threadbare

threadbare is a new Australian play that explores queerness and dementia through an intergenerational lens, addressing rising homophobic violence and dementia awareness while sparking vital cultural discussions.

It presents a reality familiar to many queer people: the heartbreak of a grandparent unable to accept them, clinging instead to the grandchild they once knew. While deeply rooted in the queer experience, the play’s themes of conditional love, loss, self-discovery, death and queer euphoria—are universally resonant.

The story follows Sasha as they navigate a strained relationship with their grandmother, Elaine, whose dementia takes control of her, and with it, her homophobic past. As Elaine’s condition worsens, Sasha must grapple with difficult questions: Can their relationship be repaired? Is unconditional love truly possible?

Supported by their partner Kaden and chosen family Kahani and Riley, Sasha wrestles with the tension between their own needs and Elaine’s right to a peaceful end of life, confronting the complexities of forgiveness, identity, and self-preservation.

Tom's Bio

Tomas Parrish-Chynoweth (they/them) is a queer, multidisciplinary artist originally from Wollongong, Dharawal and Wodi Wodi Country, and acknowledges sovereignty was never ceded, and is the writer of threadbare. Tomas is a graduate of the VCA and Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Credits include the Green Room Award winning When The Light Leaves (Dan, La Mama and Citizen Theatre, 2019/20), Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (Hayes Theatre, 2023), Metropolis (Little Eggs Collective and Hayes Theatre, 2023), The Sight (Dark Mofo, 2023) and What If If Only (Melbourne Theatre Company, 2023). They have premiered on screen in the limited series In Our Blood (Hoodlum Productions and ABC, 2022).

Tomas is also a composer and writer, with their work having been performed by Aus Ballet with Orchestra Victoria, and The Sydney Philharmonia Orchestra. They are currently undertaking a Doctor of Musical Arts, and are the recipient of the University Postgraduate Award. Their play threadbare premieres in 2025 and their first symphony is set to debut in 2026. They are workshopping a musical with Antipodes Theatre Company and Hayes Theatre Company about the lives of Claude Cahun and Marcel Moore.