Award-winning local playwright helps Kingston shine a light on gambling harm
A new locally produced play commissioned by the City of Kingston is hoping to shine a light on the harmful effects of gambling in the community.
Written and devised by award-winning Edithvale playwright Kieran Carroll, Enough is Enough tells the story of four addicted gamblers from different socio-economic backgrounds whose lives unravel during the course of the play. The play includes content contributed from local community members impacted by gambling harm and is performed by these community members alongside three experienced actors.
Kieran Carroll has produced 25 plays in Australia, America and England including Sons of Sun, The Truth is Longer Than a Lie and NEWK – The John Newcombe Story.
Kingston Mayor Steve Staikos said Kingston was thrilled to work with such a renowned local playwright to highlight this incredibly important issue.
“Kieran Carroll is a wonderfully-talented writer and has put together a performance that paints a confronting picture of the experience of gamblers in our community and the ripple effect gambling can have on the lives around them,” said Cr Staikos.
Enough is Enough is set around a bayside hotel which has both the TAB and the pokies. Dangerously, the hotel is open until 5am. The play focuses on the lives of the four addicted gamblers and those around them. One heads towards criminal activity, one seeks counselling and finds hope and support, one falls ill but still cannot stop gambling, one knows no other life after so much grief. All lose relationships and real connections with those they care about.
The four characters are watched over by a bar worker, a non-gambler, who herself is torn emotionally with the work of seeing other lives ruined by gambling. She needs a job but feels complicit in their suffering.
A narrator and counsellor complete the casting giving the audience insights into a Victorian government history of gambling, coping techniques and ways the public can recognise when people are gambling and suffering privately.
“Gambling harm doesn’t just affect those who gamble but their families, friends and the wider community,” Cr Staikos said. “This is an important play for everyone to see and we really hope a wide cross-section of the community come along to this free community awareness event and join in the discussion about this highly-vexing community problem.”
Following the performance Tim Costello AO, Chief Advocate for Alliance for Gambling Reform will share details of the history of gambling reform and what we can do about this issue that continues to have a devastating impact on our communities.
The debut performances of Enough is Enough will be held at Chelsea Activity Hub in Chelsea on Sunday 18 July at 2:30pm and Shirley Burke Theatre in Parkdale on Thursday 22 July at 7:30pm. Tickets are free, but bookings are essential. Book at kingstonarts.com.au/PERFORMANCE/Enough-is-Enough-Gambling-Harm-in-our-Community
Please note performance dates and times are subject to change based on State Government health advice. Please check the Kingston Arts website for updates.
