TOXICITY: The RPAC Proof-of-Concept
In June 2026, the vision for TOXICITY achieved a major milestone. Assembly of Elephants and debase successfully staged our proof-of-concept production at the Redland Performing Arts Centre (RPAC).
This culmination of three years of rigorous cross-sector collaboration between artists, educators, and social justice partners proved that theatre can act as the ultimate safe space to confront the pressing issues facing young people today.
The Double-Bill
TOXICITY is a dazzling, provocative, and vital new double-bill designed for young people and the adults who care for them. It unwraps the lives of youth navigating the riptides of school, relationships, and social media tsunamis:
- Rowan’s Story – An award-winning play by Elaine Acworth unpacking the generational impacts of gendered violence as a 17-year-old haltingly navigates sexuality, friendship, and his first intimate relationship.
- Popping Lead Balloons – A sharply updated debase work tackling contemporary girl culture, high-tech bullying, status games, and peer-group “pack” structures.
“We have to get better at having the conversation. Shame dies when stories are told in safe spaces.” — Ria Wang, Cluster Lead for DFV at Micah Projects
Voices from the Theatre
TOXICITY relies heavily on the lived experiences of our audiences. The RPAC season grew directly out of these profound community responses:
- “A powerful script about things that are really pertinent to our young people now… empowering them to talk and feel safe…” — School Guidance Counsellor
- “It made me feel uncomfortable but in a good way… to have deeper conversations about who we are and how we feel about things…” — 16yo Femme Student
- “It made me think of the generational norms we have… I really feel we need more discussion between young men and young women.” — 16yo Masc Student
- “Heart-breaking, beautiful, thought-provoking – and funny, too… as an educator I’m excited about how it might be something we can be a part of…” — Drama Educator
- “Addresses critical contemporary issues that young people are definitely asking to be addressed.” — Drama Educator
- “Clever, thought-provoking, fun” & “healing, heartfelt and intense.” — 16yo Femme Students
- “There was a point where it felt really confronting – but then the resolution happens and it feels freer.” — 16yo Femme Student
- “Elaine, all respect… you are the only playwright in Australia dealing with one of our most pressing and dreadful problems… (Rowan’s Story) is a powerful, strong play and should be seen. I also really rate Popping Lead Balloons… congratulations on such great work!” — Educator and Theatre Practitioner
Bring TOXICITY to Your Community
The conversation doesn’t stop at the theatre doors. The RPAC production was filmed and will soon be available alongside our existing suite of curriculum-linked workshops and digital learning resources.
We are actively booking future iterations of the project. The TOXICITY model seamlessly segues from fictional narratives to the real voices of your community, incorporating student insights directly into the project ecosystem.
- For Schools: Secure curriculum-linked workshops facilitated by company teaching artists.
- For Venues: We are currently in conversation for future touring and presentation partnerships.
Bring TOXICITY to Your Venue or School
Please contact Elaine Acworth on hello@assemblyofelephants.com
Acknowledgements
Rowan’s Story and Toxicity are supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
Proudly supported by the Redland City Council through the Redland Performing Arts Centre.
Elaine Acworth was the 2025 Rodney Seaborn Playwrights Award Winner, Awarded for her play Rowan’s Story