November 2011 - Victorian Drama League
Transcription
November 2011 - Victorian Drama League
theatrecraft THE VICTORIAN DRAMA LEAGUE INC. ISSN 0311-7138 webpage: www.theatrecraft.org.au email:[email protected] November 2011 New Opening Hours commencing from Monday, November 7 The office will open only 3 days per week Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10:00 am – 3:00 pm each week. INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Office Notes Deloraine Festival Results 3 Centrestage 8 2011 VDL Award list 9 What’s On 10 Auditions 12 Tech Corner We will be closed Tuesday and Thursday 2 11, 13 From The Shelves 16 Theatrebooks 17 SONGS AT DANDENONG VDL Awards Dinner Booking Form 19 “It’s about one moment, the moment before it all becomes clear and in that one moment, you start to believe that there’s nothing to fear…” Membership and Contact Details 20 Dandenong Theatre Company (DTC) is at that one moment as the opening of our fourth and final season for 2011: Songs For A New World by Jason Robert Brown (known colloquially as JRB) comes upon us. This acclaimed show was workshopped from a group of original songs by JRB in the ‘90s for cabaret performance, which were later collated as a musical. There is no fixed narrative; rather a series of stories in which each character is at that moment: they have the choice to stay where they are, take a step back or to embrace the moment and move forward. It is, in turn, inspiring, compelling, joyful, heart-breaking and funny — a true actor’s musical — with a common theme of a sense of disconnection from the global community and finding that light in the darkness. DTC has enjoyed a 38-year presence in the vibrant Melbourne community theatre scene and has, I believe, carved a special niche for itself within that community in that time. We have enjoyed audience and critical acclaim with such varied productions as our most recent production of Speaking In Tongues (2011) preceded by The Laramie Project, Dimboola (2010), A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Cabaret (2009), Get Smart (2008), Sweeney Todd, Noises Off (2007) and Les Misérables (2006) to name just a few. We have enjoyed much success and recognition for this work, which was highlighted at the Lyrebird Awards 2011 ceremony at which we took away six awards for The Laramie Project including the Gold Award for Best Drama Production, Best Director (Kym Davies) and Best Ensemble in a Drama. As part of our extended operations, we have also provided company members the opportunity to present original works at various festivals across Victoria. Most recently, we took an original play, Don’t Take It As Gospel, by long-term company member, Matt Caton, to the Melbourne Fringe Festival 2011. In 2010, it was another original play, Death Of A Fishfinger by Rhys Martin, that was taken by DTC to the one-act play festival circuit around Melbourne. We have continued these productions even in the light of recent challenges faced by DTC (as has been faced by many theatre companies): limited resources, a dwindling audience base, no permanent home and the upcoming demolition of our costume/set storage facility, affectionately known to all as The Palace, on December 1, 2011. As the current President and a passionate advocate of DTC at this difficult time, I see myself as a custodian of this company and its history; my priority is to see it through and to see it continue to inspire and create beautiful theatre. REVIEWS 5 ASPECTS OF LOVE CLOC Musical Theatre 5 LOVE LETTERS Mordialloc Theatre Company 6 THE 39 STEPS Heidelberg Theatre Company THE VOYSEY INHERITANCE 7 The Hartwell Players THE MOUSETRAP 14 Ballarat National Theatre DON’T TAKE IT AS GOSPEL 14 Dandenong Theatre Company VERBATIM INH Productions As JRB would say:“… and you didn’t know that you sometimes have to go ‘round an unexpected bend, and the road will end in a new world”. Colin Morley Left: the cast of Songs For A New World. Photo by Tim Blencowe 4 BLACKROCK Essendon Theatre Company Stephen Smith ponders his Voysey Inheritance on Page 7. 15 office From the Desk of the VDL Awards Convener Last Chance: Don’t Miss Out! th The VDL Awards Sub-Committee is busy preparing for the 15 VDL Awards Presentation Night. This is the last time you will receive a printed booking form for the 2011 VDL Awards Presentation Night; it appears on Page 19. However, a downloadable booking form is still available on our Website. A sincere ‘Thank You,’ to the participating Theatre Companies who have already booked and ensured their seat for the evening. The VDL Committee is proud that our all inclusive ticket price has remained the same as last year. The VDL Awards presentation night will be held at Merrimu Reception Centre, 1300 Dandenong Road, Murrumbeena, on Sunday, December 4, commencing at 6:00 pm for drinks and nibbles, with an 11:00 pm finish. Once again, the very talented and entertaining Peter Newling will be our Master of Ceremonies. Our Adjudicators have now seen and reviewed all 28 productions. They will be reviewing and submitting their results for scrutinizing. So girls it is time to find that special dress and guys to get that dinner suit as it is now officially countdown time for the Annual VDL Awards! The trophies will soon be inscribed at V. F. Trainor’s so that they will be ready to be presented to the lucky recipients. So, make sure you book now to avoid missing out, for the VDL Awards held on Sunday, December 4! 2012 VDL Awards The 2012 VDL Award Rules and Entry Forms are now available for downloading from the VDL website. See you there. Jill Edwards VDL Awards Convener President’s Notes The most important item on my agenda for these notes is to remind all members of the reduced opening hours of The Victorian Drama League’s office and library. The days of opening are to be Monday, Wednesday and Friday only. The hours of opening and responding to messages will be 10:00 am to 3:00 pm only. These arrangements start on the week commencing November 7. As a result of these changes it will be necessary for members to note that if you order books to be posted to you or to be picked up from the library by you by a certain date your request must be communicated to the library staff in plenty of time to enable them to satisfy your requests. Messages can still be left for the office at any time but they will not be responded to until the library is next open. The altered hours mean a re-organization of the administration of the League and at its last meeting your committee started on this task. As there was no secretary or treasurer elected at the Annual General Meeting Edna Bartlett is acting as Treasurer and I am acting as Secretary pro tem. With all best wishes, Richard Burman Adult Summer School News Hi, all. Trading Name For some time your committee has been discussing the idea that the VDL should have a trading name. We have members in other states of Australia. A few names have been put before the committee but we feel that all the members of the League should have the opportunity to submit suggestions for a trading name for consideration. Any suggestions you may have should be submitted to the office or the President by 31 January 2012. PLEASE NOTE: The VDL accepts Credit Card payments (Visa & Mastercard), and we also have EFTPOS facilities Page 2 — Theatrecraft November 2011 There are still some places left for the both the Acting Stream and the Directing Stream at The Victorian Drama League’s 6th Annual Summer School. As soon as you secure your placing with the deposit, you will be sent a confirmation email and in early January you will be sent the texts you will be working on. That is where the fun and the hard work will start. But oh my, it will be so worth it. Do not miss this golden opportunity. The prices we are charging for next year’s adult summer school are the lowest we have ever charged; it’s an extremely good deal and satisfaction is guaranteed! Please feel free to contact me for an application form or if you have any queries. My number is 03 9509 9992 or email me at [email protected] Cheers, Liz Lipski Adult Summer School Coordinator Deloraine Dramatic New Members Society 2011 Festival of Individual One Act Plays: Results The VDL welcomes these new members: Held Friday, October 7 and Saturday, October 8, 2011. The adjudicator was Dennis Betts. Best Production ≠ Georgina Hearnden, Sandringham ≠ Annette De Boer, The Patch ≠ Rarmain Newton, Caulfield South The Cage Birds, written by David Campton, Devonport Repertory Society (by special arrangement with Dominie Pty. Ltd). Runner Up Best Production The Browning Version, written by Terence Rattigan, Square Pegs (Hobart). Best Male Actor Ian McQueen as Andrew Crocker Harris in The Browning Version, Square Pegs. Best Female Actor and Plays Two more AWARD WINNING ONE ACT PLAYS! from the 2011 Noosa One Act Playwriting Festival Rebecca Nilsson as Marsha in Smoke Scenes presented by Launceston Players. Most Promising Actor Fran Suitor as Grace in The Trips, Launceston Players. Nothing by Mark Lanham 1 f 2 m comedy Overall Festival winner Best Comedy Variations on the Death of Trotsky, written by David Ives, Spotswood Parish Players (Melbourne). Best Duologue Jonathan Pedler and Karen Atkins as He and She in I Dream Before I Take the Stand, written by Arlene Hutton, Three River Theatre’s StandPoint Theatre (in association with Play Scripts Inc). The Graham Corry Award for Best Director (Presented on behalf of Hobart Repertory Theatre Society) Beth Geoghegan, I Dream Before I Take the Stand, StandPoint Theatre. Production Team Wanted The Knock on the Door by Bruce Olive 2 f 2 m drama Winner of the Audience Choice Award peruse these and other great scripts FREE at www.mavmuse.com 07 5494 4007 [email protected] Purely Pensive Productions are seeking an enthusiastic director and production team for their April 2012 production of Two Weeks with the Queen, an adaptation of Morris Gleitzman’s novel by Mary Morris. The available positions include: ≠ Director ≠ Stage Manager ≠ Costume Designer ≠ Set Designer ≠ Set Construction Manager ≠ Properties Manager ≠ Backstage Crew ≠ and assistant roles (if required). PPP is an established theatre company based in Melbourne’s north east. Two Weeks with the Queen will be the company’s 13th major production, to be performed at Mechanics’ Institute Performing Arts Centre, Brunswick (April 26–28, 2012). We encourage people of all levels of experience to apply, from the first timers to the very experienced! You are welcome to apply for more than one role/combination of roles. Please contact [email protected] for an information/ application pack. Applications close Friday, November 4, 5:00 pm. Interviews to be held during the evening on November 6 and 10. Theatrecraft November 2011 — Page 3 reviews (l–r): Thomas Shakespeare, Del Barwick, Brayden Germaine, Ross Tempset and Stavros Milionis (foreground) in Essendon Theatre Company’s Blackrock. Photo by Rosalin Shafik-Eid. BLACKROCK by Nick Enright Essendon Theatre Company Directed by Rachael Holt Reviewed by Graeme McCoubrie –September 17, 2011 Blackrock is a challenge and this was acknowledged in the Director’s opening comments in the programme. With its complexity of characters and high emotions, Essendon worked hard in tackling Nick Enright’s somewhat controversial play of the late seventies in a cabaret style environment. While Essendon favour the cabaret concept, Blackrock is a work that deserves to have an audience in a theatre layout without the distraction of food and drink during the performance. It is a dramatic play dealing with the consequences of a teenage rape that ended in death, and with an underlying theme of male bonding with a negative attitude towards women. On the wide stage, each wing was used to depict the homes of two of the teenagers while centre stage was a beach with some sand at the base of a large rock face incorporating a rocky seat which was used to good advantage for many scenes. Lighting was a general wash most times when it could have been plotted just to light the acting areas, particularly in some of the emotional and hectic scenes on the beach when both homes were often still unnecessarily fully lit. A cast of fifteen, some with multiple roles, generally adapted well to the work while one or two did not give us much variation in © IMPORTANT: REVIEWS COPYRIGHT The reviews of plays published in Theatrecraft are copyright and, if reproduced in your theatre company newsletter, must not be edited but reproduced in their entirety. And please credit that the review of your production is from Theatrecraft published by the Victorian Drama League. Page 4 — Theatrecraft November 2011 delivery and perhaps were not directed to understand that high emotion does not mean shouting. In some crucial moments the delivery was inaudible and we were left to wonder what was said. A graveyard scene was lost because of this. Nick Enright did seem to write in some scenes that didn’t really have much relevance to the plot; certainly that is the way it seemed. Having said all of that, the roles of the young teenagers was well representative of teenage beach culture and the acting reflected this. The lead role of Jared Ackland holds the play together and Thomas Shakespeare gave a strong and measured performance particularly in the first half, while a totally different side of his character came to the fore in the second half. Brayden Germaine as Jared’s best mate Ricko did rush some of his lines, but he grew in confidence as he asked Jared to cover for him after being accused of the murder. This sequence was strong and pivotal to the meaning of the play. However, their fight scenes, as well as several others, could have been better choreographed. Too often they were far too robust and through shouting much of the time, the dialogue was lost. Mateship was personified with the trio of Scott, played by Stavros Milionis, Davo by Ross Tempest and Toby Ackland by Lachlan Montague Lachlan was ahead of the three in his performance level, playing well and expressively to the audience. While we didn’t see the victim Tracy Warner, we did experience some of her pain through the presence of her girlfriends, Rachel Ackland (Melissa Karakaltsas) and Cherie Milenko (Melly McVeigh). Cherie’s grief poured out at the graveside; however, Melly did spend a lot of the time shouting and fighting. Donna Maslen as the mother, Diane Kirby, was commanding and was well supported by Marianne McLoughlin as the other mother, Glenys Milenko. Rick Barry played in three cameo roles and impressed particularly as Stewart Ackland. Cat Dwyer as his wife, Marion Ackland, was articulate and had great presence. Perhaps some of the behavioural problems of the teenagers stemmed from the parents as we did see the mothers at a male strip club being tantalised by a masked male physique; this scene could have been better portrayed even by just dimming the lights. The play is well suited for teenagers and most of it worked giving these actors a chance to hone their performance skills. ASPECTS OF LOVE Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber Lyrics by Don Black and Charles Hart CLOC Musical Theatre Directed by Shaun Kingma Reviewed by Ken Barnes – September 28, 2011 Performances by CLOC at the friendly National Theatre had always been great fun, so I was looking forward to another pleasurable experience even though Melbourne turned on its best storm that evening, and despite having mixed feelings about Andrew Lloyd Webber’s music. In this convoluted tale, the audience is taken on a whirlwind emotional journey with a French actress, Rose, her lovers, and even her daughter as they all weave in and out of various romantic attachments. The story covers 17 years during which Rose moves from poverty to stardom, her youthful lover Alex is spurned and joins the army, Alex’s uncle George meets and marries Rose, their daughter Jenny falls for Alex, George’s Italian mistress Giulietta has a brief flirtation with Alex and a hinted-at lesbian relationship with Rose, who in turn is having a bit on the side with Hugo. Though euphemistically called Love, there are of course more apt words to describe the motivation and behaviour of the main characters, but it is not my job to moralise. As patrons have come to expect from CLOC, the set was innovative and imaginative. There were no less than 37 scene changes and each one was managed with breathtaking efficiency through precise movement of the scrim curtains to focus attention from one area of stage to another. Apart from the frequent changes in building façade and furnishings, the story called for several special effects; for example, to evoke the atmosphere of a speeding train, an army encampment and a circus in Paris. In keeping with the set, the costumes were colourful and equally sumptuous. The talented design team was headed by Brenton Staples (set), Nancy Matthews (costumes), Stelios Karagiannis (lighting), Alan Green (audio) and Grant Alley (technical). It was difficult to find fault with any aspect of direction, design or execution, save for the sound volume which could have been several decibels lower so as to bring out the poignant moments and still deliver the more strident music. Rosa McCarty was well cast as the actress, her strong voice and confident movements on stage seeming appropriate to the assertive and femme fatale character who had such a devastating effect on hapless males. But by the end of Act I most of the audience would have realised that this was not a particularly likeable character and certainly not a woman to be trifled with. Blake Testro played Alex, smitten as a naïve 17-year-old by Rose and pursuing her with only mixed success for many years thereafter. His was another good performance, his strong voice and energetic approach to the role making quite an impact, yet his character (like Rose) came across as a little too shrill because of the volume. Uncle George was a more comfortable character and one with whom I could connect. Zac Brown was an excellent fit for this role which called for a well-modulated voice and subtle mannerisms needed to convey the more poignant feelings that came with the protection of Jenny and his advancing years in Act II. A first-rate supporting cast was headed by Lauren Elise, who played the interesting Italian sculptress Giulietta with considerable panache, and Adam Rafferty, perfectly cast as the ever-patient Marcel. By the end of the show my sympathies were with these two characters, and of course George who by that time had departed the scene. The two younger actors who played Jenny Dillingham were both brilliant. Jasmine Dare turned in a sparkling performance as Jenny at age 15, her scenes with Alex some of the most memorable, while Eliza Bennetts O’Connor’s lilting portrayal of Jenny at 12 was totally delightful. Several other voices and roles in the ensemble completed a first rate cast, all backed by a fine orchestra led by Andrew Houston and with choreography by Tamara Finch. It took me a while to come to grips with Aspects of Love, partly because Act I moved at such a frantic pace and with so many scene changes and strident voices that it was difficult to connect with the actors. By the middle of Act II this had changed, notably as George’s age and health became a factor, as Jenny appeared on the scene and as Giulietta’s personality became evident. Apart from the blockbuster and oft-repeated “Love Changes Everything”, some of the best songs were in Act II and included “There Is More To Love” (Giulietta’s studio), “The First Man You Remember”, “The Mermaid Song” and “Other Pleasures” (all performed on the terrace). So while admitting my prejudices, there were at least some engaging moments. Unfortunately the lyrics were pedestrian and one-dimensional, perhaps in keeping with the superficial nature of the story. Nevertheless CLOC did an excellent job in bringing Aspects of Love to the stage and making the best of what was some pretty uninspiring writing. LOVE LETTERS by A. R. Gurney Mordialloc Theatre Company Directed by Judy Corderoy Reviewed by Jill Watson – September 23, 2011 This is a poignant love story told through letters between a man and a woman, Andy and Melissa, starting when they are at primary school and continuing through to their 50s. They are almost starcrossed lovers, as circumstances over the years conspire to keep them apart or special meetings don’t quite work out. Set on the east coast of the USA, Andy is a very responsible child, a virtue he carries into adulthood. Good middle-class parents with Continued on Page 6 From CLOC’s Aspects of Love: Left: (l–r): Zak Brown and Lauren Elise; Right: Sharon Stokes as the Ringmaster. Photos by Stephen Ransom. Theatrecraft November 2011 — Page 5 Continued from Page 5 high principles, in particular his father, who wants his son to do “good things” for the community and beyond. Andy does fulfil this by studying law and eventually entering politics and making it to senator. Melissa is a highly strung, “little rich girl” from a broken home, with mother re-marrying at least two more times plus a drinking problem, which manifests itself in due course with Melissa. This is a fairly static play in that the two characters are confined to their respective areas stage left and right. The areas are depicted very effectively (credit to Martin Gibbs for design). Melissa’s is an easy chair and side table, with a low-lit lamp. Behind Melissa is a screen with a shawl thrown across it and a pot plant on a stand in front. Andy’s area is very plain: an office desk and chair with bookcase behind. The actors take it in turn to read out their own letters and we see the reaction from the other actor when he or she mimes reading the received letter. Surprisingly, this works well. Leonie Adams as Melissa conveyed a lot of action and reaction and had obviously learned a few lines here and there which enabled her to lift her face more. Her performance was a tour de force, and she brought a huge lump to my throat in the final scene. She looked wonderful in her elegant blouse and sparkly stole and never missed a beat. Neil McColl was also very watchable and looked the part perfectly, playing up the stuffy side to perfection. I felt he could have conveyed his extreme youth a little more, as Leonie managed to sound like a little girl at that time. Also, a move to have him leaning against the desk, audience side, wasn’t quite right for a young boy. Better to have had him sitting on the table and maybe swinging his legs. Later, when he is an adult, he had this latter move, when the leaning against the desk would have been more appropriate. I also felt that he could have looked up a bit more, but overall, his was a fabulous performance. His reactions to letters, particularly the over-the-top and probing ones, from Melissa were excellent. His last letter to Melissa’s mother was very touching. There are many layers to this work, and we hope the two of them will finally be together. Andy is obviously mad about Melissa right from the start at school, but she wants to play the field. Then when she finally is interested in him outside of mere friendship, his ambition gets in the way. We follow her gradual deterioration and his growing success with much interest and, ultimately, great sadness. Lots of humour along the way with much thought in the direction. A wonderful night at the theatre. Lighting design (Gordon Boyd) and sound design (Tim Long) all worked well. Congratulations to everyone concerned. THE 39 STEPS by Patrick Barlow based on the novel by John Buchan and the film by Alfred Hitchcock Heidelberg Theatre Company Directed by Justin Stephens Reviewed by Ken Barnes – September 22, 2011 The Patrick Barlow adaptation of John Buchan’s 1915 classic tale of intrigue and derring-do draws heavily on the 1935 Hitchcock film version by adding some romance and a few tweaks and twists to the plot. More spectacularly, the Barlow version transforms the drama into a farcical send-up of the original, brings it to the stage with only four actors and introduces a whole raft of innovative set adaptations to enrich the comedy and engage the audience. The problem for any company courageous enough to accept Barlow’s challenge is that his version needs to be done well — really well — and at a breakneck pace. The whole edifice would come tumbling down if the acting and production standards were not top line. Director Justin Stephens has at least one prior conviction for The 39 Steps and this was written up enthusiastically by a fellow reviewer in the April 2011 issue of Theatrecraft. For the HTC production he assembled an impressive team of actors, three of whom (Chris McLean, Adrian Carr and Kate Bowers) were in the earlier production. To these he added James Cutler who was the perfect fit for this stellar cast. Chris McLean played the adventurous hero Richard Hannay with comic British seriousness as he struggled to overcome the treacherous German spies, escape the bumbling police and avoid the clutches of acquisitive women. His was an energetic, sustained and brilliant performance. (l–r) Leonie Adams and Neil McColl in Mordialloc Theatre Company’s Love Letters. Photo by David Ellis. Page 6 — Theatrecraft November 2011 Equally engaging were the two other male leads, with both Adrian Carr and James Cutler playing multiple roles which called for lightning-fast and mostly hilarious changes of demeanour, posture, attitude, accent and costume. Whether policeman, milkman, hotel clerk, spymaster, crofter or professor, both actors had the audience in fits throughout the show. Kate Bowers played the three female roles with panache and provided an ideal foil for the stiff-upper-lip hero, whether darkly threatening as the German spy Annabella, shrinking as the reluctant Pamela or being coyly bewitching as Margaret. The sequences where Margaret and Hannay flirted under the watchful eye of her sanctimonious crofter husband (played by Adrian Carr) were perhaps the most gently amusing. Although the comic version of The 39 Steps requires all four actors to ham it up in playing to the audience, they went over the top only rarely and briefly. The script was clever and whimsical, never coarse or ribald, and the acting was appropriate to it. (l–r)James Cutler, Adrian Carr, Kate Bowers and Chris McLean in Heidelberg Theatre Company’s The 39 Steps. Photo by Patricia Tyler. The Barlow version of The 39 Steps calls for precise stage management, an extremely flexible set and first rate lighting and sound, all of which were evident in HTC’s performance. Margaret Hassall and Maureen McInerney coordinated the production, with Margaret also acting as stage manager. The set was designed by Merinda Backway and featured some amazing gimmicks and props including a simulated railway carriage, the Forth Bridge, a waterfall, a boar’s head with illuminated blue eyes and a Scottish pipe band (not to mention a smelly bog and a cleft rock provided by an acrobatic James Cutler). The lighting was designed by Deryk Hartwick and the sound, which featured some authentic effects and well-chosen atmospheric music, was both designed and operated by the director. Some of the special effects included a silhouette depiction of Hannay on the run in the highlands, pursued by police and 1914 biplanes. Thanks to Sylvia Carr and Wendy Drowley, the many costumes were varied and often outrageous, all of which added to the fun. It was clear that a huge amount of work had been put into The 39 Steps by the director, actors and HTC’s production team. I’m still smiling as I write and that says something for the lasting effect of this brilliant performance. It was a nice touch to include several of the backstage team in the curtain call, for everyone involved deserved the wild applause that followed the final curtain. that reveal the personal lives of the Voysey sons, their wives and associates. The Ashwood Performing Arts Centre is a cavernous theatre, with tiered seating overlooking a huge performance space in which Hartwell had arranged two sets; one representing the office of Voysey & Son, Solicitors, and the other the Voysey’s dining room. Each was furnished austerely though appropriately (even to a period telephone) and illuminated in accordance with scene changes. The dining room was overseen by a portrait of Voysey Snr painted especially for the performance by the talented Joanne Coleman. The difficulty with such large auditoriums is that sometimes the quieter voices drift off into the ether so some of the dialogue was missed by the audience. On the other hand, the performance was accompanied by tasteful classical music which also greeted patrons in the welcoming foyer. The competent production team was headed by Joanne Watt and Kate Deavin (the latter as stage manager) and included Mark Hodgson (lighting design) and Kathy Noble (costumes). There were no glitches on the night I attended though I would have preferred some arrangement that would have avoided the rather long pitch dark scene changes. The Voysey Inheritance calls for a cast of 12 so any director would have faced a daunting task in assembling an evenly matched group of players. Bruce Cochrane did a good job of it, considering that most of the actors needed to be of a similar age. This was a drama that relied on a good deal of carefully structured dialogue with very few surprises and little to get hearts racing in the audience. However, a few of the actors stood out. Stephen Smith was on stage for most of the play as the lead character, Edward Voysey. He delivered his lines with precision though in low key and often with inadequate projection, the latter due partly to the space problem mentioned above. Impressive performances were also turned in by some of the female actors. Caitlin Hughes played Alice with a natural vivacity, mannerisms and speech inflections to give her role the colour and vitality it deserved. Alison Knight fitted well with her character, Honor Voysey, playing the role with restraint and gaining some sympathy from the audience. Louise Powell also offered a low-key interpretation of Beatrice and came into her own in Act II when defending her position in the face of a family revolt. I thought most of the male actors were flat on the night I attended. However, Colin Park was able to project believable gravitas as George Booth and Damian Vuleta made a valiant effort to impersonate the volatile and assertive Major Booth Voysey. Overall, I was underwhelmed by The Voysey Inheritance. Despite some sophisticated dialogue the story became rather tedious as it wore on and I found it difficult to connect with any of the actors as they delivered their lines with little emotion and minimal body language. But to be fair, that’s probably the way it was in middle-class British society back in the early 1900s, so it might be argued that the portrayals were accurate for the times. In the program notes the director wisely observed that “Human nature hasn’t changed much”, but I guess we are now less inhibited, more demonstrative and have come to expect some fireworks on stage. THE VOYSEY INHERITANCE by Harley Granville-Barker The Hartwell Players Directed by Bruce Cochrane Reviewed by Ken Barnes – September 23, 2011 Stock market volatility, improper use of clients’ money for personal enrichment, financial chicanery on a grand scale and family squabbles about wealth management. Sound familiar? There was nothing new in this twisted saga for it had been going on in the Voysey family well before Granville-Barker wrote about it in 1905. When the family patriarch dies of a heart attack his doubledealing is revealed to his children who must choose between probity and expediency. The first involves financial deprivation, the other a guilty continuation of their comfortable lifestyle. Lurking under the stocks and bonds are a number of sub-plots Stephen Smith and Colin Park discuss The Voysey Inheritance at Hartwell Players. Photo by Nathan Jones. Theatrecraft November 2011 — Page 7 centrestage A series arranged by Kym Davies Actor/Director: Kym Davies Current production: Nadda… Just finished Speaking In Tongues and Don’t Take it as Gospel for the Melbourne Fringe Festival, both staged by DTC Kym Davies in Speaking In Tongues with Dandenong Theatre Company. When did you start acting? At birth…. perhaps even before… Group you’ve worked with the most: Dandenong Theatre Company. I am a life member with DTC and have been involved on and off stage with the majority of their productions over the last 10–15 years. I have performed in Hot Mikado, Steel Magnolias, The John Wayne Principal, Popcorn, A Midsummer Nights Dream, Dimboola, Get Smart and Noises Off, all with DTC. Director you’ve worked with the most/director who has inspired you: I have been directed the most by the very talented and brave Sharon Maine. I am inspired by the sheer focus and intelligence of Matt Caton’s direction, Colin Morley creates inspired outcomes, & Tanya Ryder-Barnes from Gemco is very creative, develops her actors and pushes boundaries with her work. You would be very lucky to work with any one of these people. What inspires you as an actor in general? People in general ( I like to watch them), writers, creative directors, and the absolute perfection of being on stage communicating to an audience. Most recent production you have directed: The last full production I directed was The Laramie Project for DTC. I think I am still recovering… I also directed a rehearsed reading at La Mama for the 2011 Midsumma Festival. Role you’d love to play: Blanche or Lady Macbeth, or Velma in Chicago (never gonna happen) Other stuff: I have also worked extensively as a set designer, production manager, costume designer, scenic artist and stage manager. When did you start directing? I first directed in high school: Samuel Beckett’s Play. However, my first full production was King Oedipus with BATS. Favourite role so far: My favourite all time role would be Belinda/ Flavia in Noises Off (directed by Matt Caton), although playing Truvy in Steel Magnolias (directed by Sharon Maine) was also an awesome and very rewarding experience. Favourite play you’ve directed: I loved The Laramie Project, but the most fun I ever had directing was Ben Elton’s Popcorn… I love blood and guns on stage… so technically challenging… Most challenging play you have directed, and why: Cabaret was extremely challenging as it was the only musical I have directed and you have to deal with choreographers (phew!) and many more merging elements and opinions, but I was very, very happy with the outcomes. The hardest thing I have ever directed was Waiting For Godot; difficult and exhausting but extremely rewarding both personally and professionally. Play you’d love to direct: Rhinoceros (Ionesco), or A Street Car Named Desire (Williams). With Daniel O’Kane in Dandenong Theatre Company’s Don’t Take It As Gospel. Season 5 CROSSING DELANCEY by Susan Sandler Director: Christine Grant November 10 – December 10 Season 1, 2012 ROUND AND ROUND THE GARDEN by Alan Ayckbourn Director: Chris Procter March 8–31 2012 Wanted: Actors, technicians, crew, handypeople, costumers. The 1812 Theatre welcomes new members. Anyone interested in joining our thriving group of thespians will be made to feel at home. We have a beautiful little theatre only 45 minutes from the city where we rehearse, build great sets, perform to packed audiences, and, above all, enjoy ourselves! If this appeals to you, please phone us. Bookings & Enquiries: 9758 3964 Page 8 — Theatrecraft November 2011 2011 VDL AWARDS ENTRIES Entries approved as of July 22 (D) Drama, (C) Comedy Brighton Theatre Company THE SHOE-HORN SONATA (D) by John Misto Director: Deborah Fabbro February 24–March 12 MOaRTZ A BAD YEAR FOR TOMATOES (C) by John Patrick Director: Annette O’Shea May 27–June 4 Sherbrooke Theatre Company WAIT UNTIL DARK (D) by Frederick Knott Director: Malcolm Sussman July 22–August 6 The 1812 Theatre VISITING MR GREEN (D) by Jeff Baron Director: Malcolm Sussman March 3–April 2 Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company DEATH OF A SALESMAN (D) by Arthur Miller Director: Kevin Trask May 31–June 18 Wangaratta Players FACE TO FACE (D) by David Williamson Director: Lorraine Monshing OAM August 12–20 The Mount Players THE WOMAN IN BLACK (D) by Stephen Mallatratt (adapted from the book by Susan Hill) Director: Frank Harvey March 11–April 2 Werribee Theatre Company `ALLO `ALLO (C) by Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft Director: Alaine Beek June 3–11 Gemco Players Community Theatre COSI (C) by Louis Nowra Director: Sharon Maine August 19–September 4 Foster Amateur Music & Drama Association (FAMDA) HEROES (C) by George Sibleyras; adapted by Tom Stoppard Director: Andrew Oldroyd June 17–25 Dandenong Theatre Company SPEAKING IN TONGUES (D) by Andrew Bovell Director: Colin Morley August 26–September 4 Essendon Theatre Company LIVING TOGETHER (C) by Alan Ayckbourn Director: Teresa Maurici-Ryan March 24–April 2 Frankston Theatre Group TWELVE ANGRY MEN (D) by Reginald Rose; adapted by Sherman Segal) Director: Dave Wearne April 14–17 Eltham Little Theatre WE HAPPY FEW (D) by Imogen Stubbs Director: Gayle Poor June 23–July 9 Williamstown Little Theatre NOT ABOUT HEROES (D) by Stephen MacDonald Director: Shane Ryan April 28–May 15 Geelong Repertory Theatre DR JEYKLL AND MR HYDE (D) by Jeffery Hatcher Director: Travis Eccles June 24–July 9 Southern Peninsula Players DEATHTRAP (D) by Ira Levin Director: Kylie Knoble May 5–15 Malvern Theatre Company THE FARNSWORTH INVENTION (D) by Aaron Sorkin Director: Shane Ryan June 24–July 9 The Basin Theatre Group NATURAL CAUSES (C) by Eric Chappell Director: Drucilla Bartlett May 12–June 5 Heidelberg Theatre Company THE HISTORY BOYS (C) by Alan Bennett Director: Bruce Akers July 7–23 Sunshine Community Theatre SECRET BRIDESMAIDS’ BUSINESS (C) by Elizabeth Coleman Directed by Rachel Holt May 13–21 Beaumaris Theatre THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST (C) by Oscar Wilde Director: Emma Sproule July 8–23 Strathmore Theatre Arts Group HYSTERIA (D) by Terry Johnson Director: Alex Lance May 26–June 4 Encore Theatre LIFE AFTER GEORGE (D)) by Hannie Rayson Directed by Doug Bennett July 15–30 Purely Pensive Productions AWAY (D) by Michael Gow Director: Luke Morrison September 15–17 Hartwell Players THE VOYSEY INHERITANCE (D) by Harley Granville-Barker Director: Bruce Cochrane September 16–October 1 Moreland Theatre Company PYGMALION (D) by George Bernard Shaw Director: Karim Shaker September 22–October 1 Kyneton Theatre Company SWEET ROAD (D) by Debra Oswald Director: Bronwyn Neill October 21–29 AWARDS ENTRY Theatrecraft November 2011 — Page 9 what’s on SEASON GROUP For more information on the productions, including exact performance dates, please visit our website: www.theatrecraft.org.au PRODUCTION BOOKINGS October 21–November 12 WARRANDYTE THEATRE COMPANY Evenings: 8:00 pm Matinée: November 12, 2:00 pm ALMOST, MAINE by John Cariani Directed by Phyl Swindley Cnr Yarra St and Mitchell Ave, Warrandyte (Melway: 23 F11) 0488 333 575 October 27–November 6 Evenings: 8:00 pm Matinées: October 29 & November 5, 4:00 pm; October 30, 5:00 pm November 2–5 Evenings: 8:00 pm KEW COURT HOUSE ARTS ASSOCIATION CAFFEINE by Joachim Matschoss Directed by Joachim Matschoss Kew Court House, 188 High St, Kew (Melway: 45 C6) 9853 3551 THE FABULOUS NOBODYS YOU, ME, US by Joel Batalha 0402 179 731 Directed by Joel Batalha Maroondah Secondary College, Brentnall Rd, Croydon (Melway: 50 E3) November 3–12 SUNSHINE THE TANK by Steve Thomas; original music and lyrics by Mick Thomas 0407 802 165 COMMUNITY THEATRE Directed by Craig Ryan Evenings: 8:00 pm Matinée: November 6, 2:30 pm Dempster Park Hall, 82 Phoenix St, Sunshine North November 3–12 Evenings: 8:00 pm MOOROOLBARK THEATRE GROUP 9726 4282 November 3–12 TORQUAY THEATRE TROUPE Evenings: 8:00 pm Matinée: November 6, 2:00 pm LIPSTICK DREAMS by Helen O’Connor & Simon Hopkinson Directed by Yvonne Miller Mooroolbark Community Centre, Brice Ave, Mooroolbark (Melway: 51 12H) DEATH BY FATAL MURDER by Peter Gordon Directed by Fred Preston 16 Price St, Torquay (Melway: 237 G6) November 3–12 DANDENONG THEATRE COMPANY Evenings: 8:00 pm Matinée: November 12, 2:00 pm SONGS FOR A NEW WORLD by Jason Robert Brown Directed by Colin Morley Cranbourne Community Theatre, Brunt St, Cranbourne November 3–13 SOUTHERN PENINSULA PLAYERS Evenings: 8:00 pm Matinée: November 13, 2:00 pm THE MOUSETRAP by Agatha Christie Directed by Mark Bolton Rosebud Memorial Hall, Nepean Highway, Rosebud (Melway: 158 C12) 0428 073 956 or www. dandenongtheatre .org.au 03 5982 2777 November 4–12 Evenings: 7:30 pm Matinées: November 6 & 12, 2:00 pm SWAN HILL THEATRE GROUP November 4–13 Evenings: 8:00 pm Matinées: November 6 & 13, 2:00 pm November 4–19 Evenings: 8:15 pm Matinées: November 6 & 12, 2:15 pm November 4–19 Evenings: 8:15 pm Matinées: November 5 & 13, 2:00 pm November 10–26 Evenings: 8:00 pm Matinée: Sunday, 2:15 pm MORNINGTON CEF PLAYERS PERIDOT THEATRE MALVERN THEATRE COMPANY BRIGHTON THEATRE COMPANY TWO ONE ACT PLAYS: The Rack by Louise Neilson Directed by Trudy Rose The Great Flood by Andrew R Kelly Directed by Andrew R Kelly McCrae St, Swan Hill JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT music by Andrew Lloyd Webber; lyrics by Tim Rice Directed by Natalie Pharaoh & Ashley Cooper St Peter’s Bellamy Hall, Albert St, Mornington (Melway: 104 D11) CARAVAN by Donald MacDonald Directed by Bob Bramble Unicorn Theatre, Lechte Rd, Mt. Waverley (Melway: Map 61 F11) THEY’RE PLAYING OUR SONG by Marvin Hamlisch, Carole Bayer Sager, Neil Simon Directed by Alan Burrows 29 Burke Rd, Malvern East KIMBERLY AKIMBO by David Lindsay–Abaire Directed by Vicki Smith Brighton Arts and Cultural Centre, Wilson St, Brighton 03 5261 9035 0438 006 274 or A.H. 5032 9405 5975 5904 or 0408 548 759 1300 138 645 (landlines) or 9898 9090 (mobiles) 1300 131 552 1300 752 126 November 10–December 3 Evenings: 8:00 pm ELTHAM LITTLE THEATRE THE PERILS OF PURITY PIMBLE by Joan Dalgleish Directed by Kellie Tweeddale and Ian Tweeddale Performing Arts Centre, 1602 Main Rd, Research (Melway: 22 H1) 9437 1574 November 10–December 4 Evenings: 8:15 pm Matinées: Sundays, 2:15 pm THE BASIN THEATRE GROUP JIGSAWS by Jennifer Rogers Directed by Joe Tuppenney Cnr Doongalla & Simpson Rds, The Basin (Melway: 66 A6) www. thebasintheatre. org.au or ph 1300 784 668 Mention under WHAT’S ON and AUDITIONS is for VDL Member Groups only Page 10 — Theatrecraft November 2011 what’s on For more information on the productions, including exact performance dates, please visit our website: www.theatrecraft.org.au SEASON GROUP PRODUCTION BOOKINGS November 10–December 10 Evenings: 8:00 pm Matinée: 4:00 pm THE 1812 THEATRE CROSSING DELANCEY by Susan Sandler Directed by Christine Grant 3 Rose St, Upper Ferntree Gully 9758 3964 November 11–December 3 Evenings: 8:00 pm Matinées: November 20 & 27, 2:00 pm November 15–December 3 Evenings: 8:30 pm, Matinée: 2:30 pm THE MOUNT PLAYERS MOONLIGHT & MAGNOLIAS by Ron Hutchinson Directed by Sonja Prater Mountview Theatre, 56 Smith St, Macedon www. themountplayers. com or 1300 463 224 (Tues–Sat) LILYDALE ‘ALLO ‘ALLO by Jeremy Lloyd and David Croft ATHENAEUM THEATRE Directed by Nicholas Ryan, assisted by Alan Burrows COMPANY 39–41 Castella St, Lilydale 9735 1777 November 17–26 Evenings: 8:00 pm Matinée: Sunday, 2:00 pm STRATHMORE EDUCATING RITA by Willy Russell THEATRE ARTS GROUP Directed by Brett Turner Cnr Loeman and Napier Sts, Strathmore (Melway: 16 G 10) 9379 5348 or www. stagtheatre.org/ reservations November 17–December 3 Evenings: 8:00 pm Matinées: Sundays at 2:00 pm HEIDELBERG THEATRE UNDER MILK WOOD by Dylan Thomas COMPANY Directed by Chris Baldock, assisted by Helen Ellis 36 Turnham Ave, Rosanna (Melway: 32 A1) www.htc.org.au or 9457 4117 November 18–December 3 Evenings: 8:00 pm Matinées: Sundays, 5:00 pm BEAUMARIS THEATRE 9583 6896 November 18–December 4 Evenings: 8:00 pm Matinées: November 27 & December 4, 2:00 pm November 24–December 3 Evenings: 8:00 pm Matinée: November 27, 2:00 pm FRANKSTON THEATRE CASH ON DELIVERY by Michael Cooney 1300 665 377 GROUP Directed by Dan Ellis Mt. Eliza Community Centre, Canadian Bay Rd, Mt. Eliza (Melway: 105 F1) November 25–27 Evenings: November 25 & 26, 7:30 pm Matinées: November 26 & 27, 1:30 pm December 6–9 Evenings: 8:00 pm MOARTZ ESSENDON THEATRE COMPANY KEW COURT HOUSE ARTS ASSOCIATION FAWLTY TOWERS by John Cleese & Connie Booth Directed by Georgie Charles 82 Wells Rd Beaumaris (Melway: 86 G6) BEYOND A JOKE by Derek Benfield Directed by Mel De Bono Bradshaw Street Community Hall, 9 Bradshaw St (off Buckley St), Essendon West, (Melway: 28 B3) EBENEZER — A ROCK MUSICAL by Malcolm Sircom Directed by Annette O’Shea St Pauls Anglican Grammar School, 46 Cross’s Rd, Traralgon 0422 029 483 or essendontheatre company@gmail. com THREE AWARD FINALIST ONE ACT PLAYS PERFORMANCES 2011 COMPETITION The Immortal Game by Ray Wilson Grace by John Tilbrook Snap by Cerise deGelder Directed by Edna Bartlett & Graeme Moore Kew Court House, 188 High St, Kew 9853 3551 or kewcourthousearts. com.au J;9>9EHD;H 0438 579 987 This month: Prop tips “Who’s calling, please?” It would appear that many theatre groups only have one telephone, one from the current time. Consider making sure that the telephone you use is correct for your production. From these images you can see the changes in the telephone shape and sizes over the years. Theatrecraft November 2011 — Page 11 auditions For more information on the productions, including exact performance dates, please visit our website: www.theatrecraft.org.au SEASON AUDITIONS PRODUCTION ENQUIRIES March 9–31 NOVEMBER 3, 7:30 PM The Mount Players ART byYasmine Reza Director: Christina Finch 3M (30-55) Audition Venue: Mountview Theatre, 56 Smith St, Macedon Peridot Theatre SAME TIME NEXT YEAR by Bernard Slade Director: Nick Walter 1M, 1F Unicorn Theatre, Mt Waverley Secondary College, Lechte Rd, Mt Waverley Strathmore Theatre Arts Group THE MOUSETRAP by Agatha Christie Director: Drew Mason 5M (2 × 20s, 1 × 30s, 1 × 40s, 1 × 50s), 3F (2 × 20s, 1 × 50s) Strathmore Community Hall, cnr Loeman and Napier Sts, Strathmore Heidelberg Theatre Company THE LION IN WINTER by James Goldman Director: Karen Wakeham 5M (4 × late teens–20s, 1 × 50s), 2F (1 × 20s, 1 × 50-60) Heidelberg Theatre Company, 36 Turnham Ave Rosanna (Melway: 32 A1) Malvern Theatre Company MAN ALIVE by John Dighton Director: Deborah Fabbro 7M (2 × 20s, 2 × 30s, 2 × 40s, 1 × 60s), 7F (2 × 20s, 3 × 30s, 2 × 40s) Malvern Theatre, 29 Burke Rd, Malvern East Williamstown Little Theatre MOONLIGHT AND MAGNOLIAS by Ron Hutchinson Director: Alan Burrows 3M (30–55), 1F (30–55) Williamstown Little Theatre, 2–4 Albert St, Williamstown Eltham Little Theatre DON’T DRESS FOR DINNER by Marc Camoletti Director: Jonne Finnemore 3M (30–40s), 3F (1 × 20s, 2 × 30–40s) Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd, Research Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company GLORIOUS by Peter Quilter Director: Doug Bennett 2M (1 × 30s, 1 × 60s), 3F (2 × 40s, 1 × 60s) Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre, Castella St, Lilydale Brighton Theatre Company ALBERT NOBBS by Gordon Steel Director: Eric Heyes 1M (60s), 3F (60s) Brighton Theatre, cnr Wilson and Carpenter Sts, Brighton The 1812 Theatre I HATE HAMLET by Paul Rudnick Director: John Mills 3M (20-30s), 3F (20–30s) The 1812 Theatre, 3 Rose St, Upper Ferntree Gully Essendon Theatre Company CARAVAN by Donald Macdonald Director: Dawn Hinrichsen 3M (40s), 3F (1 × 20s, 2 × 40s) Bradshaw Street Community Hall, 9 Bradshaw St, Essendon West 5426 3256 or 0438 542 613 NOVEMBER 5, 10:00 AM February 3–18 NOVEMBER 6, 6:00 PM March 1–10 NOVEMBER 20, 5:00 PM NOVEMBER 21, 7:00 PM February 23–March 10 NOVEMBER 20, 6:30 PM NOVEMBER 21, 7:30 PM February 17–March 3 NOVEMBER 20, 2:30 PM NOVEMBER 21, 7:30 PM February 9–25 NOVEMBER 20, 1:00 PM NOVEMBER 21, 7:30 PM March 15–31 NOVEMBER 21, 7:30 PM NOVEMBER 22, 7:30 PM March 7–24 NOVEMBER 27, 7:30 PM NOVEMBER 28, 7:30 PM February 22–March 10 NOVEMBER 27, 2:00 PM NOVEMBER 28, 7:30 PM May–June DECEMBER 5, 7:00 PM March 15–24 DECEMBER 6, 7:30 PM DECEMBER 8, 7:30 PM Page 12 — Theatrecraft November 2011 0412 230 676 9382 6284 karenwakeham@ y7mail.com 0416 141 838 or orbbaf@ozemail. com.au 0412 077 761 9819 7420 or jonne2@bigpond. com 9739 5947 or 0418 364 128 9772 5820 or 0449 905 721 9752 1941 0416 073 649 J;9>9EHD;H Stage terms: Part One Apron The portion of the stage or playing space that is downstage of the proscenium arch. In traditional proscenium-style theatres, acting on the apron was a big “no-no” because it violated the stage picture being created by the proscenium arch. Thus, many older theatres have very shallow aprons. Nowadays, though, directors can’t get enough of having their actors as close to the audience as possible, despite how uncomfortable it makes some audience members. This is all done under the umbrella of ’intimacy’ and we all know how much artists love that stuff. Sometimes the apron is referred to as the “Forestage”. Arbor Part of a fly system. A device mounted in one of the wings, which is connected to the lift lines at the opposite end from the batten. Stage weights are stacked on the arbor to balance the load suspended from the batten. In the case of a counterweight fly system, a rope hand line is connected to the top of the arbor, passes sequentially through the head block and tension block, and is terminated to the bottom of the arbor, forming a loop. This allows an operator to pull the rope and cause the batten to raise or lower. Arbors are guided either by steel tracks or wire ropes (aircraft cable). Backdrop Also known as a “Drop”. A large curtain, which hangs upstage and hides the back wall of the theatre from the audience. Backdrops are painted to resemble some sort of scene or abstract image. Backdrops are often used in place of a blackdrop when the blacks (see below) are being used. Batten Part of a fly system. A horizontal pipe, supported by lift lines, which is easily raised and lowered; even while holding a substantial amount of weight. Beam The name for a particular place where lighting units are hung in a theatre. A beam is a horizontal pipe hanging downstage of the proscenium. It gets its name from the many theatre buildings that hide the beam pipe in a piece of architecture that, while fake, looks like something which is supporting the ceiling. Beams are numbered on a light plot consecutively beginning with the pipe closest to the proscenium arch. (Example: “Hang this unit on the second beam FOH.”) Blackout Removing ALL light from the stage as quickly and suddenly as possible. Blacks The blacks are a collection of stage drapery; usually made of black velour. These curtains hang on each side of the stage, above the stage, and upstage of the playing space for the purpose of masking the wings, flys, and upstage wall respectively. Blacks masking the flys are known as “Borders”. Blacks masking the wings are known as “Legs”. “Borders” are also referred to as “Teasers” and “Legs” are then called “Tormentors”. If you don’t want to come across as stupid when talking to anal-retentive techies like myself, never mix these pairs. “Borders” go with “Legs” and “Teasers” go with “Tormentors”. Any other combination is considered very bad and might lead to the undoing of creation as we know it. The upstage curtain is known as a “Blackdrop”. Note that “Blackdrop” is spelled with an “L”. A “Backdrop” (no ”L”) is a completely different curtain. When a complete set of blacks is hung, the audience should ideally not be able to see any backstage place. Boom The name for a particular place where lighting units are hung in a theatre. A boom is a vertical pipe standing anywhere onstage. Booms are numbered on a light plot consecutively in each direction (upstage or downstage) beginning with the pipe closest to the proscenium arch. (Example: “The dancer bent the shutter on the stage left boom #2 shin-buster.”) See also “Beam”. DONATING TO THE VDL kew court house A New Performance Space The Victorian Drama League is a Registered Cultural Organisation approved by the Australian Government and Taxation Office. now available As such a donation made to the League is tax deductible. • • • • The assets and activities of the League are a vital resource to all its members, both groups and individuals. An intimate style 70 seat flexible space Excellent Audio/Lighting Dates available now to December 2012 Call or email Kew Court House Arts Association [email protected] www.kewcourthousearts.com.au Tel: 03 9853 3551 The League receives no Government assistance in any form at all, so any financial support from its members is invaluable. A special thank-you to those members who have donated this month. Remember — donations are tax-deductible. Theatrecraft November 2011 — Page 13 reviews James McLaren, Eva Torkkola, Sam Bye, Jessica Kelly, Sam O’Brien (rear) and James Ao in Ballarat National Theatre’s The Mousetrap. Photo by Brian McClelland. THE MOUSETRAP by Agatha Christie Ballarat National Theatre Directed by Peter Nethercote Reviewed By Deborah Fabbro – October 7, 2011 Agatha Christie’s play The Mousetrap started as a short radio play Three Blind Mice which was broadcast in 1947. It was adapted for the stage and premiered in the West End on 25 November 1952 at New Ambassadors Theatre. It transferred to St Martin’s Theatre in 1974 where it continues to play, making it the longest continuously running play in history. I saw it nearly 20 years ago so was interested to revisit the play and see if it has ‘stood the test of time’. When Agatha Christie wrote the play, she gave the rights to her then nine-year-old grandson as a birthday present. Very strict controls on the issuing of performing rights over the years means there have been only a few provincial runs in Canada and the US. To celebrate the coming 60th anniversary year, amateur rights have been released with discretion. Ballarat was one of the companies fortunate enough to secure them. Director, Peter Nethercote, stated that “over the years, in London, attempts have been made to update the play” but he wisely decided to keep it set in 1952. His set design, based on the London set if my memory serves me correctly, was beautifully executed and had a rich, opulent feel to it. I would have liked to have seen flickering lights in the fireplace; otherwise the lighting design by Stephen Sharpe enhanced the production. Costuming, particularly the women’s, had the feel of the period but some of the men’s suits did not. The ‘snow’ on the coats of the characters as they arrived was excellent but I am amazed that Sergeant Trotter could ski anywhere on authentic looking skis that lacked bindings! A wonderful musical version of the nursery rhyme “Three Blind Mice” formed the opening music, and suitable sound effects throughout set the scene nicely. So, to the plot; it is the first day of business for Mollie (Eva Torkkola) and Giles (Sam O’Brien) at their country guesthouse, Monkswell Manor. They are too concerned about the blizzard and not having enough coal, to really notice the news on the wireless of a murder that has taken place in London. We see their four guests arrive, one at a time so we can be introduced to them. Christopher, a neurotic young man was delightfully hyperactive as portrayed by Blake Fiegert. Scarlett de Masson gave a strong performance as the curmudgeonly Mrs Boyle who is ready to find Page 14 — Theatrecraft November 2011 fault with everything. James McLaren was suitably military as Major Metcalf. The fourth guest, Miss Casewell, a young woman who is just a little bit mannish and aloof, was nicely portrayed by Jessica Kelly. An unexpected guest, Mr Paravicini, arrives after his car is caught in a snowdrift. In the tradition of whodunits, none of the characters are quite what they seem. The last to arrive is Sergeant Trotter (Sam Bye) who announces that the murderer is at large. When one of the guests is killed, everyone realises that the murderer is amongst them. Typically, they are snowed in, the telephone lines have been cut and there is no communication to the outside world. As one would expect from Agatha Christie, the play has a twist at the end. The tradition is that one of the actors steps forward at the conclusion of the curtain call and asks the audience not to reveal the identity of the murderer so I am certainly not going to reveal it here. So, is the play a little creaky? Are the characters a little stereotypical? Perhaps, but Peter Nethercote and his cast and crew managed to imbue a warmth and grace into the piece and after so many years I enjoyed revisiting it. I must congratulate BNT for the wonderful foyer display, which included a history of The Mousetrap, information about Agatha Christie and her writings, and her two most famous characters. It was also most interesting to read the correspondence between BNT and the actors in the current London production. DON’T TAKE IT AS GOSPEL Written & Directed by Matt Caton (By arrangement with jacksontrainfence) Dandenong Theatre Company at Melbourne Fringe Festival Old Council Chambers, Trades Hall, Carlton Reviewed by Graeme McCoubrie –September 30, 2011 Times are a-changing where we are seeing community theatre facing many challenges. In many instances gone are the days of a viable venue, affordable royalties, manageable staging costs and indeed often the continued loyalty of cast and crew. With the increase in electronic and social media, people move around fast and local Community Theatre has to move with it or else shrink into obscurity. To this end, I give DTC full credit for venturing from their home base to perform a locally written work as a part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival. Would this have happened 10 years ago? Matt Caton’s satirical work certainly hit a humorous if not slightly irreverent note — all acceptable in today’s world. While the audience number was low, the enthusiasm and power of the cast was high. Take four out of work writers, Mathew, Mark, Luke and John, a struggling author/editor with a direct link to God and a money hungry publisher and then throw in Mary Magdalene, Mary and Joseph, Judas Iscariot and you have the story of Don’t Take It As Gospel. The four unemployed writers, who are also Disciples of a person named Jesus, wander into a pub and, over a drink, contemplate entering a competition for writing a contemporary work on the events of the day that just happened to be for a new book called the Bible. They each decide to write their own view on life that would include interviews with key people of the day, such as Mary Magdalene, Mary and Joseph. Each of the four writers had memorable moments and they worked well together at all times. Rhys Martin as Mark was a great support to Daniel O’Kane as Matthew and they played several strong satirical pieces together. Michael Barrack played John as a highly effeminate Disciple as opposed to the quiet influence of Luke played by Jaimie McAllister. Kym Davies played a provocative Mary Magdalene who has had a relationship with Matthew which he wanted to continue. Their scene together in his attempt for continuance was more poignant due to the obvious age difference of the two cast. VERBATIM by Miranda Harcourt & William Brandt INH Productions Directed by Colin Rochford at Melbourne Fringe Festival Old Council Chambers, Trades Hall, Carlton Reviewed by Graeme McCoubrie – October 7, 2011 This is INH Production’s second show after they formed from a strong association with Hartwell Players and what better way to establish themselves but to be part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival. In choosing this short work of some 50 minutes it did however only give one person from the company the opportunity to perform and there was limited opportunity for others to be involved in staging, technical and out front. Verbatim is a strong, powerful and somewhat confronting work as it lays before us details of a violent crime and the effect it had on six people in two families, with all the family members being played by Aynslie Watson. In writing this piece William Brandt, along with Miranda Harcourt, visited a dozen prisons and spoke to some 40 people who had committed murder and then they spoke to members of their families. From that we have a five character monologue that allowed Aynslie Watson to move from one persona to another with a change of voice and an item of costume. With a thrust stage central in the old Trades Hall Council Chamber, a chair was forefront for lifer Aaron Daly; a bean bag for his girlfriend, the mother of his children; another chair for his sister; an upstage rocking chair for his elderly mother and opposite, a lectern for the husband of the murder victim. All stage furniture was virtually only a metre apart with an item of costume ready for Aynslie to strengthen the image of the character. The work revolves around Aaron Daly who started along his criminal path at the age of 13 with shop lifting then leading to drugs, drinking and aggravated burglary. Dressed as Aaron, in a hoodie and resting backwards on the central downstage chair we hear about the events of his crimes and of his stays in jail. Early in his twenties he commits murder which he laconically says, “I didn’t mean to kill, I had a baseball bat, but she followed me out of the house”, from a burglary. Jamie McAllister, Daniel O’Kane, Michael Barrack and Rhys Martin in Dandenong Theatre Company’s Don’t Take It As Gospel. Photo by Tim Blencowe. The author/editor Colin Morley was effervescent at all times and had many humorous phone conversations with the unseen God (in the roof above the Council Room). He also played a hard-ofhearing and confused Joseph opposite Mary played by Latecha Cadle. In her role as Ester Wycliffe the publisher, Latecha was commanding and direct with the author/editor. Laura Ireland played Hanna, the dutiful receptionist to the author/ editor, who had the task of judging the entries to the competition down to the last four. However an entry from Judas Iscariot, played by Michael Voss, was deemed controversial and caused great angst between the publisher, the author/editor and God. With much acclaim the final four chosen works turned the corner for the unemployed writers as their works obviously became the first four Gospels of the New Testament, a best seller of all times, the Bible. There was a very simple set on a raised thrust stage comprising of a central table with a change of seating for the various scenes from the bar to the office. All done very effectively and well supported by lighting and sound effects. We hear from his girlfriend “I don’t know what to tell the kids” slouching on the beanbag. Then his sister, who is trying to hold the family together, the mother and Aaron’s other four siblings, takes the mother May Daly to visit Aaron in remand. She didn’t want to know what he had done and she doesn’t ask questions of Aaron for, “all I ever get is lies”. May Daly in her rocking chair was a forlorn character and was not as well portrayed as the others. Perhaps the scripting faltered here as we were more moved by Robert, the husband of the murder victim, Gail. Robert from the lectern spoke as if he was delivering a eulogy and this was a significant piece of work. There were some voiceovers to give strength and clarity to some of the events but the main focus was on Aaron and Aynslie portrayed him extremely well, leaving us with a person who was unapologetic about his life and unconcerned about the hurt he left behind. He had a hazy recollection of the details of the murder he committed and though towards the end of the work he realised the enormity of his crime, he showed little remorse. Aynslie moved from one character portrayal to the other with ease, although at times the script demanded only a few short lines of a character before having to hastily moving on to the next. Not only demanding for the actor but also for us in the audience having to keep pace with the story and characters. An interesting and demanding piece of theatre. It was a refreshing work, well executed by Dandenong and well suited to the Melbourne Fringe Festival genre. I hope that it will be picked up by other companies. As a locally written work, it deserves more performances. Theatrecraft November 2011 — Page 15 Don’t forget, you can now check out our recent additions to the Library on the Website from the shelves ELEVEN LITTLE GEMS A Collection of Ten Minute Plays — 2011 By Various Eleven Little Gems is the culmination of the Little Gems 10 Minute Play Festival. This is an annual showcase of creative stage writing, in short form, initiated and promoted by Gemco Players Community Theatre. Includes: Flight Path, Secret Frog Business, Coda, Unlocked, Vermillion, Let’s Do Lunch, Sacked, Grass Roots, The Dream, Mail Order Muse and Presence SCARLET O’HARA AT THE CRIMSON PARROT & LET THE SUNSHINE By David Williamson Scarlett is a 36-year-old waitress who lives with her mother, has no boyfriend, and spends too much time watching old romantic movies. As Scarlett drifts deeper into her reveries of Clark Gable, Cary Grant, Errol Flynn and Humphrey Bogart, she takes her place as the heroine in each of their movies. Let the Sunshine asks what happens when people of widely different political views are forced to co-exist. Toby, a maker of hard-hitting documentaries, flees Sydney with his wife after a blow up with the press. He arrives at his old childhood haven only to find the simple town has been transformed into a playground for the wealthy and his old friend has become married to a wealthy property developer. The scene is set for a vintage Williamson comedy. WRONG WINDOW By Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore Van Zandt & Milmore pay tribute to Master of Horror Alfred Hitchcock, with this comedy whodunit. Off-and-on New York couple Marnie and Jeff enter an even more complicated phase of their relationship when they think they spy their cross-courtyard neighbor do away with his wife. After they draw their torn curtain, the lady vanishes, and suspicion places murder beyond a shadow of a doubt. The bumbling witnesses sneak into their neighbor’s apartment — 39 steps away — and the fun begins. Among multiple door-slammings, body-snatchings, and a frantic flashlight chase scene, two questions remain: Who killed Lila Larswald? And… if she’s not dead … then who is? The crazy farce plays out on a shadow-box set that allows the audience to be present in one apartment, while viewing the action in its mirrorimage neighbouring unit across the way. “Take the money and run to this window before it closes!” — Two River Times. THE TWITS By Roald Dahl In Dahl’s typically outre outing, the repulsive, misanthropic Mr. and Mrs. Twit become the target of revenge by the Mugglewump monkeys, who have finally had enough. Set in a circus ring, which offers great opportunities for a spectacular production, this adaptation by David Woods has the flair to bring Dahl’s ideas to life. Page 16 — Theatrecraft November 2011 *GUIFJEFBPGIBWJOHJOGPSNBUJPO BCPVUZPVSDPNQBOZȁTQSPEVDUJPOT BOE TFSWJDFT QSPNPUFE BDSPTT 7JDUPSJB "VTUSBMJB BOE FWFO 8BMFT TPVOET BUUSBDUJWFUPZPVUIFOXIZBSFOȁU ZPVBEWFSUJTJOHJO5IFBUSFDSBGU theatrecraft 4FFPVSBEWFSUJTJOHSBUFTPO1BHF theatrebooks And if the play you’re looking for is not there, we will try and get it for you. You may email your enquiry through the website, or call the Office on 9663 4222 Monday–Friday, 10:00–3:00 (until November 7; see Page 1 for opening hours changes). Mail orders welcome. VOICEWORK VOICE AND SPEECH IN THE THEATRE 6th Edition J. Clifford Turner $35.95 A practical handbook to help the actor develop a clear and powerful voice. It explains the theory and recommends proven exercises to ensure improvement in voice and speech. This is a classic text regarded as essential reference for anyone in voice studies. This new edition is edited by Jane Boston who examines the social and artistic context for Turner’s teachings and demonstrates how they are still relevant today. There are also updated exercises taken from the Alexander Technique and contemporary Yoga practices. THE ACTOR SPEAKS: VOICE AND THE PERFORMER By Patsy Rodenburg $40.50 From the best selling author of The Right To Speak and The Need For Words comes this essential guide to voice work. Beginning with what every first-year acting student faces in class and ending with what leading professional actors must achieve every night on stage, Patsy Rodenburg’s celebrated work as one of the world’s foremost voice and acting coaches is fully revealed in this thoughtful and inspirational book about acting. Patsy Rodenburg is Director of Voice at London’s Royal National Theatre and Guildhall School of Music. In this book, she offers a complete voice workshop for every actor and singer, whether professional or beginner. Foreword by Judi Dench. THE VOICE BOOK By Michael McCallion $25.15 Babies have no problem in vocalising; they cry, loud and long. But as we learn how to speak language, a highly intellectual activity, we increasingly depend on speech and body language to express what we wish to communicate. This is fine for ordinary conversation but there are times for most of us when we need to be able to use our voices to present ourselves in a wider context. Most people are vocally better equipped than they know. Usually some unconscious habit gets in the way. The Voice Book shows you simply and practically what is going wrong - and how to put it right. Whether you are a professional or amateur actor, classical or popular singer, politician, public speaker, or need to present for business, church or college, The Voice Book will help you to discover how to use your voice freely, powerfully and with pleasure. BUZZ BUZZ! Playwrights, Actors and Directors at the National Theatre By Jonathan Croall $40.50 Containing over a hundred interviews conducted over the last fifteen years with leading directors, actors and playwrights at the National Theatre, London, Buzz Buzz! is a fantastic compendium that offers unrivalled insight into the work and practice of the best theatre talent. The first section features interviews with twenty-six leading playwrights about their work, including Tom Stoppard, Alan Bennett, Michael Frayn and Pam Gems. The second section examines how writers and directors have adapted works for the National’s stage, including recent hits War Horse and Coram Boy. The final section features actors and directors discussing their work on plays from across the international spectrum, including Simon Russell Beale on Hamlet, Diana Rigg on Brecht’s Mother Courage, and Kenneth Branagh on Mamet’s Edmond. Filled with behind-the-scenes accounts of National Theatre productions of the last 15 years, Buzz Buzz! is the perfect guide for students, teachers and anyone interested in the staging of classical and contemporary drama. ACTORS’ AUDITION SPEECHES By Jean Marlow $26.95 Finding good, interesting audition pieces is a demanding and difficult process for actors. Jean Marlow has brought together 50 selections, the majority of which have never appeared in an audition book before. The pieces, which include modern and classical, have been selected because most of them require or can be performed in a particular accent. Examples of the range of parts included are American, Asian, Jamaican, Irish, South African, Italian, Scottish, Welsh, Newcastle and Yorkshire, covering all ages. Actors can find a speech to suit their particular voice or can show their range by selecting a speech with a contrasting accent. There is an introductory section showing how to prepare and give your best performance at an audition. In addition there are comments from directors giving their advice on how to audition successfully. Jean Marlow, with her co-director Eamonn Jones, has run The Actors’ Theatre School in London for several years and is an experienced actress and teacher. All the selections in this book have been tried and tested by her students. Script Donation Thank You MURWILLUMBAH THEATRE COMPANY Thankyou to Murwillumbah Theatre Company for their generous donation of four sets of plays to our library. Theatrecraft November 2011 — Page 17 ADVERTISE IN THEATRECRAFT! Prices for VDL Members and Non-members (per month per insertion). 1⁄8 page = 65 mm deep x 90 mm wide Members Non-members Casual $29 $43 3 months $26 $40 6 months $25 $38 Year (11 issues) $24 $36 6 months $32 $48 Year (11 issues) $31 $47 6 months $58 $86 Year (11 issues) $55 $83 ¼ page = 130 mm deep x 90 mm wide Members Non-members Casual $36 $54 3 months $34 $50 Members Non-members Casual $66 $98 3 months $60 $90 Full Page = 265 mm deep x 180 mm wide Members $120; Non-members $180 (subject to space availability) If your advertisement has to be set up by the Editor, there will be a setup fee. Enquiries to: [email protected] Advertisement files to: [email protected] FLYER INSERTS: Have a Flyer inserted in Theatrecraft to advertise your next production or business to a captive audience of theatre people! For VDL members the cost is only $55 for a single sheet A4 flyer. For nonmembers the cost is $80 (450 copies). Larger brochures cost more. Printed flyers must be delivered by the 20th of the month to the Office/ Library for mailing out with Theatrecraft. You need to book with the office on 9663 4222 or email: [email protected] AUDITION & WHAT’S ON NOTICES These are available free to members, and appear in both Theatrecraft and the VDL Website. Email: [email protected] Page 18 — Theatrecraft November 2011 ©Disney ½ page = 130 mm deep x 180 mm wide 15th Annual Victorian Drama League Awards Presentation Dinner We are delighted to invite you to the 15th Annual Victorian Drama League Awards Presentation Dinner for 2011. Please take note of the details, and complete and return the Booking Form. DATE: Sunday, December 4, 2011 6:00 pm – 11:00 pm VENUE: Merrimu Receptions 1300 Dandenong Rd, Murrumbeena (Melways 69 C4), cnr Poath Rd, opposite Chadstone Shopping Centre Parking available at Chadstone Shopping Centre car park and surrounding streets DRESS: Formal COST: $70.00 per head (all inclusive) This covers drinks and savouries on arrival, and a threecourse dinner with red and white wines, beer, and soft drinks. Other drinks may be purchased at the bar. DINNER: Any special dietary requirements advise on this booking form or at least two weeks prior to the awards dinner through The Ticket Secretary. Please do not contact Merrimu Receptions with these details. TABLES: Round tables seating 10 people. BOOKINGS: Priority bookings of 10 tickets are available immediately to Awardentered groups. Forward all bookings to the Ticket Secretary at the VDL Office no later than Thursday, September 22, 2011. Make Cheques payable to The Victorian Drama League Inc. Additional tickets for Entrants, Members and other companies will be open Friday, October 7, 2011. Bookings will not be confirmed or tickets posted to you until payment is received. All bookings and payments close on Friday, November 11, 2011. No refunds given. If you require further information, please call the VDL Office on 9663 4222, Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Please complete and return the Booking Form below to The Ticket Secretary BOOKING FORM To: The Victorian Drama League 3rd Floor, Ross House 247 Flinders Lane, Melbourne VIC 3000 Please reserve ............... tickets @ $70 for the 2011 VDL Awards Presentation Dinner on Sunday, December 4, 2011 Cheque for $.................. is enclosed (Payable to The Victorian Drama League Inc.) Name (Company/Individual): .................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................... Address for mailing tickets: .................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................... Dietary requirements (vegetarian, diabetic, etc): Name of person and type of diet: .................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................... Suburb.................................................................. Postcode............................... .................................................................................................................................... .................................................................................................................................... Phone Numbers: Day........................................................ Evening.................................................. Mobile.................................................. Office Use Date received:............................................................. Table allocated: ......................................................................... THEATRECRAFT Volume 35 Issue 10 November 2011 THE VICTORIAN DRAMA LEAGUE COMMITTEE, OFFICE BEARERS, & STAFF ISSN 0311-7138 President: Richard Burman The Victorian Drama League 3rd Floor, Ross House 247 Flinders Lane MELBOURNE 3000 Library Hours: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Monday, Wednesday, Friday Website: www.theatrecraft.org.au PHONE/FAX: 9663 4222 Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Vice President: Edna Bartlett Acting Secretary: Richard Burman Acting Treasurer: Edna Bartlett General Committee: Andrew McMillan Awards Sub-committee convenor: Jill Edwards Office Staff: Kym Davies (Manager) David Crothers Webmaster: Geoff Kidd Theatrecraft Editor: Damian Vuleta Note: Any correspondence addressed to any area of the VDL will not be formally acknowledged if the correspondent is not identified. MEMBERSHIPS & SUBSCRIPTIONS 11 issues of Theatrecraft are printed each year (not in January). To receive Theatrecraft, it is not necessary to be a member of the VDL—see below. GROUP: Interstate: $140 pa; Victoria: $150 pa Includes Theatrecraft, full hiring rights with 2 membership cards issued. Groups can borrow sets of plays and a representative is entitled to vote at the AGM. PLAY READING: $75 pa Includes Theatrecraft and hiring rights for sets of plays (for a limited time) for readings only (not performing). A representative is entitled to vote at the AGM. INDIVIDUAL: $55 pa Includes Theatrecraft and hiring rights, single play copies only. An individual is entitled to vote at the AGM. THEATRECRAFT DEADLINES: 1st of the month for ADVERTISING/EDITORIAL e.g. April 1 for May issue. To reserve space, material is then required by the 10th at the latest. Email [email protected] 10th of the month for WHAT’S ON/AUDITIONS e.g. April 10 for May. Please submit details on the VDL website: www.theatrecraft.org.au 20th of the month: FLYER INSERTS These must be received at the Office. Please book with the office. SUBSCRIPTION: $40 pa This is for Theatrecraft only. It does not make you a VDL member, and subscribers are not permitted to hire from the library Membership and Subscriptions are for the financial year from July 1–June 30. Check with the Office for appropriate pro-rata part-year rates. PHOTOS: If your show is being reviewed, please send a photo from your production to publish with the review. Email to [email protected] !" #$ %$& '( %)* * !+ ! "#$ # ! "#$ #$ ! %#" $ &'() *+ , -. / . Page 20 — Theatrecraft November 2011