Loaded (novel)

1995 novel by Christos Tsiolkas

Loaded

First Australian edition

Author| Christos Tsiolkas
Language| English
Genre| novel
Set in| Melbourne
Publisher| Vintage Books

Publication date

| 1995
Publication place| Australia
Media type| Print (paperback)
Pages| 160
ISBN| 9780143790976
Followed by| Jump Cuts

Loaded is the first novel by Greek-Australian writer Christos Tsiolkas.[1] It was first published in 1995 by Vintage Books, and focuses on Ari, a nineteen-year-old second generation Greek-Australian in Melbourne.[2] It follows a restless, unemployed Ari over twenty four hours as he spirals into drug use and casual sex. He is caught between the conservatism of his Greek background and modern Australia amid his homosexual desire.[3]

In 1998, it was adapted by Greek-Australian director Ana Kokkinos for the film, Head On. Greek-Australian actor, Alex Dimitriades plays the protagonist, Ari.[4]

## Plot

[edit]

The novel describes twenty-four hours in the life of Ari, an angst-ridden, young, gay second generation Greek Australian.[1] Ari lives with his family in the Melbourne neighbourhood of Richmond and travels across taking speed, cocaine and marijuana whenever presented to him.[5][6] He is uncomfortable with his homosexuality; he favours hook-ups with anonymous, masculine suitors who debase or demean their own homosexuality; and he is regularly at odds with friends as well as family.

## Publication

[edit]

When Tsiolkas submitted the manuscript of Loaded to an independent publisher, it was rejected as "racist and homophobic".[7]

It was ultimately published by Vintage Books.[2]

## Adaptations

[edit]

Loaded was adapted as an audio play by the Malthouse Theatre company in 2020.[8] A stage adaptation of the novel premiered on 5 May 2023 at the Malthouse Theatre. [9] It was also adapted into film Head On directed by Ana Kokkinos in 1998.

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b Montgomery, Isobel (18 June 2011). "Loaded by Christos Tsiolkas – review". The Guardian. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
2. ^ a b Loaded Terms Australian Book Review. October 1995, no. 175
3. ^ James Bradley (November 2013). "Christos Tsiolkas' 'Barracuda'". The Monthly. Morry Schwartz. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
4. ^ Head On: I love you Betty National Film and Sound Archive. Retrieved on 12 July 2024
5. ^ Reloading Loaded Wheeler Centre. 2021
6. ^ Johnstone, Doug (26 June 2011). "Loaded, By Christos Tsiolkas - Another slap in the face of polite society". The Independent. Independent Print Limited. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
7. ^ Free, David (12 October 2013). "Christos Tsiolkas: the view from the outside". The Australian. News Corp Australia. Retrieved 10 August 2015.
8. ^ Byrne, Tim (30 October 2020). "Loaded review – Christos Tsiolkas' hedonistic breakout novel becomes an exhilarating audio play". The Guardian. Retrieved 4 January 2021.
9. ^ "Loaded review – Danny Ball is magnificent in Christos Tsiolkas adaptation". The Guardian. 11 May 2023. Retrieved 12 May 2023.

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