Harbour

On the Wednesday before Easter, 1998, a few hundred metres away from the site of the new Sydney Theatre, one of the most dramatic events in recent Australian history took place. It was the culmination of a tightly planned scheme between the Federal Government and a stevedoring company. An attempt to smash the Maritime Union of Australia -- the wharfies.

Katherine Thomson's gripping new drama is set against the backdrop of this explosive industrial dispute.

Sandy - a retired wharfie - comes home after a six year absence to find his family divided. His kids have moved on -- and up. They're on opposite sides of the political divide. His wife doesn't want to be in the same room as him.

The world has changed, and it seems he no longer has a place in it. But he's a battler, with a burning desire to unite his family and set the past to rights. A past full of explosive secrets that threaten to blow them apart forever.

Harbour, directed by Robyn Nevin, is a passionate, moving Australian drama from one of our foremost playwrights. It will open the new Sydney Theatre at 2pm, on Saturday January 10 and runs until late February.

Writer Katherine Thomson (above) spent several days in MUA national office researching in the union library for the play and speaking with National Secretary Paddy Crumlin and members.

Venue: Sydney Theatre, 22 Hickson Road, Walsh Bay, Tickets now on sale $65 / $51 concession, Matinees $59 / $46 concession. Bookings 9250 1777 / 9266 4800 / www.sydneytheatre.com.au