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La Mama Theatre 2012 Winter Program
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Winter 2012
Liz Jones, C.E.O. & Artistic Director
And on behalf of Pippa Bainbridge (Company Manager & Creative Producer), Ellen Rijs (Administration Coordinator), Nedd Jones (Communications Coordinator), Lisa Höbartner & Rebecca Etchell (House Managers), Maureen Hartley (La Mama Learning Producer), Mary Helen Sassman (La Mama Community Producer), Caitlin Dullard (La Mama Mobile Producer), Fiona Wiseman (Preservation Coordinator), Ella Holmes (La Mama for Kids Curator), Annabel Warmington (La Mama Musica Curator), Andy Jackson and Anna Fern (La Mama Poetica Curators), Graham Downey (Script Appraiser) and the Committee of Management: Dur-é Dara, Mark Rubbo, Caroline Lee, Tim Stitz, Rhonda Day, Emily Harms and Liz Jones.
It is always gratifying when Green Room nominations translate into awards, as they did this year. Angus Cerini’s Save For Crying won the prestigious awards for Best New Australian Play, Best Production, and Best Male Actor (Ben Grant). Laurence Strangio won Best Direction for Six characters in search of an author..., Nicola Gunn and company took home the Conceptual Realisation award for At The Sans Hotel, and The Rabble won Best Design Integration for Special. Congratulations all.
It is also thrilling that Coranderrk: We Will Show The Country (developed and premiered at La Mama) is having a season at the Sydney Opera House from June 28 to July 1.
As some of you may know, on the Queen’s Birthday I was named an Officer of the Order of Australia, and I’d like to say thanks for all your kind words and congratulations. The extraordinary generosity and support that I have received from my staff, the committee members, the artistic community, audience, friends and family has made this achievement possible, and you are all a part of it. Thank you!
Come warm yourselves by the brazier and partake of our diverse and dazzling theatrical fare this Winter.
Platform Youth TheatreAlmost With You
Last SongsUnaustralia
The Shrink and Swell of KnotsSpeak English or Die
The WoodsMiss Hewett’s Shenanigans
Caps and BellsPolly’s Party
Walking Mark RothkoThe Well
The Four Accordionists of the ApocalypseThe Lichtenstein Nursing Home Massacre
The Biography of a BattlerThe Unspoken Word is “Joe”
La Mama for Kids La Mama Musica
Our Man in BeijingPlayreadings
An Anthology of Poems La Mama Poetica
Ticket Information
Cover Image: Sarah WalkerPictured: Nikki Shiels Courtesy: The Unspoken Word is “Joe” & MKA
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WINTER 2012Newsletter 122
PLATFORM YOUTH Theatre A Month at La Mama Courthouse
Four weeks of performances, readings, and special events, celebrating the many diverse young and emerging theatre makers from northern and western metropolitan Melbourne; and regional Victoria including
Ballarat, Sale and Warburton. We are thrilled to be together ‘in the house’ - acting up and speaking out!
WEEK 1 (July 4 – 8)
Wed – Sat at 7pm: Windmills (Misfit Theatre) | Still Waters with Tariro Mavondo, Latifa Elmrini and Sister Zai
Wed – Sat at 9pm: A Donkey and a Parrot with Sarah Hamilton
Sat at 3pm (playreading): Thomas Banks and the Power of Love by Thomas Banks
Sun at 3pm (guest artists): Still Waters and friends featuring Creative Rebellion Youth & Future of Rap
WEEK 2 (July 11 – 15)
Wed – Sat at 7pm: Take My Hand (Grit Theatre) | Manonita (Moving Theatre) | Back Pocket by Michael Jeffery (Damned Theatre)
Wed – Sat 9pm: Murder at Warrabah House by Sam Wilson & May Jasper (SNAFU Theatre)
Sat at 3pm (playreading): Smoulder by Tarleton Dewé & Prue King (Groundwork Theatre) | Short Play - In Progress by Josh Thomason
Sun at 3pm (guest artists): Forging the Hammer of Change; activist artists tell their stories5.
7.
A Month at La Mama Courthouse
WEEK 3 (July 18 - 22)
Wed – Sat at 7pm: Vice Versa with Tegan Larin & Rachel Hatherley | Selected Short Works (Mayte Youth Theatre)
Wed – Sat at 9pm: not a very good story by May Jasper (Quite Productions)
Sat at 3pm (playreading): Form and Substance by Kip Brennan
Sun at 3pm (guest artists): Standing here Looking there with Darebin Overseas Students Association & Playback West
WEEK 4 (July 25 - 29)
Wed – Sat at 7pm: The Book of Face, by Tim Harris & Mika Wallace (Mayte Youth Theatre)Voices From The West (Western Edge Youth Arts)
Wed – Sat at 9pm: The InBetween by Aleza Gratian (Erin Voth Productions)
Sat at 3pm (playreading): Chief Executive UBU by James Wray after Alfred Jarry (Erin Voth Productions)
Sun at 3pm (guest artists): The Test (Ignition Theatre Company 2012)The Cabaret Antique Variety Shoe: Dazzle, glitz & dance, ending the season on a high note
PLATFORM YOUTH THEATRE
7.
9.
ALMOST WITH YOUJuly 4 - July 22
Why does Lisa keep Dan a secret - even at the risk of losing Tom, who wants to give her the life she’s dreamed of?
A funny and deeply affecting story of love and loss from the writer of Secret Bridesmaids’ Business, featuring music from The Church, The Jam, Simple Minds and more…
Written by Elizabeth ColemanDirected by Kaarin Fairfax
Performed by Fiona Macleod, Luke O’Sullivan, Raj Sidhu and Helen HopkinsDesigned by Virginia Dowzer
Lighting Designer Stelios KaragiannisProduced by Sally Baillieu
Stage Manager Phoenix BadeA Little Theatre Company Production
Wed, Sun 6.30pm | Thu, Fri, Sat 7.30pmMatinees at 2pm on July 15 & 22
Running time: 90 minutesLa Mama Theatre
11.
LAST SONGSJuly 25 - August 5
Two married women fell helplessly in love. Their desire for each other was overwhelming. Last Songs is a beautifully written epilogue, reflecting the
exhilaration and pain of a gloriously shared passion that could not endure.
Poignant, passionate, poetic.
Based on the life experience of Sydney writer Kate O’Brien, Last Songs is the sequel to the successful 2008 La Mama production, Out of the Blue.
Written by Kate O’BrienDirected by Lloyd Jones
Performed by Jo-anne Armstrong & Robyn ClancyLighting by Rebecca Etchell
Wed 6.30pm | Thu, Fri 7.30pm | Sat, Sun 5.30pmRunning time: 60 minutes
La Mama Theatre
13.
UNAUSTRALIAAugust 1 - August 19
“Look.... I’m not a racist, but....”
Crulla Beach represents the Australian dream. A paradise of white sand and blue sky stretching as far as the eye can see. But when a lifeguard is beaten by a young man of ‘middle-eastern appearance’ some
start to question who really is a ‘local’? And more importantly, who are the ‘real’ Australians?
‘A powerful production with many questions, honest portrayals and an unwavering commitment to portray a reality that many locals experience living in this country’
- Australian Stage
Written by Reg CribbDirected by Tim Nolan
Set and Lighting Design by Ken Roach
Wed, Sun 6.30pm | Thu, Fri, Sat 7.30pmRunning time: 80 minutes
La Mama Courthouse
THE SHRINK AND SWELL OF KNOTS
15.
THE SHRINK AND SWELL OF KNOTSAugust 8 - August 19
A man starts building his own coffin but decides to turn it into a raft.
The lighter the twist, the greater the strength.He bends and slips to make it right.
What’s the best hitch to be borne away?How many loops in a love note to life?
The Shrink and Swell of Knots is an energetic, challenging and optimistic show about struggle,filled with music and ideas, practical information and poetry, transformation and grunt.
Created and Performed by Ben GrantCo-directed by Christian Leavesley and Ben Grant
Wed, Fri 6.30pm | Thu, Sat 8.30pm | Sun 4.30pmRunning time: 60 minutes
La Mama Theatre
17.
SPEAK ENGLISH OR DIEAugust 9 - August 19
Two women gaze up a staircase cluttered with kilims and candles. They wonder what he’s doing.
He’s been up there a while. Mouche wants to go up.
To see. Maybe to understand?
A debt to be paid. The bet is made.
By Jeremy JohnsonDirected by Sara Tabitha Catchpole
Produced by Four Letter Word TheatreDesigned by Sara Tabitha Catchpole and Robert Smith
Performed by Georgia Kelly, Chris Gaffney, Phoebe Taylor and Ben Byrne
Wed, Fri 8.30pm | Thu, Sat, Sun 6.30pmRunning time: 70 minutes
La Mama Theatre
19.
THE WOODSAugust 22 - September 9
Ruth and Nick are young, ‘in love’ and spending some quality time together. But the intricacies of relationships are as mysterious as the woods that surround them.
A fresh and compelling production that journeys into Mamet’s sparse, poetic language with fearless innocence.
Written by David MametDirected by Laurence Strangio
Performed by Natasha Jacobs and Gabriel PartingtonDesign by Mattea DaviesLighting by Julia Knibbs
Wed, Sun 6.30pm | Thu, Fri, Sat 7.30pmRunning time: 120 minutes
La Mama Theatre
Image courtesy of Oscar Strangio
21.
MISS HEWETT’S SHENANIGANSA FESTIVAL OF DOROTHIORAMA
August 22 - September 2
Dorothy Hewett died on August 25th 2002. Ten years later it’s time to celebrate the life and work of Australia’s ultimate literary maverick in a cabaret extravaganza of song, recitation and striptease. Hewett as
you’ve never seen her before PLUS readings of rarities and a very special one night only Hewett Happening!
Directed by Suzanne Chaundy | Research by Alison RichardsFeaturing Jane Bayly, Zoe Ellerton-Ashley, Alison Richards, Luke Jacka and Robert Stephens
Design by Peri Jenkins | Lighting Design by Shane GrantA Perilous Production
Wed, Sun 6.30pm | Thu, Fri, Sat 7.30pm | La Mama Courthouse
SUSANNAH’S DREAMING with Q & A | August 26 at 2pm | $12 Full or $8 Concession
THE GOLDEN OLDIES with Q & A | September 2 at 2pm | $12 Full or $8 Concession
HEWETT HAPPENING: a celebration featuring extracts from Dorothy’s extraordinary catalogue of playsAugust 29 at 6.30pm | $25 Full or $15 Concession
See page 43 for DOROTHY HEWETT POETICA (in collaboration with La Mama Poetica)
23.
CAPS AND BELLSSeptember 5 - September 9
We are all puppets
In a small Sicilian town where sexual infidelity and dishonour are matters of life and death, Ciampa lives with his beautiful young wife Nina in a climate of unbridled
hysteria and madness, exacerbated by stifling social convention and boredom.
Carrying small-town paranoia to its irrational extremes, Caps and Bells makes ironic points about sanity, society and respectability.
By Luigi Pirandello Directed by Mirco Pisano
Original Music By Sara Potenza Nicholls Performed by Mimmo Mangione, Annamaria Colasanto, Pino Lamberti, Mirco Pisano,
Tonia Flego, Simona Ruozzi, Federica Panniello and Margherita Peluso Production Designer: Mimmo Mangione
Stage Managers: Jack Turner and Demi A Mangione
Performed in Italian with English surtitles
Wed, Sun 6.30pm | Thu, Fri, Sat 7.30pmRunning time: 90 minutes
La Mama Courthouse
25.
POLLY’S PARTYSeptember 12 - September 23
Meet Paula: an everyday, suburban, Australian girl. Paula isn’t special or famous, but Paula has a secret...Polly. ‘I do something good I get Polly. Polly is my treat.’ Paula’s online alter-ego Polly spills out into the real world as her
facebook universe becomes reality and you’re invited to the party.
Meet Polly: A pop diva, NYC socialite, Polly is jet setting her way to Melbourne to bring her mix of theatre, contemporary dance, eccentricity and
new media to La Mama. Follow Polly’s online adventures as she travels to Australia planning a Lady Gaga inspired, punch-fuelled night of entertainment.
Created and Performed by Renae ShadlerDirected by Mark Wilson
Wed, Sun 6.30pm | Thu, Fri, Sat 7.30pmRunning time: 60 minutes
La Mama Courthouse
27.
WALKING MARK ROTHKOSeptember 12 - September 30
A strange, funny, never-the-same-twice, tragi-comical-operatic new play written and performed by the creator of the acclaimed international hit, I Love You, Bro.
Orange’s mum says he’s the bastard son of Jay Leno, but that might just be to make him seem special (probably why she gave him such a stupid name, too). He
doesn’t feel special, though, he feels like he’s a walking Mark Rothko painting, one colour and nothing in him with any depth or texture but, even so, he’s always doing
strange things to people, he’s making them cry and fall over and bringing things out of them they didn’t even know they had inside.
A tasty little lolly for adventurous lovers of adventurous theatre.
By Adam J. A. Cass
Wed, Fri, Sun 6.30pm | Thu, Sat 8.30pm Running time: 60 minutes
La Mama Theatre
29.
THE WELLSeptember 13 - September 30
A new work by Robert Reid with Monash Uni Student Theatre
When the earth’s magnetic poles flip and the planet falls out of orbit, life on the ground gets colder and crazier. Long extinct civilizations turn up in the drive through, ex-girlfriends
turn into crude oil and the end of the universe is a giant super-charged cloud of candy floss.
Written and Directed by Robert ReidPerformed by Lisa Bradley, Jess Gonsalves, Tom Lawton, Tom Molyneux, Sharna Cousland, James Hogan, Tegan Harrod, Kevin Turner, Amanda Law, Madelaine Anderson, Jack Beeby, Nigel Langly, Jem Nicholas, Maddie Thiele, Jono Powell, Clara Pagone and Jessica Doutch
Assistant Director: Kate Brennan Composer: Tom Wolff
Wed, Fri, Sun 8.30pm | Thu, Sat 6.30pm Running time: 70 minutes
La Mama Theatre
31.
The Four Accordionists of the ApocalypseSeptember 26 - October 7
Frigg, Goddess of Fertility, feels she’s no longer worshipped and auditions accordionists for an Apocalypse to regain control, yet fears a ‘Twilight of the Gods’. Should she get Apocalypse insurance?
With exquisite vocalist Zulya Kamalova and an incredible revolving set,witness the unleashing of the full destructive force of accordions!
Written and Composed by Sofia ChapmanDirected by Jo Loth
Performed by Zulya Kamalova, Terry Cole, KT Prescott, Carl Pannuzzo, Hilary Fairchild and Rama Nicholas
Musical Director: Sofia ChapmanSet Design by Alana Hunt
Sound Artist: Kirri BuchlerDramaturgy: May-Brit Akerholt and Jami Bladel
Wed, Fri 6.30pm | Thu, Sat 8.30pm | Sun 4.30pm Running time: 80 minutes
La Mama Courthouse
September 27 - October 7
Something is amiss in the Lichtenstein Nursing Home. Sitting high in the misty mountains, unexpected, gruesome and sometimes absurd deaths keep occurring. A murderer is
amongst us and it’s up to the residents to discover who it is before the next victim.
Puppetry for adults... suitable for audiences 12yrs and up.
Performed by Jacob Williams & Kristian Bagin Created by Sarah Kriegler, Jacob Williams
& Kristzan Bagin with John Paul Fishbach (dramaturgy 2009)Design and Construction by Jacob Williams
Sound Design by Steph O’HaraDirection by Sarah Kriegler
A LemonyS Production
Tue*, Thu, Sat, Sun 6.30pm | Wed, Fri 8.30pm Running time: 60 minutes
La Mama Courthouse
THE LIchtenSTEin NURSING HOME MASSACRE
33.
The Lichtenstein Nursing Home Massacre weaves identity theft, classical film genres and famous murders to tell its twisted and gruesome tale. Demented puppets lull the audience into a false sense of safety while posing the question: who is actually pulling the strings of
this macabre adventure? Are all these deaths just another stunt to divert our attention from the real issues once again? Audience, be alarmed AND alert or you may be next!
* October 2 is the only Tuesday performance
THE BIOGRAPHY OF A BATTLEROctober 3 - October 14
In Mental Health Week 2012, Real Fiction explores the mental health system and its failures. Formed from social observations, the writing represents
genuine experience spoken through the characters. This challenging piece is an authentic representation of the silenced Australian underclass.
First performed during La Mama’s Explorations Season in 2009, Peter Flaherty returns with his brilliant portrayal of Teddy, and Maureen Hartley depicts the pathos of a family
member watching her son fall to pieces. In 2010 a documentary on the making of The Biography of a Battler won its heat at the New Films Festival in Newtown, Sydney.
Written by Scott WelshDirected by Kylie Gral
Performed by Peter Flaherty, Maureen Hartley, Andrew Godson, Sarah Walton, Ezekiel Ox and Scott Welsh
Produced by Kerry Davies
Wed, Fri, Sun 6.30pm | Thu, Sat 8.30pm Running time: 65 minutes
La Mama Theatre
35.
THE UNSPOKEN WORD IS “JOE”October 4 - October 14
MKA: Theatre of New Writing “the break out company of 2011” - Timeout Magazine
“the most notable emergence (of 2011)” - theatrenotes “highlight of the independents” - The Age
MKA in association with La Mama presents a new play by Zoey Dawson. Zoey would describe it as a dramatic play. She would describe it as beautiful. And tender. And sad. And funny. And also really clever,
and really honest, and really raw and emotional. Zoey would describe it as a really sad, really beautiful, soul-searching play. About love. And relationships. About life, really. Yeah. Life. It’s a really good play.
“Zoey Dawson is one of the brightest emerging talents on the Melbourne scene” Cameron Woodhead, The Age
Written by Zoey DawsonDirected by Declan GreeneDesigned by Eugyeene TehProduced by Glyn Roberts
Cast includes Zoey Dawson and Nikki Shiels
Wed, Fri, Sun 8.30pm | Thu, Sat 6.30pm Running time: 70 minutes
La Mama Theatre
37.
July 2 at La Mama Courthouse‘SEMBLANCE’ The COLLABORATORS
Improvised Sound Constructions byPhil Treloar (marimba, percussion)
David Tolley (bass, violins, laptop electronics)This collaborative project explores in real-time interactions, other sides to the obvious. A follow-up to the 2011 Explorations season “RRaPP”
August 13 at La Mama TheatreAdam King (assorted percussion)
Rosie Westbrook (electric guitar, double bass)Adam’s still considering his choice of instrumentation, but
Rosie says she’ll play guitar, bass and anything else she can get her hands on!
September 17 at La Mama Courthouse Ida Duelund (double bass, voice)
Emma Bathgate & Simon Eszeky: Lavender Vs RoseEmma combines opera, jazz and grunge with skilful lyricism, keys and harmonium
Simon plays psychedelic, minimal electric guitar, computer samples and beats
Box Office & Bar 7pm | Concert 7.30pm$15 Full or $10 Concession (includes free hot drinks and nibbly treats)
In celebration of International Clown Week (1-7 August), The Clown Brigade are set to put on a show that will deliver a suitcase full of laughs! An action packed show full of circus and silliness!
“Everyone was laughing, from 2 year olds to 80 year olds. That’s their skill.” - Beth Fitz-Henry, World Vision Early Childhood Community Development
August 5 at 11am & 2pm | Running time: 45 minutes | La Mama Courthouse
All tickets $12 | Recommended for ages 2 – 102!
SEND IN THE CLOWNSwith the clown brigade for kids
Calling all tiny tots, kindie kids, yummy mummies, delicious daddyos and groovy grandparents! Acclaimed indie-kindie band The Mudcakes are thrilled to announce the launch of their first ever DVD, Music Videos for Little Monkeys! Come swing your hips, howl and growl, catch a flying monkey, bang a bongo and even jump on stage to join the fun and help us celebrate!
“Superstars in the nursery” – The Age
August 18 at 10am & 11.30am | Running time: 45 minutes
La Mama Courthouse | All tickets $12 | For ages 0 – 8
The mudcakes
July 2 at La Mama Courthouse‘SEMBLANCE’ The COLLABORATORS
Improvised Sound Constructions byPhil Treloar (marimba, percussion)
David Tolley (bass, violins, laptop electronics)This collaborative project explores in real-time interactions, other sides to the obvious. A follow-up to the 2011 Explorations season “RRaPP”
August 13 at La Mama TheatreAdam King (assorted percussion)
Rosie Westbrook (electric guitar, double bass)Adam’s still considering his choice of instrumentation, but
Rosie says she’ll play guitar, bass and anything else she can get her hands on!
September 17 at La Mama Courthouse Ida Duelund (double bass, voice)
Emma Bathgate & Simon Eszeky: Lavender Vs RoseEmma combines opera, jazz and grunge with skilful lyricism, keys and harmonium
Simon plays psychedelic, minimal electric guitar, computer samples and beats
Box Office & Bar 7pm | Concert 7.30pm$15 Full or $10 Concession (includes free hot drinks and nibbly treats)
39.
our man in beijing
August 25 - September 9 | Sat, Sun 4pm | La Mama Theatre
A comedy about an Australian junior manager (John Williams) sent to Beijing to get a contract settled with a Chinese singer (Ding Mei Ling). An important client in Australia wants her to become the covergirl for the next edition of their Life-Style-Magazine. Instead of a smooth course of proceedings, John finds many cultural challenges for which he was ill-prepared to manage. The play gives some entertaining insights in the differences between the Australian and Chinese cultures.
Proceeds of this season will contribute to the production touring Kuala Lumpur in 2013.
Written and Produced by Dr Moni Lai Storz | Directed by Wolf HeideckerPerformed by Peter Muir, Felix Ching Ching Ho, David Lih and Aparna Bhattacharjee
37.41.
Written by Amedeo AstorinoDirected by Shannon Woollard Dramaturgy by Bridgette Burton Performed by Lliam Amor, Justin Hosking and Katherine Innes
The true story of the volatile friendship between F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway and the women who inspired their writing.
August 4 at 2pm | La Mama TheatreAll tickets $5
PLAYREADINGS
With Maggie Doyle, Isabel Hertaeg, Daniel Todd, Drew Tingwell, Circe Maloney and Hannah Burt
The Ladies Who Lounge production of The Happy Prince is a stage adaptation conceived by Maggie Doyle and Isabel Hertaeg, based upon Oscar Wilde’s children’s story. The adaptation contains extracts from the children’s opera of the same name, by Australian Composer Malcolm Williamson.
October 6 at 2pm | La Mama CourthouseAll tickets $15
Jazz AngelTHE Happy PrincE
Book Launch: An Anthology of PoemSPoet and playwright Barry Dickins launches An Anthology of Poems by Sydney Road Community School student, Dylan Owen-Buoy.
Readings by Dylan, Barry and guest poets, with afternoon tea provided and copies of the book for sale on the day.
Barry Dickins has described Dylan as a“talented and tenacious young poet” - The Age, May 28, 2012
Saturday July 21 at 2pm | La Mama Theatre Courtyard
Please reserve your place via the La Mama website (this is a free event)
La Mama would like to thank the following for their generous support in 2012
painting by Barry Dickins
43.
Book Launch: An Anthology of PoemS
Warming winter words from Myron Lysenko, Laura Jean McKay, Julie Beveridge and Graham Nunn
July 16 | La Mama Theatre
Dorothy Hewett PoeticaFeaturing Kate Lilley, Justin Clemens and other leading poets
August 27 | La Mama Courthouse
Box Office & Bar 7.30pm | Performance 8pm | $12 Full or $8 Concession
Alphabet Soup
VenuesLa Mama Theatre
205 Faraday Street Carlton
La Mama Courthouse349 Drummond Street Carlton
Please note that parking can be difficult (try Safeway or Carlton Clocktower, both
off Drummond Street, or City of Mel-bourne parking in Elgin Street near Lygon)
Both venues are just a short walk from Melbourne University tram stop at Faraday
& Swanston Street
La Mama Theatre is registered by the Heritage Council Victoria and has recieved
National Trust status
InformationPhone: 03 9347 6948Email: [email protected] - Friday 10.30am - 5.30pmWeekends 2pm - 4pm
TicketsFull $25Conc. $15
Bookings www.lamama.com.auPhone: 03 9347 6142
Bookings close @ 4pm on the day of the performance Please pick up your tickets 15 minutes prior to the starting time of the performance
La Mama is on Wurunjeri land, part of the Kulin nation, and the Committee of Management, staff, and wider theatrical community acknowledge its traditional custodians www.lamama.com.au
