Still waters run deep

Beloved global star Miranda Otto (The Lord of the Rings, Ladies in Black, A Doll’s House) returns to the Sydney Theatre Company stage in this thrilling play by one of the world’s greatest living playwrights.

On a moonless night, a lovesick fisherman (Ewen Leslie – Strange Case of Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde) entertains a woman at his family’s remote cabin on the cliffs. The energy between them crackles like the flames in the fireplace. It should be a weekend full of romance and trout fishing, but all is not as it seems.

From Jez Butterworth, Olivier and Tony Award-winning playwright (Jerusalem, Mojo) and screenwriter (Ford v Ferrari, Spectre), this lyrical and sublime drama “unfolds like a tantalising cross between a piece of deeply felt poetry and a sleight-of-hand puzzle” (The Independent). 

“Relentlessly inspired” (The Sydney Morning Herald) rising star director Margaret Thanos offers a sleek and surprising interrogation of the mysteries of intimacy, love and connection.

The River is an atmospheric and intimate chamber drama, “alluring and unsettling in turn” (The Arts Desk) that will electrify audiences and leave them haunted for days.

Event Details:

• Dates:

  Previews 30 Mar – 06 Apr 2026
  Season 08 Apr – 9 May 2026

  Night with the Artists
  Mon 13 Apr, post-show

  Lunch with the Artists
  Mon 02 March, 12:15pm–2:30pm
  The Wharf Restaurant and Bar

  Captioned Performances
  Tue 05 May, 6:30pm
  Sat 09 May, 1:30pm

  Auslan Interpreted Performances
  Thur 7 May, 7:30pm

  Performance start times
  Preview performances – 7:30pm
  In-season evening performances – Mon & Tues 6:30pm; Wed – Sat 7:30pm
  Matinee performances – Wed 1:00pm; Saturday 1:30pm

• Duration: 80 mins, no interval.

• Suitable for: 18 years+ mature audiences

• Location: Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House

• Warnings: Strong language, mature themes, sexual references

More info & tickets here.