David Hare in conversation with Julian Burnside

David Hare — Photo: Connor Tomas O'Brien

It was anger and idealism that compelled playwright and director David Hare to found his first drama troupe back in the 1960s. The youthful righteousness may have faded, but certain currents have remained strong throughout his oeuvre. In his plays, including Racing Demon and Murmuring Judges, Hare has continued to turn his piercing gaze on the dominant institutions of his country – from the Church of England, to the Labour party and the British justice system.

During his extraordinary career, Hare has written more than 30 plays and received two Academy Awards nominations for screenplay adaptations of The Hours and The Reader. Last year, he published The Blue Touch Paper, a memoir that tells of the early days of Hare’s career in rapidly changing post-war Britain.

Ahead of the Melbourne Theatre Company revival of his acclaimed 1995 play Skylight, Hare spoke with Julian Burnside about politics, public institutions, art and the writing life.

Presented in partnership with Melbourne Theatre Company.

Julian Burnside and David Hare — Photo: Connor Tomas O'Brien

Host Julian Burnside with David Hare — Photo: Connor Tomas O'Brien

The discussion took place at the MTC Southbank Theatre — Photo: Connor Tomas O'Brien