Things I Know to be True: historical context

Historical Context of “Things I Know To Be True”

“Things I Know To Be True” is a contemporary play, written by Andrew Bovell, a renowned Australian playwright.
The play debuted in 2016 at Adelaide Festival Centre’s Dunstan Playhouse, highlighting its contemporary historical context.
The drama takes place in modern times and provides a fresh perspective on common, everyday situations.
Bovell’s piece is heavily shaped by issues and themes salient to contemporary society, as apparent in the depiction of the characters and their relationships.
As an important setting element, middle class suburban life in Australia is to be considered in the story’s interpretation and performance.
Reflecting modern societal issues, the play deals with subjects such as marital failure, identity struggles, infidelity, and the impact of harsh realities in the career world.

The play investigates numerous relevant themes:
Family dynamics: This theme deeply encapsulates the love, conflicts, sacrifices, and struggles within a family.
Effect of secrets: Characters grapple with both internal and external conflicts resulting from secrets they withhold from each other, creating dramatic tension.
Gender roles and expectations: Bovell questions conventional views of being male and female in modern-day society through his characters.
Aging and mortality: Characters confront the harsh reality of aging, the loss of their youth, and the inevitable occurrence of death.
Sacrifices and personal fulfillment: The narrative illustrates how personal happiness and fulfillment are often forsaken for the sake of others.
Identity crisis: Bovell portrays the characters’ struggle to accept their own identities, especially under social pressures and assumptions.

The various themes intermingle with one another to reveal the complex network of human relationships and emotions.