Set during the 2022 federal election, Tuấn’s Party explores the unexpected win of independent Dai Le in Fowler. This smart and emotional play looks at the personal and political tensions hidden beneath a simple housewarming.
Directed by Neda Taha, the play follows newlyweds Tuấn (Terence Nguyen) and Natalia (Sarah Gattellari) as they host their first post-pandemic dinner party in St John’s Park. Their guests — childhood friend Kevin (Nathan Niguidula), fresh off the campaign trail for Kristina Keneally, and his girlfriend Nadine (Charnel Rizk) arrive just as the electorate begins to erupt with shock and celebration.
What begins as a regular night of chatting and discussing politics soon changes. It becomes a deeper exploration of identity, class, cultural expectations, and the fragility of friendship. Skeletons emerge from closets, conversations get heated.
Each performance was compelling and engaging. Nguyenn brings vulnerability as Tuấn, while Gattellari shines as Natalia. Niguidula captures Kevin’s earnest political idealism with humour and depth, and Rizk’s Nadine delivers a slow-burn performance that builds to an unforgettable climax. Olivia Xegas makes a short but sharp appearance as Kristina. She highlights the absurdity of political optics in a so-called “safe seat.”
While the script — co-written by Kobra Sayyadi and Bina Bhattacharya with the cast — is rich in humour and naturalistic dialogue, it doesn’t shy away from hard truths. Questions of authenticity, tokenism, migration, and loyalty are raised without easy resolution. The play takes inspiration from Don’s Party. However, it tells the story in a new way, focusing on Western Sydney.
Staged simply but effectively at PYT Fairfield, the set reflects a real home in transition — not quite polished, slightly chaotic, and full of history. It’s a fitting metaphor for the characters and the community they represent.
Tuan’s Party is more than just a night of drama — it’s a mirror to a region often misunderstood and misrepresented. It’s uncomfortable in all the right ways, and essential viewing for anyone who wants to understand what’s really at stake in Australian politics and personal identity today.
To book tickets to Tuấn’s Party , please visit https://pyt.com.au/tuansparty/.
