DOPPELGANGSTER

The Emu War or The Great Emu War

About 'THE EMU WAR' or 'THE GREAT EMU WAR'

The Emu War, also known as the Great Emu War, was a military operation undertaken in Australia over the latter part of 1932 to address public concern over the number of emus running amok in Western Australia.

The emus won.

This is not speculative fiction. The emus won.

So unsuccessful was the Emu War – or the Great Emu War if you prefer – that locals would petition the government for a second war in 1934, 1943 (Despite already being heavily involved in WW2 at the time!) and 1948.

Doppelgangster’s The Emu War or The Great Emu War is nightmare fuel-napalm, shocking and awesome, and an action-packed fantasia that challenges nationalistic myths; bitterly satirising a ridiculous loss.

Grossly exaggerated from very real events, the production details the Western Australian armed, programmed, and entirely unprepared soldiers’ isolating experience; a combination of propaganda, physical assault, and fraternity; from the sign-up tents, to the barracks, to the cold, violent, and conclusive fields of battle.

THIS SHOW IS
CURRENTLY 
IN DEVELOPMENT

#war
#teamemu

WARNING
Strictly for audiences 16+.
Contains violent content.

The Emu War or the Great Emu War is ideally performed entirely on a tennis court.

It does not feature any real emus.

CONCEPT + PERFORMANCE BY/
Ruby Donohoe + Dr Tom Payne + Tobias Manderson-Galvin

WRITING BY / 
Tobias Manderson-Galvin

DRAMATURGY BY /
Dr Tom Payne

DIRECTION BY /
Ruby Donohoe

BASED ON GOVERNMENT PROPAGANDA /
by the Australian Government

PROJECT PARTNERS
2017 RESEARCH&DEVELOPMENT

developed in residency at

developed in residency at