Recommended age: 15+

  • From the book by Kristina Olsson
    Adapted for the stage by Katherine Lyall-Watson
    Director & Co-creator Caroline Dunphy
    Dramaturg Kathryn Kelly
    Lighting Designer David Walters
    Set & Costume Designer Penny Challen
    Sound Designer Guy Webster
    Composer Morgan Francis
    Assistant Director Kristen Maloney
    Disability Sensitivity Consultant Madeleine Little
    Production Manager Lauren Sallaway
    Stage Manager Jeremy Gordon
    Design Assistant D’mitri Cossar
    Directorial Observation Emmy Moore
    Rehearsal Photos Cinnamon Smith
    Accent Coach Melissa Agnew

    CAST
    Zoe Houghton
    Hsiao-Ling Tang
    Colin Smith
    Stephen Geronimos
    Morgan Francis

    Trailer by Optikal Bloc.

    Production images by Cinnamon Smith.

  • 29 October–19 November 2022 | Diane Cilento Studio, Queensland Theatre | Brisbane, Australia

  • This production has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body.

    Supported by Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund – an Australian Government initiative.

    Creative development was supported by Brisbane City Council Creative Sparks program. The Creative Sparks Fund is a partnership between the Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council to support local arts and culture in Brisbane.

    Boy, Lost was developed with support by Queensland Theatre and will premiere in 2022 in the Diane Cilento Studio, Queensland Theatre.

  • “The writing is beautifully modulated, sometimes tough, often poetic, jumping time-zones in a whirlwind of storylines and characters until they settle and draw the audience through to the heart-rending climax.  The play takes us on a journey through difficult topics with far-reaching impact and, rather than offering blame, invites us to consider compassion, self-reflection and the possibility of change.” — The Matilda Judges, 2022

    WINNER The Lord Mayor’s Award for Best New Australian Work (Katherine, Lyall-Watson), Matilda Awards 2022 (Boy, Lost)

    FINALIST Best Independent Production, Matilda Awards 2022 (Boy, Lost)

    FINALIST Best Emerging Artist (Morgan Francis), Matilda Awards 2022 (Boy, Lost)

    FINALIST Best Ensemble, Matilda Awards 2022 (Boy, Lost)

THE REVIEWS ARE IN

"extraordinary stage adaptation which is so brilliantly realised under the expert direction of Caroline Dunphy" — Phil Brown, Courier Mail.

“The cast’s fluid costume changes – signalling the shifts as performers move between roles – showcase the beauty of physical theatre when it’s done well” — Yen-Rong Wong, The Saturday Paper.

“it is a tightly woven and rich true tale that takes its audience along on a moving, emotional journey" — Meredith Walker, Blue Curtains Brisbane: Stories From The Stalls.

"It is very moving to see this true family story turn a very dramatic series of events into a poetic piece that engages you – it never force-feeds – and encourages you to think about other people’s contexts and the background to the institutions that we allowed to develop in our society" — Beth Keehn, Stage Whispers.

"Highly recommended" — Beth Keehn, Stage Whispers.

“Belloo Creative has created a wonderful and thought-provoking piece of theatre” — Jake Goodall, Theatre Haus.

“‘Boy, Lost’ was such an impacting production, that it will leave viewers talking about it all the way home” — Jake Goodall, Theatre Haus.

“fascinating, heartbreaking, and inspiring story” — Gemma Keliher, Theatre Travels.

Reviews of the award-winning memoir, Boy, Lost

“A beautiful story of heartbreak and loss but also of hope and love” — Arts Hub

“Exquisitely written and achingly intimate, this is a significant book which sets a new benchmark for memoir.” — Judges’ comments, Queensland Literary Awards

“..this unflinching story is gripping, moving, and a testament to the tenacity of the human spirit.” — Judges’ comments, Victorian Premier's Literary Awards

“Moving and insightful … a devastating portrait of 1950s Australia.” — The Age

Digital Program

Click HERE to access Boy, Lost Digital Program.