4000 Miles 2025

A funny, moving, altogether wonderful drama.” The New York Times  

The extraordinary Nancye Hayes (Summer Rain) returns to Sydney Theatre Company for the first time in two decades to perform in this rich and nuanced portrayal of the love between a grandmother and grandson. Amy Herzog’s landmark of contemporary American theatre is a positive and uplifting take on the generation gap, and an award-winning story of a family repairing itself.  

Played by Shiv Palekar (The Tempest), 21-year-old Leo hasn’t been heard from in weeks. Not since his cross-country cycling trip went horribly wrong, so, no one is more surprised than his 91-year-old grandmother Vera (Hayes), when Leo turns up on her doorstep in the middle of the night.  

As these characters settle into life as unlikely roommates, 4000 Miles unravels into a moving portrait of two people at opposite ends of life’s journey, meeting at a crossroads and finding solace in each other’s company.  

Directed by STC Resident Director Kenneth Moraleda (American Signs) and also featuring Shirong Wu (White Pearl) and Ariadne Sgouros, 4000 Miles is one of the best pieces of new writing to emerge from the US in recent years. Love and family tension are woven into this illuminating study of healing after life-altering loss. Filled with small, revelatory and humorous moments, this wonderful family drama touches the heart, “illumining the very important things two very different generations have to say to one another” (Vulture). 

Approx. duration 90 mins (no interval). Subject to change.

Content Strong language, mature themes, drug and alcohol use. Subject to change.