'Wasters' Summary

Wasters follows the Dangar family, a wealthy Australian clan grappling with the weight of their legacy and the complexities of their interpersonal relationships. John Dangar, the patriarch, struggles to reconcile his family's past with their present realities, while his wife, Baby, attempts to maintain a façade of unity and control. Their children, Guy and Lindsay, are caught in the crossfire, each dealing with their own internal conflicts and struggles with their parents' expectations. The play's title itself becomes a point of contention, as the characters grapple with the implications of being labeled as 'wasters' and the societal expectations that come with their privileged status. The story unfolds in the backdrop of their family-owned department store, providing a microcosm of the larger societal dynamics at play. The play's use of comic scenes set in the women's undergarment department serves to highlight the growing tensions within the family, exposing their vulnerabilities and the fragile facade they maintain. As the play progresses, the characters confront their own internal demons and grapple with the consequences of their actions, leaving the audience to ponder the true meaning of responsibility, legacy, and the complexities of family dynamics.