Synopsis

A sparse, sterile flat in an unnamed location. The smell of disinfectant hangs heavy in the air

Kerry, a woman with a hidden past, tries to build a new life as a classroom assistant. As strange events begin to unfold around her, she becomes convinced that a missing girl named Molly is still alive and in danger. Kerry’s investigation leads her down a dark path, blurring the lines between reality and delusion. As her grip on sanity weakens, Kerry’s true identity as Connie Johnson – a woman with a traumatic history – begins to emerge. Her relationship with John, who may not be who he seems, adds another layer of complexity to the unfolding mystery.

Relocated is a chilling exploration of identity, trauma, and the fragility of reality. Neilson’s surreal and disorienting narrative structure mirrors the protagonist’s fractured psyche, challenging the audience’s perceptions at every turn. The play delves into themes of guilt, redemption, and the lingering effects of past crimes on both victims and perpetrators. Through its unsettling blend of psychological horror and dark comedy, Relocated raises disturbing questions about the nature of evil and the possibility of escaping one’s past.

Upon its premiere, Relocated proved highly controversial, dividing critics and audiences alike. Many found the play’s subject matter – which drew inspiration from real-life cases, including those of Ian Huntley and Josef Fritzl – to be deeply unsettling and potentially exploitative. Some critics praised Neilson’s bold approach and the play’s haunting atmosphere, while others found it repellent and mystifying. The controversial nature of Relocated sparked intense debate about the boundaries of artistic expression and the ethics of dramatising real-life tragedies.