Griffin Theatre Company's newest production, Nucleus, is a thought-provoking drama that delves into the clash between personal ambition and global responsibility, set against the backdrop of environmental activism. Directed by Griffin's Associate Artistic Director Andrea James, the play tells a story as deeply personal as it is politically charged.

A proud Yorta Yorta Gunaikurna woman and recent recipient of the Creative Australia Award, Ms James sees Nucleus as more than just a play—it's a reflection of our shared connection to each other and the planet.

"This play is about love—love for each other, love for the land, and the way those relationships can guide us through even the most difficult challenges," she said.

Known for her dedication to Australian stories and First Nations perspectives, Ms James brings her signature depth and sensitivity to Nucleus, a work by multi-award-winning playwright Alana Valentine. The play is rooted in five years of meticulous research, including interviews with residents from Valentine's home of Jervis Bay.

The story follows Gabriel, a nuclear engineer, and Cassie, an anti-nuclear campaigner, whose lives and ideals have collided over decades. On one pivotal night, their opposing beliefs reach a boiling point, exposing an explosive and deeply personal history.

Ms James, a long-time friend of Ms. Valentine, explains how the narrative transcends the immediate topic of nuclear energy to explore universal themes of connection and care.

"This play is not just about nuclear power; it's about how we navigate our humanity in the face of environmental and political crises," she said.

The play uses the nuclear debate to examine deeper questions about human relationships, collective responsibility, and the moral complexities of living in a rapidly changing world.

While Nucleus tackles a topical and divisive issue, Ms James emphasises that it is ultimately a story about people—how we communicate, how we clash, and how we find common ground amidst profound disagreements.

"It's about finding our shared humanity," she said.

"Even when the stakes are high and our differences feel insurmountable."

Nucleus is a two-hander play, meaning its focus is entirely on the two characters. The tension gradually builds through dialogue and the evolving dynamics of their relationship. This structure demands an extraordinary level of trust between the actors and the creative team to deliver authentic, emotionally charged performances that draw the audience into their world.

"My job as a director is to create a really safe space for the actors to explore these complex relationships. It's about allowing them to feel deeply and convey that truthfully to the audience," Ms James said.

The cast features two of Australia's most esteemed actors, Paula Arundell (The Bleeding Tree) and Peter Kowitz (The Floating World), who bring to life the tension, passion, and humanity of their characters. James likens their dynamic to "a boxing ring of intellect and emotion."

"It's almost like a boxing ring, where two characters circle and stalk each other. The roles are enormous and incredibly challenging, so Peter and Paula need to deeply trust each other to deliver these raw, honest performances," she adds.

"These actors have to genuinely feel heartbreak and fury, and my job is to create a safe space where they can fully inhabit these characters," she continues.

The themes of environment and activism hit close to home for Ms James, who drew upon her own experiences to bring depth to the production. She highlighted how Nucleus resonates with First Nations principles.

"Looking after Country is in our DNA. It's why and how we're brought onto this land—to care for it, to protect it, and to ensure its survival. That's something Nucleus speaks to in such a powerful way."

This sentiment highlights that solving global crises requires more than science or politics—it calls for a deeply human approach. Through Nucleus, Ms James and playwright Alana Valentine invite audiences to consider how their personal choices and relationships shape the larger world—and what it truly means to care for something beyond oneself.

Opening Night is 19 February, with the season running until 15 March.