The Poison of Polygamy puts a human face on the issue of migration, from the opium dens of 19th Century China to the harsh, rugged gold fields of colonial Australia.
It tells the story of a man from southern China who tries his luck on the Victorian goldfields, the wife he leaves behind, the choices he makes, the promises he breaks and the consequences they reap.
This is the first time The Poison of Polygamy has been staged – ever. That’s right, World Premiere, baby!
The Poison of Polygamy is the page-to-stage adaptation of Wong Shee Ping’s trailblazing novella. Trailblazing because it’s Australia’s earliest Chinese-language novel, serialised in 1909-10 and inspired by true accounts and events of that time.
Thai-Australian playwright Anchuli Felicia King adapted the story for the stage, La Boite’s new Artistic Director Courtney Stewart directs and it stars Merlynn Tong and Kimie Tsukakoshi.
THE POISON OF POLYGAMY plays Roundhouse Theatre, La Boite from 8 May 2023