Paternal Instinct, the latest production from local award-winning playwright David Tulloch, has put the spotlight on the often overlooked experience of single fathers.

The play follows the protagonist Mark’s (David Tulloch) unconventional journey to fatherhood .

Mark’s long standing desire to become a father is realised through a one-night stand with his client, Martina Rodriguez (Danah Lawson Chisholm), which crumbles his long-term relationship with his girlfriend Alicia Smith (Niesha Yen Jones).

Unfolding through a snapshot of interactions, the audience gets a bird’s eye view into Mark’s first nine years of fatherhood, as he raises his daughter Shanna (John Nae Reid) who is left on his doorsteps shortly after her mother gives birth.

Navigating the demands of a successful legal career, a daughter, while trying to repair a relationship bruised by the impact of infidelity, Paternal Instinct boasts a plethora of themes aimed at provoking thought among playgoers.

Speaking with Observer Online on opening night, Tulloch shared that the mature subject matters explored on stage sought to give theatre goers a new experience, while exploring themes centred around family life.

“We often see single mothers represented on stage and in media, but little is known about the perspective of single fathers and it is something that is occurring and will continue to increase, particularly due to the rise in non-marital births,” explained Tulloch.

“We need to use theatre not just as a platform for entertainment but to raise awareness about social matters. Audiences are looking for more than just laughter, they are looking for new perspectives that can help them navigate the complexity of life, particularly in the area of family life,” Tulloch added.

Paternal Instinct will run December through April on select dates at the Courtleigh Auditorium.