Moth was one of the hardest productions to get a ticket to in 2010.

Written by one of our most exciting and talented young artists, the show sold out before opening night on the strength of word of mouth alone, and catapulted Declan Greene into an elite group of playwrights considered the most significant and gifted in Australia. It has since won three Green Room Awards (Best New Original Writing, Best Lighting and Best Sound/Composition), been nominated for a Victorian Premier’s Literary Award, programmed for a return season at Malthouse Theatre this June, and widely lauded by critics: ‘this,’ wrote John Bailey in the Sunday Age, ‘is why theatre still matters.’

In response to popular demand, Malthouse Theatre have now extended their return season and programmed additional evening performances. This is a rare opportunity to experience Australian theatre at its most original, brave and influential – and it won’t last for long.

Sebastian is a 15 year old suburban misfit obsessed with anime and death. He has only one friend, Claryssa – but as an Emo Wiccan Goth art-freak, she’s barely one rung higher than Sebastian on the school popularity ladder. After a night spent drinking at the cricket nets, Sebastian experiences an ecstatic vision that leaves him unconscious and Claryssa missing. He wakes to find a mysterious moth in a jar by his bed, and a burning passion to save the souls of all humankind. Desperate to reach the absent Claryssa, he spirals into a breathless ride of schizophrenic delusion – or is it religious passion? – that can only lead to tragedy.

Greene has crafted a perceptive, tender and unforgiving tale that deftly explores the angst of adolescent misbelonging, the exquisite intricacies of friendship and the terrifying, seductive dimensions of mental illness. Director Chris Kohn and designer Jonathon Oxlade have taken his masterful script and created a thrilling theatrical experience for audiences aged 15 years and over. With new actor Thomas Caldwell (Delectable Shelter, Something Natural But Very Childish) featuring alongside the fearless Sarah Ogden, this highly charged, very funny and deeply moving production is guaranteed to once again be a runaway hit.

Moth plays from 15 to 25 June, 20011 at the Beckett Theatre, The CUB Malthouse, Southbank, Victoria. Show time and booking information can be found at the website or by phoning 03 9685 5111

This production is suitable for young adults 15 years and over.