Roundheads and Peakheads

Bertolt Brecht’s Roundheads and Peakheads is an uncomfortably funny, social and political statement––tackling issues of racism, materialism and class warfare. The play will be on show at the Bondi Pavilion, as part of the Actors College of Theatre and Television graduating season.

Director, Lex Marinos, wanted to challenge and inspire his students, and felt that Brecht was the best way to do so.

“When choosing Roundheads and Peakheads for this graduating group of actors, I thought it was important to choose a piece that explored themes that are completely relevant to today’s society,” Marinos explained. “Themes that would inspire the actors to delve into the political and social issues our country is facing every day.”

Written in 1936, Roundheads and Peakheads is a satirical anti-Nazi parable, set in the fictitious town of ‘Woop-Woop’, where the rulers maintain power and attempt to stem a revolution by pitting the ‘Roundheads’ against the ‘Peakheads’. The play is an exploration of how racism is used in order to cover up underlying social issues.

Marinos hopes the performance will remind the audience that theatre is a powerful platform for debating and discussing important social issues: “I hope the audience will acknowledge the hard work and intelligence, talent and creativity of an ensemble of young actors, who are about to make the leap into the professional world of acting,” he concluded. (NB)

Nov 5–9. Bondi Pavilion Theatre, Queen Elizabeth Dr, Bondi Beach. $15-$25. Tickets & info: rocksurfers.org/roundheads-and-peakheads/

BY NYSSA BOOTH