'The River' Now Playing at Sydney Theatre Company

Directed by rising star Margaret Thanos, Jez Butterworth’s thrilling and lyrical play The River is now playing at the Sydney Theatre Company.

Beloved global star Miranda Otto returns to the Sydney Theatre Company stage in this thrilling play by one of the world’s greatest living playwrights. On a moonless night, a lovesick fisherman (Ewen Leslie) entertains a woman at his family’s remote cabin on the cliffs. The energy between them crackles like the flames in the fireplace. It should be a weekend full of romance and trout fishing, but all is not as it seems.

“Margaret Thanos’ production for Sydney Theatre Company is alive to the play’s intellectual complexities... an intriguing production that keeps you guessing”. ★★★½ The Sydney Morning Herald

“Thanos’s creative vision allows the ambiguities to become an asset, giving the audience space to remain in the uneasy territory between desire and distrust. A raw, riveting reflection on love, relationships and illusions.” ★★★★ Time Out Sydney

“Margaret Thanos’ direction rises to meet this sophistication with an aesthetic of curated chicness… Exquisitely wrought and remarkable.” ★★★★ Suzy Goes See

“Margaret Thanos leans into the ambiguity with direction inspired by her own experience of heartbreak and loss... it entwines the mysteries of love, truth and memory.” ★★★★½ Limelight

Running until 16 May 2026 at the Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House. Photo by Daniel Boud.