REVIEW: THIS MACHINE KILLS FASCISTS by Nuworks Theatre at Etcetera theatre 26 June & 4 July 2026

“it is great to have live music exploding on the Etcetera stage.”  ★★★   

Woody Guthrie was a titan of America folk music in the 1930s and 1940s. Although he is now (unfortunately) mainly remembered as the primary influence on the young Bob Dylan, who modelled his original look and sound on him, Guthrie’s life story is much more important than being a bit part player in Dylan’s life.

Australian theatre company Nuworks tackle Woody’s story with great energy and little sentiment. Guthrie’s racism in his early career, the domestic violence and alcoholism, are all unflinching portrayed. But they do not sanitise his radical politics either – his communism and later civil rights work are all captured. As the title echoes, Guthrie had a sign on his guitar saying “This Machine Kills Fascists” and during World War Two, after an initial anti-war stance, he produced some memorable anti-Nazi anthems.   

The music is key, and the ensemble cast throw themselves into the story, from his early life in Oklahoma through dustbowl America to the New York music and left-wing scene. They also throw themselves into the barnstorming music with gusto, with some songs reimagined. Guthrie had a tragic life, losing a sister and daughter in house fires, and seeing his mother suffer and ultimately die from Huntington’s disease, which he developed himself and meant he was largely incapacitated in his later years.

At times the play struggles to tell the story clearly and you can get lost in the complexities of dustbowl America, the American left during the war years, and the post-war HUAC retribution. The large number of characters, Guthrie’s wives, Pete Seeger and other musicians, don’t have too much chance to develop, but of course the focus is on Guthrie. Although one actor plays Woody, the cast take turns in singing lead on the songs and it is great to have live music exploding on the Etcetera stage. The talented company are alternating performing this play with one about a quite different musical era – the UK punk 1970s scene – also at the same venue and touring.             

Tickets and tour information: https://www.instagram.com/nuworkstheatre/