Spring Awakening

Set in late-nineteenth century Germany, Spring Awakening is a rock musical adaptation of the controversial 1891 German play of the same title by Frank Wedekind, featuring music by Duncan Sheik and a book and lyrics by Steven Sater. It concerns teenagers who are discovering the inner and outer tumult of sexuality, and the original play was banned in Germany, for about a century, due to its portrayal of masturbation, abortion, homosexuality, rape, bondage, child abuse and suicide.

With an exceptional score ranging from power ballads to grunge anthems, this exuberant musical has all the energy of a rock concert and all the power of a great drama, as it explores the journey from adolescence to adulthood with poignancy. It navigates through teenage self-discovery and coming of age anxiety in a powerful celebration of youth and rebellion,whilst capturing the spine-tingling highs and lows of youthful desire.

A surprise smash-hit on Broadway, Spring Awakening.has since become a music theatre phenomenon throughout the world, winning eight 2007 Tony Awards, including best musical, direction, book, score and featured actor. The show also won four Drama Desk Awards, while its London production won four Olivier Awards.

In February this year, a new generation of Australian performers burst on to the Sydney Theatre stage for the Australian premiere of Spring Awakening. Produced by Sydney Theatre Company, in association with PowerArts, the performances by these exceptional singers expressed electric inner worlds that are instantly recognisable to anyone who is – or ever was – a teenager, whether it be 1891 or the present day.