“Rabbits don’t talk Mr Wertheim. They keep their stupid mouths shut or they get whacked on the head with a shovel... Learn to be a rabbit.”

About

Johann’s super-sized rabbits are his pride and joy. Much to his surprise, the Supreme Leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has taken a special interest, and will stop at nothing to get his hands on them.  When a bungled undercover rescue mission transports Johann to North Korea, he finds himself, and the bunnies he betrayed, in a bit of a stew.

Preposterously based on a true story, A Rabbit for Kim Jong-il is a cunning comic thriller spanning two continents. Crammed with secret agents, espionage, double-crossings and a giant rabbit named Felix, the play is also a pointed parable about betrayal and forgiveness, greed and regret.

A Rabbit for Kim Jong-il was lovingly raised by playwright Kit Brookman and will be set free on stage by Lee Lewis.

Co-commissioned by Playwriting Australia and Griffin Theatre Company with the support of the Robertson Family Foundation.

Cast & Creatives

Director Lee Lewis
Designer Elizabeth Gadsby
Lighting Designer Luiz Pampolha
Sound Designer Steve Francis
Stage Manager Charlotte Barrett
With Kate Box, Kit Brookman, Kaeng Chan, Steve Rodgers, Mémé Thorne

Performance Times

PERFORMANCE DATES
Previews 10, 12, 13, 14 October
Season 17 October – 21 November

Meet the Artists after the performance on 20 October

PERFORMANCE TIMES
Monday – Friday 7pm
Saturday 2pm and 7pm

RUN TIME
100 minutes, no interval

Video

Trailer, A Rabbit for Kim Jong-Il

Reviews

“It starts out absurd and then creeps up on you and hits you over the head”  “a theatrical ambush.”  The Australian

“The brilliant opening scene sets the tone of a comic thriller – funny and scary in equal parts.”  Australian Stage   

“almost any scene involving Chan, are highlights of the play. His performance as the sickly polite, immaculately groomed wheeler-dealer naturally lent itself to comedy and suspense.” Arts Hub 

“Steve Rodgers is outstanding as Johann” Daily Review

“…the playwright, Kit Brookman’s performance of Felix the rabbit steals the show.” Australian Stage   

“An entertaining new satire on capitalism, socialism, geopolitics and perfect, fluffy innocence.” Concrete Playground

Blog Posts

A Rabbit for Kim Jong-il - watch our trailer

06.10.15

A Rabbit for Kim Jong-il – giant rabbits, spies, double-crossing and oppressive regimes. All from the brilliant mind of Kit Brookman. A Rabbit for Kim Jong-il plays from 10 October – 21 November. Take a squiz at the trailer. More info +...

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Kit Brookman on a Rabbit for Kim Jong-il

08.09.15

This play is not a true story, but it is inspired by one. In 2006, in Germany, a breeder of giant rabbits was approached by the North Korean government to acquire a number of his rabbits, ostensibly for a breeding...

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