What if the world we live in could be peaceful? This is one wish that many people, me included, could hope for in our lifetime. What if people could make this happen by conceiving children who will become men who are less aggressive and less of the “toxic tough guy”?
Scene Theatre Sydney’s play, Seed Hunters, made its premiere debut at the Pitt St Uniting Performance Space, and this question is one which is explored by a group of women. They are known as “Seed Hunters”. This is a movement of women from all over the world who, based on science, they believe that men of mixed ancestry are more likely to be more intelligent and less combative.
Set in Peking in 1976, students are invited by the Chinese government into a post-Mao world. It’s here that Rosa (portrayed by Fabiola Pellegrino) attempts to seduce a young Australian named Bob (played by Micah Doughty). Nearly 40 years later in present time in Australia, Bob discovers his niece Bridget (portrayed by Julia Grace) is a part of the Seed Hunters movement.
Julia Grace delivered an earnest and compelling performance as Bridget, capturing her youthful idealism and determination. She investigates women’s groups in ancient Greece, the Hopi Indians in Arizona, and various other women who study men, all in search of the perfect match. Bridget befriends Larry (played by Oliver Harcourt) and the audience learns what it is she wants from him. (“I need Larry and his mixed-up genes”)
Meanwhile, Bridget’s sister Sarah (Madison Chippendale) returns home to be reunited with her. She has news of her own. Larry’s brother Jack (Theo Rule), a kids show host with no kids of his own, reacts with shock when he learns of Bridget’s plan. The girls’ grandmother, Dorothy (Joan Rodd), takes the opportunity to share her thoughts directly with her granddaughters.
There are a lot of characters in Seed Hunters – with a cast of eleven sharing the stage, telling their different stories interwoven with art, the stars and history. The director Melissa Paris reminds us that “the seeds of transformation are planted by real people…whether through protest, parenting, music, art or simply refusing to stay silent, their stories echo today’s struggle and dreams.” Themes of self-identity and grief were intermingled with family dynamics.
The cast also took on various tasks, such as turning pages on a stand positioned at one side that displayed the names of the characters’ locations. These titles might have been more visible if they were larger or positioned slightly higher. The staging featured multiple levels, and a sense of intimacy was achieved through the characters’ interactions along the central aisle. However, since the play took place in a large venue with a high ceiling, I occasionally had trouble hearing some of the dialogue. Seed Hunters sound and lighting designer Jay Murrin chose some songs which were beautiful, providing the perfect atmosphere that complemented the scenes.
On leaving this performance, there were a few discussion points that came up from this very interesting concept. What will this seed hunters movement evolve into, in the future? Is this the way leading to a peaceful world?
Seed Hunters was written by Australian playwright Carol Dance.
Season run: October 17 – October 26 2025
Venue: Pitt Street Uniting Church Performance Space, 264 Pitt St, Sydney
Duration: Approximately 105 minutes
Tickets: Students $35, Concession/ Senior $45, Adults $55
www.ticketebo.com.au/scene-theatre-sydney/seed-hunters
To book tickets to Seed Hunters, please visit https://www.scenetheatresydney.net.au/seed-hunters.
Photographer: Robert Catto
