When contemplating Melbourne Theatre Company’s production The Jungle and the Sea, about a family’s experience in war-torn Sri Lanka from 1995 to 2026, the word that encapsulates it is epic. By definition: “an epic is a long narrative poem, book, or film that tells a grandiose story about a hero’s adventures and reflects a culture’s values”. At two hours and 50 minutes, its run time is also identical to another epic you may have heard of, The Odyssey by Christopher Nolan, and duration is not the only similarity, as the play addresses themes of war, religion, and the search for home/our loved ones across decades.

Don’t let the length deter you. From the narrative arc, to the momentum of the script delivery, to the actors literal movement onstage, this play is so immersive and propulsive, you will lose track of time. The intervals are also perfectly timed.

S. Shakthidharan and Eamon Flack share both writing and directing duties as they guide this grand yet intimate, and utterly tragic, tale of war. Early on, we sense the irony in the quote by an LTT (Liberation Tigers of Tamil) soldier that they are fighting “a war for peace”. Also depicted vividly is the well-known saying “the first casualty of war is the truth”.

Decisions made by distant political figures and their horrific personal impact are felt from the very first scene. Having little historical knowledge of the conflict is no bar to comprehension and can add to the experience, as you move as unknowingly as the characters through the story, wondering when and how it will all end. However, looking at the diversity of the audience, one can’t help but feel there are those present who would have had first-hand experience of this conflict.

All of the performances are impeccable, and many of the actors play multiple roles. Particularly affecting is Prakash Belawadi as father, Appa – we watch him physically age onstage in such a believable loss of mobility, that it is shocking when he suddenly moves fluidly again as a younger character. As Appa, he is noble and generous, and retains his dignity and humour even in suffering. Through him we explore whether “kindness is abused by those in power.” Shoutout also to Emma Harvie as Lakshmi, who guided by vocal coach Laura Farrell, transitions effectively from a Sri Lankan to Australian accent.

A very simple stage is brought to life through movement. A circular platform constantly revolves throughout the whole play, at changing speeds, making the actors navigate the space almost like a choreography. It’s strongly symbolic, as a family they are always moving, dealing with the circumstances of change, and of the struggle for truth in circular questions of this seemingly never-ending conflict. The platform represents history repeating.

There is an impressive piece of set design by Dale Ferguson, in the “rain” falling on actors as tiny balls, so realistic that it makes you second-guess whether it’s water or not. Also inventive is a prop device of miniature planes and landmarks carried by the actors, to represent a change of setting.

There are two musicians onstage (one of whom is also the composer, Arjunan Puveendran) angled slightly towards the performers so as not to distract the audience, and their Carnatic music provides a subtle and seamless sonic support in emotive scenes and in other key moments, mimics the bombardment of ammunition to great effect.

Playing Amma/Gowrie, actor and dancer Anandavalli’s skill is beautifully woven into the story as well. As Amma is blindfolded from the start of the play, it falls to her daughters to narrate to her, and to us, what they see offstage in a clever scene setting technique that helps the audience visualise the degradation of war without depicting it. The combination of set, lighting, music and performance creates a truly artful build of tension.

While we see them as victims of war, we also see in their responses, the best of human qualities. While they seek safety, and grapple with the meaning of their cultural traditions and faith, we still see their resilience, adaptability, bravery, even laughter, and always, love. Their joy of connection, and of community and identity, sings to us. The Jungle and the Sea is a soaring tribute to the Sri Lankan spirit and a beautiful and impactful piece of theatre.

4 stars

Presented by Melbourne Theatre Company, The Jungle and the Sea is playing at the Southbank Theatre, The Sumner, Melbourne until 12 September 2026.

Run Time: 2 hour 50 minutes (two intervals, 20min each)

For tickets visit Melbourne Theatre Company