Perth Theatre Company 2015 Season Brochure

2015 SEASON

2015 is going to be an exciting year for Perth Theatre Company. It is an extensive, diverse and ambitious program backed by a committed number of really valued sponsors, and supported by an energised and engaged board of directors.

PTC is known for its innovative, contemporary style. This year we celebrate these ingredients in a number of different venues with a dynamic mix of artists and work.

We are fortunate to have the continued support of the State Government through the

Department of Culture and the Arts. We are very grateful for their support and we look forward to expanding our growing base of stakeholders.

The small and highly talented management team have really outdone themselves with the 2015 program and the board is very proud of their efforts. I am sure that 2015 will be a pivotal and significant year of development and discovery for this 31-year-young company.

Dr Saliba Sassine CHAIRMAN

OUR CHAIR

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As patron of Perth Theatre Company, it is with great delight that I welcome you to the 2015 Annual Season.

This year Perth Theatre Company continues to bring compelling and reflective theatre to the people of Perth.

We celebrate PTC’s innovative work and approach to stories with such sensitivity that recurring themes of love, loss and hope are skillfully met with contemporary performances that connect audiences to diverse and thought-provoking cultural experiences.

Wonderful, evocative and experimental collaborations promise to deliver compelling theatre that emphasises resilience and hope.

Perth Theatre Company’s 2015 Season awaits you and I encourage you to join us in engaging in a season of unique and unexpected theatre. THE RT HON. THE LORD MAYOR Lisa-M. Scaffidi CITY OF PERTH

OUR PATRON

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OUR ARTISTIC DIRECTORIn 2015 we take you deep into the worlds of a diverse collection of characters and stories in a season that celebrates relationships — friendship, families and lovers. Exploring the role of the individual, community and culture in shaping the larger world we share, it is an immersive series of encounters encompassing the sonic, visual, technological and personal.

The works all play with scale and environment, taking place across a number of exciting venues and offering a bold set of pathways that map an array of creative experiences.

Each of the artists we are working with across 2015 brings a unique voice to their practice and to their view of humanity. They will share this vision with you in ways that promise to be unexpected, refreshing and deeply moving.

Spanning the epic and the intimate, these pieces resonate across time and place to remind us of our commonality and difference, offering up new perspectives on our own worlds — the private, public and political.

I hope you will find that the ideas, big and small, offer a touchstone for the reason we choose to engage with this most compelling of art-forms. In their playfulness and honesty, these voices invite a new way of looking at the world around you, whether it be momentary or everlasting.

Melissa CantwellARTISTIC DIRECTOR / CEO

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A COMPELLING AND MEMORABLE LOOK BEYOND SOUND-BYTES AND HEADLINES

FROM THE RUBBLE

Exploding the boundaries of theatre, From the Rubble is a unique multi-artform piece inspired by the work of one of Australia’s most cherished writers and journalists, Walkley Award winner Sophie McNeill.

Melissa Cantwell uses the evocative images embedded in Sophie’s work to give you a glimpse into the lives of civilians in conflict zones. Exploring themes of displacement, transformation and hope, From the Rubble tells compelling personal stories that find joy in the resilience and ingenuity of women the world over.

PICA’s Performance Space is transformed into an immersive world, created by visual artist Fleur Elise Noble and a team of Perth innovators.

From the Rubble investigates our contemporary relationship to conflict in a work that promises to be unforgettable.

"Noble not only deconstructs her art, she shreds, incinerates and rebuilds it, milking the full potential of today’s multimedia technology like an Andy Warhol for a new era." THE ADVERTISER, ADELAIDE

DURATION Approx 1 hour

DIRECTOR – Melissa CantwellVISUAL DESIGN – Fleur Elise NobleINSPIRED BY STORIES FROM – Sophie McNeillCREATED WITH – Joe Lui, Mei Saraswati , Tina Torabi, Mikala Westall

16 – 28 MARCH 2015Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA) See calendar on page 19 for details

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WORLD PREMIERE

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Perth Theatre Company presentsSide Pony Productions’

Created by Perth’s award-winning Side Pony Productions (The Pride, The Wives of Hemingway, The Manic Pony) and featuring vocal performances by some of Perth’s finest actors, this interactive audio experience places you at the centre of the action.

When a bag full of cash is brought into Peter’s very ordinary home, his family finds themselves caught up in a sinister and disturbing chain of events. You are invited to step onto the floor and into this gripping thriller, experiencing first-hand the sordid betrayal and moral philandering that’s about to smother this suburban dream.

Six audience members, equipped with masks and headsets, are guided through the story, experiencing events first hand. Those who prefer to watch can survey the action from the perimeter in the Studio Underground, eavesdropping on the characters’ most private thoughts and conversations.

A LIFE AND DEATH SITUATION HAS NEVER BEEN SO FUN

THE CONFIDENCE MAN

30 APRIL – 10 MAY 2015Studio Underground, State Theatre Centre of WA See calendar on page 19 for details

DURATION 45 mins (plus up to 15 mins to brief participants and audience members)

DIRECTOR – Zoe Pepper WRITERS – Zoe Pepper and Adriane Daff COMPOSER – Ash Gibson GreigMASK DESIGN – Rebecca Baumann AUDIO ARRANGEMENT & SOUND DESIGN – Sam PriceLIGHTING DESIGN – Lucy Birkinshaw AUDIO PERFORMERS – Kym Bidstrup, Adriane Daff, Brendan Ewing, Andrew Hale, Brent Hill, Talei Howell-Price, Kate Neylon, Will O’Mahony, Igor Sas, Sean Walsh, Mikala Westall

"Actors and audience are all in this together… an intriguing experience "

WEEKEND NOTES

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YOU COULD BE THE STAR!

FIND OUT HOW AT perththeatre.com.au

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A PIANO PLAYER FELL IN LOVE. IMAGINE THE MUSIC…

An epic love story spanning three generations, The Song Was Wrong will transform the Studio Underground.

Featuring a core ensemble and creative team of West Australia’s best artists alongside some of the country’s most respected designers, this highly visual and physical work tells the story of a pianist who loves and loses the woman who will change his life forever.

An exploration of love, art and the relationship between a musician and his muse, The Song Was Wrong utilises an evocative score to tell a story of redemption and hope.

THE SONG WAS WRONG

DURATION Approx 2 hours 30 mins (including interval)

4 – 20 JUNE 2015Studio Underground, State Theatre Centre of WA See calendar on page 19 for details

“An exciting, imaginative and distinctive West Australian voice.”

X-PRESS MAGAZINE

DIRECTOR & WRITER – Melissa CantwellDESIGNER – Claude Marcos WITH COSTUMES BY Aurelio Costarella LIGHTING DESIGNER – Matthew Marshall MOVEMENT – Lisa Scott-MurphyFEATURING – Felix Jozeps, Jacinta Larcombe, Sarah Nelson, Thomas Papathanassiou, George Shevtsov

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By Melissa Cantwell

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WORLD PREMIERE

SEVEN AGES, FIVE PERFORMERS AND YOU — UNDER THE NIGHT SKY

Perth Theatre Company in association with Performing Lines WA presents

Shakespeare says there are seven ages in your lifetime — this is your chance to check in and see how you’re travelling.

yourseven is an invitational and immersive show all about you. We invite you to take a solo journey and reflect on where you’ve been and what may be in store.

Moving through a large outdoor installation in the Courtyard at the State Theatre Centre of WA, you will participate in a series of encounters from your past, present and possible future.

James Berlyn, a co-founder of Proximity Festival, is known for Tawdry Heartburn's Manic Cures and Crash Course. His latest work, yourseven, is sure to leave you with a smile on your face and dreaming about your future.

DURATION Approx 45 mins (no interval)

YOURSEVENBy James Berlyn

30 OCTOBER – 15 NOVEMBER 2015Courtyard, State Theatre Centre of WA See calendar on page 19 for details

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CONCEPT BY – James Berlyn FEATURING – James Berlyn, Ella Hetherington, Sarah Nelson, Katya Shevtsov

IMAGE BY MATT SAV

"GENUINELY TRANSFORMING… MYSTERIOUSLY

JOYOUS" ABC ARTS

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WORLD PREMIERE

ONE OF THE GREATEST AMERICAN WRITERS OF THE 20th CENTURY

John Steinbeck’s classic tale of drifters Lennie and George explores male friendships, transient workforces and class divides in this compelling and enduring tale that has an astonishing resonance in a contemporary world.

Featuring live music from award winning Perth band Stoney Joe, Of Mice and Men offers a high impact showcase of talent including Jai Courtney (star of films Divergence, Felony and Terminator: Genisys) alongside some of Perth’s favourite actors on stage at the Heath Ledger Theatre.

Described as ‘the conscience of his country’, recognised and loved across generations and cultures, Steinbeck, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, has secured a place in hearts and minds the world over with this iconic piece of literature.

OF MICE AND MENBy John Steinbeck

DURATION 2 hours 20 mins (including interval)

4 – 20 DECEMBER 2015Heath Ledger Theatre, State Theatre Centre of WA See calendar on page 19 for details

Copyright 1937 by John Steinbeck, Copyright renewed 1965 by John Steinbeck

DIRECTOR – Melissa CantwellWRITER – John Steinbeck SET AND COSTUME DESIGNER – Zoe AtkinsonLIGHTING DESIGNER – Matthew MarshallLIVE MUSIC – Stoney Joe SOUND DESIGN – Will SladeSTARRING – Jai Courtney

WINNER Nobel Prize for Literature

JOHN STEINBECK

"…Steinbeck is one of the best authors the United States has ever produced."

HUFFINGTON POST

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"A MASTERPIECE" THE NEW YORK TIMES

DIARY

PERTHTHEATRECOMPANY

VENUES

Cnr William and Roe StNorthbridge WA 6000P: 08 6212 9200E: [email protected] W: statetheatrecentrewa.com.au Studio Underground | Courtyard | Heath Ledger Theatre

STATE THEATRE CENTRE OF WA

Perth Cultural Centre 51 James Street Northbridge WA 6000P: 08 9228 6300 E: [email protected]: pica.org.au

PERTH INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ARTS (PICA)

178 William StPerth WA 6000P: 08 6212 9399E: [email protected]: perththeatre.com.au

PERTH THEATRE COMPANY

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DIARY

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5 May 6.30 & 8pm

6 May 6.30 & 8pm

7 May 6.30 & 8pm

8 May 6.30 & 8pm

9 May 4, 6.30 & 8pm

10 May 2.30, 4pm

THE CONFIDENCE MAN | Studio Underground, State Theatre Centre of WATUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN

30 Apr 6.30 & 8pm

1 May 6.30 & 8pm

2 May 4, 6.30 & 8pm

3 May 2.30, 4, 6pm

FROM THE RUBBLE | Perth Institute of Contemporary ArtsMON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

16 Mar 6.30pm

25 Mar 11am & 7.30pm

26 Mar 7.30pm

27 Mar 7.30pm

28 Mar 2 & 7.30pm

17 Mar 7.30pm

18 Mar 7.30pm

24 Mar 7.30pm

19 Mar 7.30pm

20 Mar 7.30pm

21 Mar 2 & 7.30pm

16 Jun 7.30pm

17 Jun 11am & 7.30pm

18 Jun 7.30pm

19 Jun 7.30pm

20 Jun 2 & 7.30pm

4 Jun 7.30pm

9 Jun 7.30pm

10 Jun 11am & 7.30pm

11 Jun 7.30pm

12 Jun 7.30pm

13 Jun 2 & 7.30pm

THE SONG WAS WRONG | Studio Underground, State Theatre Centre of WATUE WED THU FRI SAT

5 Jun 7.30pm

6 Jun 2 & 7.30pm

10 Nov6pm

11 Nov6pm

12 Nov6pm

13 Nov6pm

14 Nov6pm

15 Nov6pm

3 Nov6pm

4 Nov6pm

5 Nov6pm

6 Nov6pm

7 Nov6pm

8 Nov6pm

YOURSEVEN | The Courtyard, State Theatre Centre of WATUE WED THU FRI SAT SUN

30 Oct 6pm

31 Oct6pm

1 Nov6pm

OF MICE AND MEN | Heath Ledger Theatre, State Theatre Centre of WATUE WED THU FRI SAT

5 Dec 7.30pm

10 De 7.30pm

11 Dec 7.30pm

12 Dec 2 & 7.30pm

13 Dec 5.30pm

6 Dec 5.30pm

15 Dec 7.30pm

8 Dec 7.30pm

9 Dec 7.30pm

16 Dec 7.30pm

17 Dec 7.30pm

18 Dec 7.30pm

19 Dec 2 & 7.30pm

20 Dec 5.30pm

4 Dec 7.30pm

PREVIEW OPENING

SUN

SUBSCRIPTIONSSUBSCRIBE to Perth Theatre Company in 2015

PERTH THEATRE COMPANY SUBSCRIPTION

CHOOSE YOUR PACKAGE:

- Of Mice & Men, The Song Was Wrong and The Confidence Man OR

- Of Mice & Men, The Song Was Wrong and From the Rubble for only:

PREMIUM $137 STANDARD $117 CONCESSION* $92 PREVIEW** $80

ADD ONOnce you’ve got your subscription simply quote your booking confirmation number to get exclusive access to James Berlyn’s yourseven. All tickets $50.

SUBSCRIBER+

For just a little top up (from $20), you can join Subscriber+ just click on the DONATION link when purchasing your subscription. Donate what you can to PTC and join an exclusive group of subscribers with access to special events in 2015! All donations over $2 are tax deductible.

BUY YOUR SUBSCRIPTION NOWONLINE ticketek.com.auPHONE 1300 795 012IN PERSON visit a Ticketek outlet, including the State Theatre Centre of WA Box Office

SHARE THE LOVE! What’s better than gifting theatre to those you love? Gift vouchers are available for Perth Theatre Company performances. Visit ticketek.com.au or call 1300 795 012 to find out more!

WHY SUBSCRIBE?

Best seats in the house Discounted tickets Special offers and event invites Access to tickets to yourseven before public sale on 19 January

BUY TICKETS TO THREE

SHOWS AND SAVE UP TO 24%

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TICKE

TS

CONDITIONS

* Must have valid concession. ** For preview performances only. Subject to availability.# Under 30s available for Tuesday — Thursday

performances only.

Ticketek transaction fees and credit card fees apply to

all purchases.

TICKET EXCHANGES: Perth Theatre Company has a 'No Exchange, No Refund' policy on tickets once they are sold.SPECIAL ASSISTANCE & ACCESSIBILITY:

For information, please call 1300 665 915 Perth Theatre Company reserves the right to withdraw or substitute any artist listed in the 2015

Season brochure as necessary.

HOW TO BOOK

All subscriptions can be purchased through Ticketek.

ONLINE ticketek.com.auPHONE 1300 795 012

IN PERSON visit a Ticketek agency, including the

State Theatre Centre of WA Box Office.

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FROM THE RUBBLEPerth Institute of Contemporary ArtsSTANDARD: $30CONCESSION*/PREVIEW**: $25

THE CONFIDENCE MANStudio Underground, State Theatre Centre of WASTANDARD: $40CONCESSION*: $35PREVIEW**/UNDER 30s#: $30

THE SONG WAS WRONGStudio Underground, State Theatre Centre of WASTANDARD: $52CONCESSION*/GROUPS: $42PREVIEW**: $35UNDER 30S#: $30

YOURSEVENCourtyard, State Theatre Centre of WAALL TICKETS: $50

OF MICE AND MENHeath Ledger Theatre, State Theatre Centre of WAPREMIUM: $80A RESERVE: $65CONCESSION*/GROUPS: $50PREVIEWS**: $45UNDER 30S#: $30

SINGLE TICKET PRICES:Single tickets on sale from Monday 19 January

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VISIT PERTHTHEATRE.COM.AU TO LEARN MORE

ABOUT THE WORK THAT THE COMPANY DOES BEHIND

THE SCENES TO SUPPORT THE BEST OF WESTERN

AUSTRALIA’S THEATRE MAKERS.

CREATEPTC creates and produces a core program of

sophisticated, high quality works that provide unique opportunities for West Australian artists.

CURATEPTC is committed to supporting talent in WA through the presentation of independent artists' work on the

professional stage, and seeking opportunities for Perth artists to work on national and

international platforms.

In 2015 along with our seasons of yourseven and The Confidence Man, the PTC commissioned work

It's Dark Outside will tour in Asia.

CULTIVATEPTC nurtures emerging artists and gives voice to

established artists through the provision of opportunities including: artists in residence; project auspicing;

playreading series; mentoring artists and arts workers at all levels of the organisation and commissioning

West Australian artists.

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CONT

EMPO

RARY

DEV

ELOP

MENT

FUN

D Perth Theatre Company is committed to supporting West Australian artists through the development of new work from seed to stage.

Through three distinctive stages, Perth Theatre Company brings a unique contemporary voice to the stage through the commissioning, development and presentation of new West Australian theatre.

Contribute to the Contemporary Development Fund, and take an active part in bringing new works to the stage.

In 2015, the Contemporary Development Fund will support the presentation of Melissa Cantwell’s new work, The Song Was Wrong.

To contribute to the Contemporary Development Fund: ONLINE perththeatre.com.au EMAIL [email protected] With your support, this work can reach its full potential and be a significant part of the West Australian cultural landscape.

WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING SUPPORTERS:

Dr Robert Larbalestier

Walter MillsteedDelys & Alan Newman

Phil Thick & Paula Rogers

Jo & Mick MaloneGerie & Ole Hansen

Lisa StewartAnonymous (1)

OUR

PART

NERS

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GOVERNMENT PARTNERS

MAJOR PARTNER

COMPANY PARTNERS

MEDIA PARTNERS

SUPPORTING PARTNERS

B R I G H T Y E L L O W P R O D U C T I O N Sbr igh tye l l owproduct ions .com.au

DIGITAL PR INT

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FROM THE RUBBLE

YOURSEVEN

Government of Western AustraliaDepartment of Culture and the Arts

WA

James Berlyn is supported by Managing and Producing Services for theatre and dance artists in WA (Maps for Artists), which is a joint initiative of the Australia Council for the Arts, the Australian Government’s art funding and advisory body, and the State of Western Australia through the Department of Culture and the Arts.

THE CONFIDENCE MAN

Government of Western AustraliaDepartment of Culture and the Arts

The Confidence Man has been supported by the City of Melbourne, The Blue Room Theatre, the Government of Western Australia through the Department of Culture, and the Arts and the Western Australian Theatre Development Initiative, which is funded by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body.

OUR TEAM

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PATRONTHE RT HON. THE LORD MAYOR

Lisa-M. Scaffidi

BOARDCHAIR — Dr Saliba Sassine

DEPUTY CHAIR — Brad MartinMichael AtkinsAlec Blacklaw

Melissa CallananJohn Carlson

Allan Drake-BrockmanMiles Hull

Gareth Lane Justice Rene Le Miere

Danielle Newport

STAFFARTISTIC DIRECTOR / CEO — Melissa Cantwell

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER — Georgia MalonePRODUCTION AND TOURING MANAGER — Kirby Brierty

COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER — Jasmyn WoodfordFINANCE OFFICER — Karen Connolly

ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANT — Zoe HollyoakARTIST IN RESIDENCE — Ian Sinclair

PERTH THEATRE COMPANY 2015 SEASONBROCHURE DESIGN / ART DIRECTION – Matt Sav

BROCHURE PRINTING – Picton PressWEBSITE – Clever Starfish

COVER IMAGE – Thinh Dong featuring George Shevtsov and Jacinta Larcombe

PERTHTHEATRE.COM.AU