A Queanbeyan production of ''The American Tribal Love-Rock Musical'', as it is subtitled, opened last night and its young cast - many of whom were not familiar with Hair going in - discovered just how relevant it still is. And like their characters, they bonded strongly.

Rebecca Harman, 26, who plays the idealistic and committed Sheila, said she didn't think things had changed much in the intervening decades.

''It's all in a different form but it's the same,'' she said.

The cast did a lot of research into their parts and the period to better understand the issues and the lyrics, she said

Tim Stiles, 36, plays Berger, leader of the hippie tribe at the centre of the show, one of whose number, Claude (Pete Ricardo), is torn between his surrogate family and the expectations of his parents, who expect him to serve in Vietnam.

Stiles said of Berger, ''He's a real free spirit who believes in a better world.'' But while Berger is committed to his ideals, Stiles said, he also has a more comic side, using his shenanigans to make people laugh.

James Court, 18, plays the sexually adventurous Woof and was one of the few cast members already familiar with Hair.

He said, ''It goes so much with my personal beliefs: if everyone just listened to each other and loved for a little bit there would be peace.''

While there's a lot to consider in Hair - musically, dramatically, politically - it is notorious for its nude scene. Stiles said he, along with other cast members, ''had to push through a lot of body image issues'' but decided ''to do it''.

■ Hair is on at the Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre tonight, tomorrow night and Saturday night, and on September 26, 27, 28, 29 and October 3 to 6 at 8pm, with a 5pm show on September 30 and 2pm shows on Saturday and on September 22 and 29 and October 6. Nudity, coarse language and adult themes. Tickets $49/$44. Bookings: 62856290.