The essence of any good comedy is that it has an element of truth to it — so says Grant Lepan-Walker, director of 1812's latest production The Lonesome West.
The play is a black comedy about two brothers whose father was a killed in a shotgun "accident" and how they deal with their relationship.
"It's a dysfunctional relationship but there's a lot of truth in it. We all have family problems, and this just takes it to the extreme."
The play is part of a trilogy but The Lonesome West is the least-performed in Australia.
"It's so rarely done in Australia — sometimes for technical reasons, sometimes because the content is so dark and they're not sure how the audience will respond," Lepan-Walker said.
He described the show as "so physical and so full of action", but with moments of laughter as well. He warned, however, that if people were easily shocked by contemporary language or stylised violence, they shouldn't attend.
"But it's a good piece of entertainment. It gives you something to think about. It's funny at times because of how true it is."
The show will be performed in Upper Ferntree Gully at the bakery@1812 from October 11 to November 3. Details: 1812theatre.com.au.