A solitary punch can inflict how much harm? One Punch Wonder examines the devastating impact of alcohol-fuelled violence on countless young individuals, particularly men, in Australia over the past two decades. This powerful play scrutinises recorded deaths caused by a single punch, and includes victim impact interviews and CCTV footage as backdrop to a visceral and well-choreographed performance. Victims, perpetrators, and parents also contribute their perspectives. Initially, the media depicted these sudden attacks as ‘king hits’; it took a collaborative effort from legislators and courts to modify the language used. Words are important: One Punch Wonder recognises this and urges us to reflect on how we frame what it means to be a man and how we raise our boys. 

Set in a boxing ring, four actors set delve into the culture of toxic masculinity, contrasting a pub-centric portrayal of mateship, alcohol, and violence with a poignant exploration of loss through the eyes of grief-stricken family and friends. Straight up, this play should be compulsory curriculum viewing for students and their families in every high school across the country.