SCANDALOUS BOY, a new Australian play from OSA

Join CPT members for the international premiere of an award-winning Australian Play.  A bold and sensual reimagining of ancient history and one of the great love stories of all time.

In a daring leap across time, the statue of the Ancient Roman god Antinous springs to life in the 21st century, determined to reclaim his story. Dismissed by Christian historians as a “shameless and scandalous boy,” Antinous is ready to speak for himself—armed with the wisdom of 2,000 years spent frozen in stone. As he recounts his mortal life, the past comes alive around him. We meet a beautiful boy chosen to be trained as an eromenos—a companion to powerful men—and watch as he survives by selling his body to Roman soldiers.

His famed beauty catches the eye of none other than the Emperor Hadrian, who takes him as a lover when Antinous is just 16. Thrown into a world of unimaginable luxury, Antinous quickly learns that his power is as fleeting as youth itself. As time marches on, he must navigate a treacherous imperial court, contend with Sabina, Hadrian’s politically shrewd wife, and outmaneuver Lucius, Hadrian’s jealous former flame. And just as the stakes rise, Antinous falls in love with a young man named Marcellus—while Hadrian is falling deeper in love with him. As tensions build and passions ignite, Antinous must ask: can he survive in a world that values only his beauty, or will he find a new kind of power—one born from intellect, agency, and self-discovery?

David Atfield is an Australian playwright, director, and dramaturg known for his compelling works in theater. His writing often explores historical and emotional themes, blending the personal with the political in complex ways. Atfield's work spans a variety of genres, but he is especially recognized for his skill in crafting intimate, character-driven dramas.

Please note the 6 pm start time.  And to ensure you have a seat, purchase a ticket form OSA here.