Troy Lennon, History editor, The Daily Telegraph
Sydney had never seen a play like it. Swearing, nudity, simulated sex and a gang of scruffy, long-haired hippies protesting war, racism, sexism and pollution. Singing songs about their sex lives and railing against the mistakes of past generations. The musical Hair was anti-establishment, anti-war, pro-love and pro-peace.
When it premiered in Australia, on June 5, 1969, 50 years ago today, at the Metro Theatre in Kings Cross, some people were shocked, but most were deeply moved, amused, stimulated or inspired. The show ran for two years
and made stars of John Waters and Marcia Hines — both of whom are still acclaimed performers today.
What started as an off-Broadway oddity in 1967, made its way to Broadway then around the world, including Australia. It is being revived, yet again, at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall in October, starring Hugh Sheridan and Paulini.
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