Peter Hackney

Peter Hackney is an Australian-Montenegrin writer and editor who lives on Dharug and Gundungurra land in Western Sydney - home to one of Australia’s most diverse and dynamic arts scenes. He has a penchant for Australian theatre but is a lover of the arts in all its forms. A keen ‘Indonesianist’, Peter is a frequent traveller to our northern neighbour and an advanced student of Bahasa Indonesia. Muck Rack: https://muckrack.com/peterhackney https://x.com/phackneywriter

Peter Hackney's Latest Articles

A young man in a brown suit and tie is sitting in the foreground. In the background is an older man looking at him. Between them there is a noose hanging.
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Theatre review: Hangmen, New Theatre

The first Australian production of Martin McDonagh’s 2015 play sees high drama and black comedy come together in a gripping…

Peter Hackney

Aug 21, 2024
A dark-haired man in a colonial American military uniform, complete with cavalry sabre at his side, faces towards the camera. A group of dancers in similar uniforms pose dramatically behind him.
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Musical review: Hamilton, Sydney Lyric Theatre, The Star

‘Hamilton’ has returned to Australia. It’s slick, spectacular and runs like clockwork – but remains dogged by some fundamental issues.

Peter Hackney

Aug 9, 2024
A dark-haired white woman wearing a grey jumper, a brown checked dress and white shoes stands onstage in what could be a bland office set. Three blue chairs are lined up against the rear wall, upon which is projected the face of an older man in a suit and toe. A dying pot plant stands in one corner of the room.
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Theatre review: Arlington, Reginald Theatre, Seymour Centre

The first Australian production of Irish playwright Enda Walsh’s ‘Arlington’ is challenging, confounding and stunningly original.

Peter Hackney

Aug 9, 2024
Two panels: On left is a profile photo of a man with a brown hat, glasses and a white beard. On the right is a cover of his book with an illustration of an island in blue and green and the words 'Mark Heyward' and 'The Glass Islands' in white font.
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Book review: The Glass Islands, Mark Heyward

Spanning memoir, travelogue and historical non-fiction, The Glass Islands explores a life swapped from Tasmania to Lombok, Indonesia.  

Peter Hackney

Aug 7, 2024
Two women argue. The woman on the left has shoulder-length hair and wears a blue and white striped top. The angrier woman on the right has a scarf covering her hair. Behind her stands a man in a red and black flannel short who appears to be trying to calm her down.
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Theatre review: Sunset Strip, New Theatre

The New Theatre tackles a play by one of Australia’s hottest theatrical exports.

Peter Hackney

Jul 12, 2024
A single dancer is spotlit. She is all in white and covered in powder that falls off her as she poses.
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Dance reviews: Sixbythree, Riverside Theatres

A contemporary dance festival at Parramatta’s Riverside Theatres saw three separate dance works presented over two days.

Peter Hackney

Jul 10, 2024
A group of people all dressed in black leotards are looking up, about to catch a single performer who is dressed in gold and is seen in mid-air. They are standing in front of gold drapery.
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Circus review: Duck Pond, Sydney Coliseum Theatre

Circa presented a modern take on Tchaikovsky’s ‘Swan Lake’ and Hans Christian Andersen’s ‘The Ugly Duckling’ in a collision of…

Peter Hackney

Jul 9, 2024
A woman with her hair in a bun is standing spotlit in centre of stage. She is wearing silver blouse and black pants and carrying a bouquet of roses. Petals are strewn below her. A band can be seen playing around her, in semi darkness.
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Theatre review: Master Class, Ensemble Theatre

Terrence McNally’s play about opera legend Maria Callas gives us a masterclass in stagecraft.

Peter Hackney

Jun 26, 2024
A man with a salt and pepper beard is standing to one side and looking into the distance. He is wearing a white tunic and a crown made of flowers and leaves.
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Theatre review: King Lear, Neilson Nutshell, Pier 2/3

Bell Shakespeare takes a minimalist approach to 'King Lear' in its first production of the play since 2010 – with…

Peter Hackney

Jun 24, 2024
Ten figures are sitting cross-legged in formation with their hands raised above their heads. They are wearing light, floaty trousers. The men are bare-chested. The women are wearing brown-coloured bras.
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Dance review: Horizon, Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House

Bangarra Dance Theatre’s darkly beautiful new production draws upon the ancient roots of both Australian and New Zealand First Nations…

Peter Hackney

Jun 19, 2024
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