Set at a party, Awkward follows the story of five characters with divergent personalities, unique in their mannerisms and their ‘awkward’ coping mechanisms. These characters are in contrast to one another and develop distinct relationships. There is the introvert, the extrovert, the hanger- on, the gorgeous, and the in lust. Their personalities conflict and gel, remain indifferent or continue to feel awkward, just as in real life these characters respond differently to each individual they meet. The story is told through short episodes exploring both the external reactions of the characters as well as their internal dialogue.

Recipient of the 2006 Canberra Critics Circle Award in Dance

“True to her declared aim of making contemporary dance theatre readily accessible, Cadi McCarthy had me squirming in my seat as I relived the excruciating discomfort of meeting strangers at parties, with a mix of dialogue, humour, gesture and danced expression, Awkward engages us from start to finish in the characters, their relationships and their feelings along the way. To their credit, these three girls and two guys stick it out to the end and the awkwardness diminishes but is still there, even as they part for the evening.”