The Turning (play)

The Turning is a play by Australian playwright Louis Nowra. It premiered in 2005 at the Perth International Arts Festival, produced by the Perth Theatre Company and directed by Andrew Ross.

The play is based on the collection of short stories The Turning (2003) by Tim Winton. Nowra adapted several of Winton's interconnected stories, weaving them into a cohesive dramatic narrative. While maintaining the episodic structure and characteristic themes of Winton's work, the play explores the lives of characters living in and around the fictional coastal town of Angelus, Western Australia.

The play focuses on themes common in Winton's writing, including: the complexities of family relationships, the struggles of adolescence, the impact of environmental change on communities, and the search for meaning in everyday life. Characters grapple with secrets, regrets, and the often-harsh realities of life in a small coastal town.

The Turning is notable for its non-linear structure and fragmented storytelling style, mirroring the literary techniques employed by Winton in the original collection. The adaptation aimed to capture the essence of Winton's voice and the atmospheric quality of his writing for the stage. The play requires a versatile ensemble cast to portray the diverse range of characters and navigate the shifting timelines. The use of minimalist set design and evocative lighting often contributes to creating the desolate and beautiful landscapes described in Winton's stories.