DIRT is contemporary theatre at its best - intimate, immersive and painfully relevant.

From the first exchange between Patrick Livesey and Will King, you are drawn into their world. A conversation between a Russian tour guide and a hapless Australian tourist which evolves into a dangerous night out, a confrontation of their true motives. 

Through this carefully woven narrative (written by Angus Cameron and directed by Bronwen Coleman), DIRT explores the horror of the anti-gay purges in modern-day Chechnya and the suffocating reality of a young man left in its wake. While confronting, it also offers glimpses of hope and solidarity — if you’re prepared to dig below the surface. 

Livesey and King are the perfect pair on-stage, their genuine intimacy and connection is clear and makes the narrative utterly believable. With few props, it’s the clever dialogue and the moments of tension between the two which draws you in and keeps you on the edge of your seat.

This is the kind of theatre experience that surprises you in its depth, utterly consumes your attention and leaves you wanting more.

DIRT is showing for the rest of this week at Holden Street Theatres — this is one not to miss.