Australian playwright, producer and director Andrew Upton has released his debut novel, 'Krank Fuss', an allegorical fable reminiscent of Animal Farm.The story centres on a disfigured chicken named Krank Fuss who arrives terrified at a smallholding in Nazi Germany.Written as if by a First World War veteran named Rudi for his unborn daughter, the manuscript is discovered years later in a briefcase.

Upton, who keeps chickens at his home in East Sussex, drew inspiration from observing the birds and broader anxieties about global conflicts, the sound of planes near Biggin Hill, and his father's RAF service.The narrative explores the hierarchy and brutality among anthropomorphised animals on the farm as human violence escalates around them.

It features moments of violence, including gruesome deaths, but also kindness, touching on themes of powerlessness, systems of control, and the impact of war.Upton, married to Cate Blanchett with whom he shares four children and the film company Dirty Films, wrote during early mornings.He kept the project private until completion, with Blanchett as his first reader, followed by others who encouraged him not to call it weird.Influenced by his theatre adaptations of Chekhov and Ibsen, the book blends humour with a bleak outlook.Upton views it as opening new creative doors later in life.Published by Puncher & Wattmann, 'Krank Fuss' offers multiple layers for readers, from its fantastical elements inspired by A.A.Milne to deeper reflections on conflict and existence.(Word count: 278)