Show times: 26 June & 4 July, 6.30pm - 7.45pm
Venue: Etcetera Theatre, 265 Camden High Street, Above the Oxford Arms, London, NW1 7BU
Description:
This Machine Kills Fascists is a stage spectacle inspired by the life and work of Woody Guthrie, the legendary American folk singer and civil rights activist.
The force of the performance is the dramatic threads from Woody Guthrie's biography. His disdain of self seeking politicians, big corporations, and all those who sought to undermine the American Dream.
It was in this fight, led not by a rifle, but by song that his famous ‘war cry’ was born: ‘This machine kills fascists’, scrawled across Woody’s guitar.
2026 Adelaide Fringe Reviews
★★★★★
‘The detailed story-telling is shared by the large cast, a strong ensemble all with fine singing voices. The choreography is varied, vigorous and joyful, returning often to the chanting rhythm of the freight train.’
★★★★
‘This is a fantastic, tight piece of American history with strong vocals and an important message. The heart of the piece is communicated beautifully and lightly, clearly pointing to the parallels between Guthrie’s fight for equality and the tragic similarities of today’s issues in America.’
2025 Melbourne Season Review
‘ "This Machine Kills Fascists", a stirring stage play inspired by the life and music of American folk singer Woody Guthrie
Guthrie famously painted the phrase “This Machine Kills Fascists” across his guitar in the 1940s—a defiant emblem of his deep opposition to fascism and inequality. He conceived fascism as “a form of economic exploitation similar to slavery,” and used his music to confront injustice head-on. As a committed activist—even with ties to left-wing movements—he wrote songs empowering working-class communities and denouncing discrimination.
In this theatrical piece penned and directed by David Dunn, scenes from Guthrie’s life unfold in a dynamic blend of storytelling and song. The performance is unapologetically political—championing anti-racism, equality, and resistance to fascism. In a bold, creative leap, it even references Fred Trump, (Donald's father), adding a contemporary layer of resonance.
Nuworks is known for its ensemble-driven, didactic style of theatre—a tradition in which music and choreography deepen the narrative rather than merely decorate it. This production continues that legacy, engaging audiences not only emotionally through Guthrie’s songs but also intellectually through its social critique.’
Alexandra-Gosia
photography by Geoff Smith, August 2025
