Naked on stage: Griffin Theatre’s Naturism dares to bare
An all-nude comedy explores generational divides, climate grief, and body freedom—on Sydney’s mainstage
Later this year, Sydney’s Griffin Theatre Company will debut Naturism, a bold new play written by Ang Collins and directed by Declan Greene. It’s not only Collins’ mainstage debut—it’s also a full-length comedy in which the cast performs entirely nude.
Set during an escalating climate catastrophe, Naturism follows a group of aging nudists who have retreated into an off-grid bushland eco-utopia. Their peaceful rhythm is interrupted by the sudden arrival of Evangeline, a young Gen Z eco-influencer fleeing a personal crisis. What unfolds is a sharp and funny clash of ideals, generations, and bodily philosophies, staged with vulnerability, care, and absolutely no clothes.
This is, of course, the kind of project that naturally catches the attention of a publication like Planet Nude. I haven’t seen it yet—nor will I likely be able to. But as someone who has spent years studying the cultural meanings of nudity, I find the premise fascinating: an intergenerational dramedy that treats nudity as normal rather than salacious, and explores what it might mean to live freely, both bodily and environmentally, in a world unraveling.
Playwright Ang Collins is known for work that blends humor and emotional depth. Her Blueberry Play earned acclaim for its portrait of adolescence and identity in rural Australia. Director Declan Greene—currently Griffin’s Artistic Director—brings a track record of pushing theatrical boundaries with works like The Lewis Trilogy and Sex Magick, both exploring identity, queerness, and personal transformation.
Theatre nudity is often met with titillation or controversy, but Naturism takes a different route. The production includes an intimacy director to ensure that the nudity onstage is handled with sensitivity and respect. According to Griffin’s own announcement, the goal is to create a liberating, truthful portrayal of bodies and their politics—not a spectacle for shock value.
As of this writing, Naturism is scheduled to run from October 25 to November 15, 2025, at the Wharf 2 Theatre in Sydney. I wish I could attend. In fact, I’d love to send someone. If you're a Planet Nude reader in or near Sydney and you’d be interested in reviewing the show for us, please reach out. I’ll happily cover the cost of your ticket and pay you for your review.
In the meantime, I’d love to hear what you think: Would you go to a play with real nudity, even if you had to remain clothed? What expectations or assumptions come with seeing a naked body on stage? And how might a naturist perspective enrich—or complicate—our reading of a play like this? 🪐
I would love to go see a play like this
just last night I went to a naked comedy show where the audience was encouraged to be naked as well
and I was !
I even got up and told a joke making my stand up comedy debut
Personally, I think it's a great idea to put on a play where every day people (as opposed to augmented porn stars) are nude and they're acting as if it's perfectly natural, which it is. I'd love to attend, and while I'd have no problem being part of an audience that's nude, the only drawback is the likelihood of a lot of textiles would refuse to even think about attending. Let's face it; we're not a large enough segment of the population to financially support a theater production on our own.
My last thought is that it would be a great opportunity to introduce friends or relatives to allay their (spoken or unspoken) fears that being a nudist is only an excuse to attend weekend long orgies.