NOVEMBER, 1987 Vol 11 No 10 ISSN 0314 - 0598 A publication of the Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust

Shane BOllrne. Bob Homer)' and Genevieve .Moo.\' in Ih e recenl M elbourne Thealre Compan.l' production of WHAT THE BUTLER SA W Adding spice to the bedroom farce thriller, Orton spices the play with a WHAT THE BUTLER SAW by shouted at Sir Ralph Richardson sprinklng of incest, fetishism , Joe Orton "Filth' Give back your knighthood!" transvestism, homosexuality and Directed by Edgar Metcal./e In today's moral climate, Orton's nymphomania to make fun of social Cas/: Swart Wagstaff, Peter Adams, plays no longer shock (or only a little) Jane Harders, Kaly ' Brinson, Alan but they have not become passe morals and conventions. Docker and Jamie Oxenbould because of the playwright's exceptional There's a lot of nudity in the play. craftsmanship. To quote Helen " People lost their rights as well as their "A devastatingly logical study 0./ illogic Thomspon of The Australian, Orton is identities as their clothes, symbols 0./ and apparent irrationalilY" " absoillte master 0./ stage conventions their social roles, are removed", said Leonard Radic, The Age and 0./ the stylistic refinements o./a par­ The Australian of a recent Melbourne licularly English style 0./ wit." production. As the production has he black humour of Joe Orton's The current production at the Opera already opened Members should book T plays in the 'sixties shocked Lon­ House Playhouse of WHAT THE for the first two weeks of the season don audiences used to polite drawing BUTLER SAW is the final play in a through the Opera House on 20525. room comedy. At the first night of series by Gary Penny Productions this Bookings from November 16 onwards WHAT THE BUTLER SAW, one year which included I' M NOT can be booked through the Trust. e nraged m ember of the audience RAPPAPORT , LILLIAN A D BILOXI BLUES. In WHAT THE BUTLER SAW, BOOKING INFORMATION Orton uses a framework similar to a The Playhouse, S.O.H. typical bedroom farce, but there the Sat Oct 24 to Sat Nov 28 similarity ends. It is set in the office ofa Mon to Sat at 8 p.m. GIFT OFFER! Wed and Sat mats 2 p.m. Give a gift membership to a friend, sex-obsessed psychiatrist and the (No Sat mat October 24) relative or business associate before characters i ncl ude a secretary applying AETT $25.00 (Mon to Thu & mats) December 24, 1987 and we'll give YOLI a for a job, a woman patient, a bellboy, a G.P. $28.00 free box of Cabaret chocolates! See policeman and a visiting H t; alth Com­ Pens/stud $21.00 (Mon to Thu & mats) p. II for details. mission psychiatrist. In a plot as Two AETT tickets per Member convoluted as an Agatha Christie 2

Katherine Thomson, based on a book At the Q World Premiere by Kenneth Slessor. This is a poetic, BABY by David Shire and Richard SIESTAS IN A PINK HOTEL touching, funny play by the author of Maltoy from book by Sybille Pearson by Jennifer Claire THE NIGHT WE ANCHORED IN Directed and designed by Arthur Directed by Robyn Nevin TWOFOLD BAY. In February, SIX Dicks Designed by Jennie Tate CHARACTERS IN SEARCH OF AN Musical direction by Michael Stanley Starring Sandy Gore, Anna Volska, AUTHOR will be presented at the Cast includes Barbara Morton, Rod Katrina Foster and Rhell Walton Drama Theatre. The play, by the Nobel Dunbar, Lloyd Morris, Karen Vickery prize-winner Luigi Pirandello, is and Angela Toohey described as a hymn to our postmodern age. Three neglected classics follow - t's an unusual topic for a musical but THE MORTAL FALCON, THE I then this Broadway musical about GAME OF LOVE AND CHANCE and having babies and trying to have them AN IDEAL HUSBAND. was nominated for a Tony Award in In association with the Bicentennial 1984. Three couples in their 20s, 30s Authority, 1841 by Michael Gow will and 40s are in the baby making busi­ premiere in April at the Drama ness and their individual situations Theatre. The play explores Manning provide moments of great poignancy as Clark's claim that the battle between well as great humour. It's an ideal barbarism and civilisation would be Christmas treat for the whole family as fought out in N.S.W. John Bell directs there's nothing that could possibly DINKUM ASSORTED by Linda offend. Aronson. Featuring fifteen women per­ formers, the subjects range through the BOOKING INFORMA nON price paid for freedom, romance as self­ Q Theatre, Penrith indulgence and the relationships Fri Nov 20 to Sun Dec 13 he third play by Sydney writer Wed to Sat at 8 p.m. between women without men. August T Jennifer Claire, SIESTAS IN A sees the biting, sardonic theme of Caryl Wed at II a.m. PINK HOTEL, is being presented by Sat at 3 p.m. Sun at 4.30 p.m. Churchill's black city comedy SERI­ AETT discount $1 .00 the Sydney Theatre Company later this OUS MONEY dealing with murder, Bookings on (047) 21 5735 month. Three close women friends spies, corruption, sex, marriage, scan­ share a European holiday and one of dal and politics. What else is left! the trio bases a sensational first novel In association with the Goethe Insti­ on their experiences. On the eve of pub­ tute, BIG AND LITTLE by Botho B ri tten Opera lication they are reunited (together Strauss, one of Germany's leading con­ with their menfolk) and there is an temporary playwrights, is the portrait THE RAPE OF LUCRETIA explosive confrontation. Jennifer ofa women in search of meaning. It will by Benjamin Britten Claire's earlier play THE BUTTER­ be presented in September. The series Musical Director: Edith Rens FLIES OF KALIMANTAN was pre­ ends with LOOT by Joe Orton - a Director: Alan Dunn sented by the S.T.C. and was also thoroughly modern classic. Members Cast: Camilfe Mercep, Bronwyn Powell, produced at Melbourne's Playbox and wishing to subscribe to the series Peter Avery, Colin Wall, Greg Martin, Perth's Hole in the Wall. As SIESTAS should contact the Sydney Theatre Gwenda Gilligan, Julia Poole is already heavily booked, AETT mem­ Company on 250 1777. Tickets for HE RAPE OF LUCRETIA is pre­ bers should book directly with the Syd­ individual performances will be T sented by Opera Mode for seven ney Theatre Company. offered to Trust Members throughout performances only. First performed at BOOKING INFORMAnON the year. Glyndebourne in 1946, this powerful The Wharf Theatre opera immediately and deservedly won Tue Nov 24 to Wed Dec 23 Indian Dancing itself a place in operatic repertoire. The Man to Sat at 8 p.m. A NNANDA VALLI SIVANATHAN action is compelling; the story deals Wed and Sat mats at 2 p.m. J-\.will give a performance of Indian with love, intrigue, passion and murder AETT discount $2.00 Bookings on 250 1777 classical dance at the Broadwalk Studio and Britten's music is rich in its appeal. on Wednesday, November 18 at 8 p.m. This is a thrilling operatic experience Considered a child prodigy, and Benjamin Britten at his best. Annandavalli has danced profession­ STC 1988 Season ally for over twenty years. She was born BOOKING INFORMAnON he SYDNEY THEATRE COM­ in Sri Lanka, but chose to make South Tom Mann Theatre, 136 Chalmers PANY has just announced details India her cultural environment: she has Street, Surry Hills T Nov 4, 5, 7, 12, 14 at 8 p.m. of its new 1988 subscription series at now settled in Sydney but continues to Nov 8 at 3 p.m., Nov 10 at 1.30 p.m. the Wharf Theatre and Drama Theatre, tour overseas, having just returned AETT discount $3.00 S.O.H. from a most successful tour of Pakistan Bookings on 3564452 January sees the premiere of and Singapore. This is Annandavalli DARLINGHURST NIGHTS by Sivanathan's first appearance at the 3

ber 17 to 29. These new works by this Musical Cabaret experimental dance/drama group rep­ GET HAPPY devised by Frank resent the culmination of a year's work. Garfield, Natalie Mosco and Allan Choreography is by Chris Jannides. McFadden Directed by Rodney Delaney BOOKING INFORMATION Choreography by Ross Coleman AETT discount $1.00 Costumes by Rose Jackson Bookings on 698 7235 Musical Direction by Allan McFadden Cast: Natalie Mosco, Frank Garfield, Brenda Clarke Love and Betrayal orget your troubles, c'mon GET THE KISS OF THE SPIDER FHAPPY and enjoy a musical cel­ WOMAN by Manuel Puig ebration of the songs of Harold Arlen, Directed by Egil Kipsle writer of such marvellous gems as Designed by Monila Roughsedge Annandava/li 'Over the Rainbow', 'That Old Black Cast: Barry Otto and Russell Kielel Opera House - she is presented by the Magic', 'Stormy Weather' and many, riginally a novel, then a play, Margaret Walker Folk Dance Centre. many more. GET HAPPY traces Arlen's life through his early days at the Ofinally a very successful film , THE BOOKlNG INFORMATION Cotton Club, through revue to KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN is a AETT discount $2.00 Broadway and Hollywood and features comedy of love and betrayal. Set in a Bookings on 20525 the lyrics of Gershwin, Billy Rose and South American prison, it deals with Truman Copote. A great nostalgic eve­ two men with absolutely nothing in ning of tunes everyone knows - what common - one a revolutionary, the ~ WHY NOT USE OUR better way to start the festive season. A other an effeminate hairdresser. Some­ how, they come to terms with each ~ EASY BOOKING LINE $4.00 discount applies on Wed Dec 2 and Thu Dec 3 when members may other's sexuality, philosophy and mor­ purchase as many AETT tickets as they ality. The play's ultimate enchantment is the delicacy of its faith shown by the wish. bonds of human affection triumphing 357-1200 over the bondage of goal. This is the BOOKlNG INFORMATION final production in the Nimrod's 1987 Mon to Fri, 9-5 pm Ensemble Theatre VISA MASTERCARD BANKCARD Sat Nov 24 to Tue Dec 29 season. Tue to Sat at 8 p.m. Thu at II a.m. , Sat and Sun at 5 p.m. AETT $13.00 (Dec 2 & 3) $15.00 (Tue Christmas Surprise to Thu), $17.00 (Fri), $12.00 (Sat and POPULAR MECHANICALS Sun mat), $10.00 (Thu mat). by Tony Taylor and Keith Robinson G.P. $17.00 (Tue to Thu), $19.00 (Fri and Sat), $15.00 (Sat and Sun mat), Directed by Geoffrey Rush $13.00 (Thu mat) Cast includes Keith Robinson, Tony Pens/Stud $12.00 (Tue to Fri) Taylor, Jillian Hyde, Terry Walker $11.00 (Sat and Sun mat), $10.00 (Thu he Belvoir Theatre is presenting a mat) T bawdy comedy for its Christmas Two AETT tickets per Member (except surprise production. Loosely based on Dec 2 & 3) the rustics who form the sub-plot in Shakespeare' s MIDSUMMER's NIGHT DREAM, this play POPU­ Space Innovation LAR MECHANICALS is sure to pro­ vide an amusing fillip to the festive ollowing their very successful season. FWALTZ earlier this year, The Syd­ ney Front is presenting their avant BOOKlNG INFORMATION garde piece JOHN LA WS/SADE from Belvoir Theatre Wednesday to Sunday until November BOOKlNG INFORMATION Sat Nov 21 to Sat Dec 19 8 at the Performance Space. A solo per­ Downstairs, Seymour Centre Tue to Sat at 8 p.m. formance in dance, TURNING A WA Y Sat Nov 14 to Sat Dec 19. Sat and Sun at 5 p.m. THE AFFECT OF A MASTERY by Mon to Thu at 8 p.m. Wed mat at 1 p.m. Shelley Lasica which was premiered in Fri and Sat 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. AETT $16.00 AETT $20.00 (except Fri & Sat evg) Melbourne in September this year will G.P. $23.00 G.P. $18.00. follow from November 13 to 15. Darc Pens/stud $9.00 Pens/stud $16.00 Two AETT tickets per Member Swan will present BLUE HORSES, Two AETT tickets per Member. SLA VE and ELECTRA from Novem- 4 /IllJ$ic, ... -N~-~------~ ith Love to Sydney - An Evening he music of Brahms will be played directed by the renowned Christopher W of Music is the title of Lauris T by The Sydney Ensemble at their Hogwood, surely one of the world's Elms' recital to be given in conjunction concert to be held on Saturday, most successful presenters of early with Deborah de Graaff, clarinet who, November 28 at 8 p.m. at the Opera music, in the Concert Hall, S.O.H. on is returning from Germany especially House as part of their Broadwalk Stu­ Saturday November 21 at 8 p.m. and for the concert, and David Miller, dio Series. Brahms' ability as a creator Sunday November 29 at 3 p.m. The piano, on Friday, November 27 at 8 of immortal music and his strength as programme will feature the original p.m. in the Broadwalk Studio. The pro­ an expressive pianist are obvious in the version of Bizet's L'ARLESIENNE gramme includes works by Bononcini, programme to be presented: a piano scored for 26 instruments as well as Berg and the world premiere of WITH solo, duet and sonata for two pianos. music by Rebel and Rameau. LOVE TO SYDNEY by Derek AETT discount $3.00 AETT discount $3.00 Strahan. Bookings on 2 0525 Bookings on 20525 AETT discount $2.00 Bookings on 2 0525 ontinuing The Sydney omething to look forward to is the CPhilharmonia series at the Opera Svisit of The Black Dyke Mills Band House, the Sydney Symphony Orches­ who will be here next March/April. he final concert in The Australian tra, Sydney Philharmonia Choir, and Voted the BBC "Band of the Year" for T Chamber Orchestra's 20th Century soloists Nance Grant, Richard three years running, THE BLACK Orchestra series will include the Aus­ Greager, and Geoffrey Chard will per­ DYKE MILLS BAND has won the tralian premiere of works by Estonian form Mendelssohn's ELIJAH on Fri­ European, National and British Open Avo Paert, Peter Maxwell Davies and day, November 6 at 8 p.m. in the championships. It will be competing in Polish composer Andrzej Panufnik. Concert Hall. S.O.H. ELIJAH has been the Australian Bicentennial Band They will be flanked by the world one of the most enduring works of the championships to be held in premiere of a newly commissioned choral repertoire with great dramatic Bankstown and will give a concert in piece for piano and strings by Aus­ scenes for choir and soloists. the Opera House on Tuesday March tralian composer Graham Koehne. The AETT discount $2.00 29, 1988. Trust Members receive pref­ concert at the Sydney Town Hall on Bookings on 2 0525 erential booking provided they book Saturday November 7 is conducted by before end November on the number Christopher Lyndon-Gee. ne of the most exciting groups of below. AETT discount $3.00 Omusicians in the country today The AETT discount $2.00 Bookings on 264 9466 Australian Chamber Orchestra will be Bookings on 3873621 or 389 5984

by Carole Long, Membership Manager

t was double celebration time in Christmas (see p. 11). Trust member­ ductor Ronald Thomas. Our very best I Sydney recently when HALFTIX, ship is an ideal (and very original!) gift wishes go to the orchestra as it expands Sydney's half-price ticket booth in for anyone who is interested in the its horizons. Martin Place celebrated its first birth­ theatre whether it be friend, relative or Meanwhile in Sydney Max Gillies day with the announcement that business acquaintance. So why not get has just opened in a joint Trust/ Beatrice-Red Tulip under their Cab­ ahead with your gift buying and give Northside Theatre Company pro­ aret Chocolates brand has become a yourself a sweet treat at the same ti me. duction of THE DEPARTMENT - major sponsor of both the Sydney and The Elizabethan Sydney Orchestra one of David Williamson's most Melbourne booths with a $60,000 cash has become the Elizabethan Philhar­ successful plays. We're proud to be donation. The Sydney booth estab­ monic Orchestra! For twenty years the responsible for bringing this outstand­ lished by the Trust has returned over Elizabethan Sydney Orchestra has been ing Australian actor back to the Sydney $400,000 to the performing arts com­ stage in what will undoubtedly be one a major force in the performing arts of munity in its first year of operation. of the comedy performances of the Australia playing in Sydney for both Without HALFTIX that money would year. If you haven't booked already The Australian Opera and The have been lost to producers and arts don't delay - tickets are selling fast . Australian Ballet. Now as it broadens organisations forever. its musical profile to present more con­ We'd like you to join in our cel­ certs it seemed the right time for a ebration of Red Tulip's sponsorship by change of name. The inaugural concert offering a free box of Cabaret Choc­ under its new name will take place in olates to any Member who purchases a Brisbane on November 5 with dis­ gift membership between now and tinguished Australian soloist and con- ~6 ·rJII 5 o~_~_s ______~ __ ~

elegant and entertaining theatrical Les Miserables The Sunshine Boys agent. ne of the big winners in the recent eil Simon's play THE SUNSHINE OTony Awards was the London N BOYS, stars American old-timer, BOOKING INFORMAnON blockbuster musical LES Eddie Bracken, and Australia's Ray Sat Nov 28 to Sat Jan 16 Mon to Sat at 8 p.m. MISERABLES, which will open at the Barrett, as a pair of vaudeville artists Sat mat at 2 p.m. Theatre Royal late this month. Based who have worked together for 43 years AETT $24.00 (except Fri/Sat evg) on Victor Hugo's novel and adapted by and hated each other throughout. It's a G.P. $27.00 Alan Boublil and Claude Michel blend of comedy and pathos. Willie Pens/stud $24.00 (except Fri/Sat evg) Schonberg to music by Schonberg, the (Eddie Bracken) survives by doing Two AETT tickets per Member Australian production stars veteran potato chip and razor blade ads in the pop star Normie Rowe and Debbie role played in the film by Walter Byrne who starred in CATS. The story Matthau. TV Sons and Daughters per­ Dance Company is set in the 19th Century Paris of the sonality, Pat McDonald plays Willie's French revolution and is about the crusty nurse. fter 14 weeks of touring Australia city's poor and their struggle to Ii ve. Aand overseas, the Sydney Dance Prime stall seats have been set aside for Company is back home for its annual Members at performances listed BOOKING INFORMA TlON season at the Opera House this month. below. Her Majesty's Theatre Two ofGraeme Murphy's most power­ Tue Nov 24 to Sat Dec 12 ful full length works will make up the Mon to Sat at 8 p.m. two programmes. The first will be Sat mat at 2 p.m. AFTER VENICE based on Thomas BOOKING INFORMATION AETT $25.90 (except Fri/Sat evg) Mann's novella, Death in Venice, and Theatre Royal G.P. $29.90 Thu Jan 7, Sat Jan 16, Wed Feb 17, Pens/stud $19.90 (except Fri/Sat evg) starring Garth Welch as Aschenbach. It Mon Mar 28 at 8 p.m. Two AETT tickets per Member will be the first time this ballet has been Sat Mar 12 at 2 p.m. staged in the Opera Theatre. The sec­ AETT $37.00 (Mon to Thu & mats) ond work will be SHINING, which was G.P. $39.00 highly acclaimed at its premiere last No pens/stud discounts. year. Two AETT tickets per Member Emerald City AETT discount unavailable at Theatre Royal BOOKING INFORMATION ith a change in the leading roles, Opera Theatre, S.O.H. W the Sydney Theatre Company is AFTER VENICE: restaging the very popular new David Wed Nov 4 to Sat Nov 14 Williamson play EMERALD CITY SHINING: See How They Run later this month for a short season. Tue Nov 17 to Sat Nov 28 Gary McDonald and his wife Diane Mon to Sat at 7.30 p.m. ritish farce has always been a firm Craig will play the roles originally taken Sat at 4 p.m. (except Nov 21) AETT $23.50 Bfavourite with Australian audi­ by John Bell and Robyn Nevin, and ences and there's been a shortage lately. G.P. $27.50 Drew Forsythe will play Max Cullen's Stud/pens $22.50 Now the Northside Theatre Company role. However Ruth Cracknell will be Two AETT tickets per Member is putting on Philip King's SEE HOW with the show again as the brittle, THEY RUN directed by Noel Ferrier as their Christmas production. It has a topically religious twist in that a yo ung WWII lance-corporal takes a vicar's wife out to dinner but since it is out of bounds he wears the vicar's clerical garb, causing no ' end of complications.

BOOKING I FORMATION Marian St. Theatre Sun Nov 15 to Sun Nov 29 Tue to Sat at 8.15 p.m. Wed mat at I I a.m. AETT $16.90 (Mon to Fri & mats except Nov 18) G.P. $19.90 Pens/stud $10.90 (except Fri/Sat evg) Two AETT tickets per Member The S.I 'dney Dance Company production of AFTER VENICE 6 tift _~ ___----HI The Silent Backers A Committed Membership Base by Kathleen Norris

s the funds available from govern­ other areas of our operations which we Aments for arts patronage fail to recognise will always need subsidis­ keep up with inflation, arts organis­ ation by the Trust. They are areas ations increasingly need to seek other which we believe strongly in and to avenues of support to finance activi­ which we give our wholehearted sup­ ties. Pluralistic funding has become the port - our Australian Content Depart­ name of the game in the 1980s. One ment and the Theatre of the Deaf. area of support has become commer­ The Australian Content Department cial sponsorship which can provide a was established in 1982 with the major input to company funds but specific objective of fostering which is a precarious source - innovative theatre. Established artists relationships with corporations often are encouraged to explore new areas of need extended periods of development performance and unknown artists are and an expected source of funding can given the opportunity to present their fall through as changes either in the work before an audience - a vital economy as a whole or in the particular learning experience in any artist's business sector force companies to development. Since the inception of reasses their priorities. the Department performances have So we must increasingly turn to indi­ I'VI/\)( c;.iLUt:S been presented in all States of Aus­ viduals to provide a continuing base of TI'ie"iJ.5hcJIIM5~~ tralia. Jack Davis' play NO SUGAR support. Many established arts com­ One or a series of six caricafures specially com­ which was commissioned by the Aus­ panies now have friends - people with m issioned bl' the Trust ji-om John Senc::.uk 10 illlls­ trate certiftcates a ",:arded to Trust donors. tralian Content Department in cel­ a commitment to that particular com­ Reproduced on quality paper. each one is ideally ebration of Western Australian's pany and its aims and aspirations. suited j ill·./i·am ing and displa.\" Sesquincentennial was invited to rep­ These "shareholders" have begun to resent Australia at the World Theatre give support to their company over and ments in our 33 year history have been Festival at Vancouver Expo '86. Not above annual membership fees . only was it a great honour to be invited significant. In recent years the Trust has not only to the Festival but the production cre­ had to cope with the ravages of Last year Trust productions played ated enormous interest - perform­ inflation but with an actual decrease in in every State and Territory of Aus­ ances were sold out before the opening government funding. This means that tralia and reached an audience of night. Without the support of the Trust we will have to rely increasingly on sup­ almost half a million. We established a this international exposure to one of port from our friends to survive in the half-price ticket service, Halftix, in Australia's finest Aboriginal talents years ahead. Sydney's Martin Place which has would not have been possible. Two pro­ Members of the Trust have always already returned over $400,000 to the ductions in Sydney this year have both played an important role in its history. arts organisations. This is money that received critical acclaim - MAGPIE'S Indeed without members it is question­ they would not otherwise have earned. NEST which was a first play by Simon able whether the Trust would have The booth also enables a new sector of Gratton and CHO CHO SAN, a been established at all. For its forma­ the market to enjoy theatre. Those who remarkable Australian interpretation tion in 1954 was the direct result of a had previously been excluded by the of Puccini's immortal MADAME groundswell among private citizens to high cost of theatre tickets now have BUTTERFLY. establish a national theatre. £90,000 the opportunity of participating in this The Theatre of the Deaf is a com­ was raised in a matter of weeks by some enriching experience. Our membership pany composed of both hearing and 1400 citizens who became the Trust's reached its highest level in more than a deaf actors which is presented princi­ first members and elected the Trust's decade and we expanded our costume pally for hearing audiences (only 10 per first Board of Directors. division to four retail outlets. cent of audiences are hearing Our very broad charter to develop a Certain areas of our operations are impaired). The company is one of strong and healthy arts industry in Aus­ revenue producing, for example, our Australia's leading theatre-in­ tralia means that we have a unique costume and property hires, and many education teams and annually presents responsibility to work on behalf of all of our entrepreneurial ventures return more than 300 performances in the performing arts compapies and to us a profit although in this area we are nation's schools. Productions are speci­ develop strategies which will subject to the whims of public taste and ally commissioned to cater for infant, strengthen cultural life. Our achieve- political fortune. However there are primary and secondary audiences and 7

We gratefully acknowledge the donations received up to September 30, 1987:

DIRECTOR'S CIRCLE Mr T. W. Haines Miss J. Conochie Anonymous Mr N. Seddon Mr I. Maylor Mr R. Albert Mrs P. L. Hodge Dr R . Cooper Ms G. Senyard Mrs E. Jacoby, M.B.E. Mr L. Dight Mrs A. Meca Mrs M. Spooner Mrs I. Millner PATRON Sir Charles Moses Ms G. Dodgshun Mrs M. Teh Anonymous Mr M. Drew Mr R. Mott Mrs E. Thomas Mr D. Block AO Anonymous Mr N. Dunlop Mr S. Munden Miss L. Walker Mrs B. Witte Dr E. Zselenyi Mr J. Fairfax Mr S. Nespor Mr J. Walton Mr O. Fletcher Mrs S. Nicholas Mrs A. Waterford BENEFACTOR DONOR Mr G. Glenwright Mr L. Pearcy Mr I. Wakil Lady Beale Mrs G. Armstrong Mr D. Goddard Mr J. Pratt Mr K. Walker Mr G. Pember Mrs P. Apte Mr R. Gregory Ms J. Pridmore Mr H. Watson Mr B. Rewcastle Mrs H. Bailey Mr C. Harris Sir John Proud Mr K. White Miss C. Bambrick Mr A. Hill Mr E. Rapee Mrs J. Woods SUPPORTER Mr S. Beresford Mr J. Kelly Mrs N. Robinson Mr A. Yencken Sir Vincent Fairfax Dr J. Carroll Ms P. Koshland Ms K. Scheul Mrs J. Hackett Dr J. Carter Miss E. Lindsay Mr D. Scott-Smith

project material is supplied to schools deliberately low key - a single line sol­ We began our campaign by first to allow the learing experience to be icitation in both our new member approaching those Members who have carried on into the classroom. literature and our renewal notices. already expressed their commitment Happily the results have not been through a donation and I'm pleased to These have proved enriching experi­ equally low key. In the first twelve say the initial response has been great. ences for the tens of thousands of months we received $5821 in 272 We have recejved more than $11 ,000 students who have seen their perform­ donations and in the second year in donations in the first two months ances in New South Wales, South Aus­ $7,000 in 265 donations. The average and the support of those Members who tralia and Tasmania. Quality donation in year one worked out at have already attained Donor Level is educational programmes are however $2l.4 and in year two at $26.6. These recognised above. costly ventures and the revenue that donors are spread throughout all States We now turn to our membership as a can realistically be raised from students reinforcing our national role. whole to ask for further support for the can never hope to cover costs. Cost is Fund. Our objective is to raise also a factor which has restricted per­ Encouraged by this response we have $100,000 in the first year and as some­ formances by the company to those this year started to formally seek sup­ port from our Members and to give rec­ one who shares our goals I hope that States which have been able to provide you will want to participate in this some degree of financial support. ognition · to their support by the establishment of donor categories. exciting initiative. Contributions to the Both the Australian Content Depart­ Unlike many other organisations we fund are 100% tax deductible. ment and the Theatre of the Deaf recognise the cumulative level of I enclose a leaflet which sets out the receive government funding but with­ donation rather than the individual way in which the Trust Donor Fund out a considerable injection of funds donation. This means that members will work. I hope you'll give it a minute from the Trust would not survive. New who give a smaller but regular donation of your time and equally I hope that initiatives which the Trust undertakes to the Trust will ultimately receive the you will find that it is a programme that also often need subsidy. The Halftix same recognition as a member who you can support generously. If you have Booth in Martin Place, Sydney is such may make a large once off donation. As any questions about the new initiative an example. In its first year it has oper­ both methods of donation are equally or the operation of our Trust Donor . ated without outside subsidy, and so has important to us we feel they should be Fund, please do not hesitate to contact been a considerable drain on Trust given equal recognition. Thus over a our Membership Manager, Carole resources. Happily Cabaret Choc­ period of years donors can progress Long and (02) 357 1200. olates, a Division of Red Tulip have from being a Donor ($100 and over) to recognised the significance of the ven­ a Supporter ($250 and over) to attain ture and have joined us as a major ultimately the status of Membership of sponsor. the Directors' Circle with a cumulative Realising that areas of the Trust's giving of $5,000 plus. Each level is operations would need continuing sup­ acknowledged with a series of specially port and given our own vulnerability to commissioned Trust certificates emi­ the winds of both economic and politi­ nently suitable for framing and display cal change, we started seeking support which is our thanks to Members for from our own Members in 1985. In the their assistance in maintaining Trust first two years this approach was programmes. Ka thleen Norris 8 -----(JtI . .ldJofI··· by Margaret Leask '-In J"JJ' ~ or once the superlatives are appro­ kabuki style, the piece explores the his­ empty feeling: beyond the theatricality F priate - FOLLIES is fantastic, a tory of the inter-penetration of two dif­ and audacity of the subject matter, it wonderfully memorable evening in the ferent cultures (Japan and America)­ has little substance. THE ART OF theatre. The Shaftesbury Theatre, with a difficult theme for a musical. The SUCCESS in repertoire in the Pit with flashing neons and a genuine sense of Japanese are treated with a mixture of some of the same cast directed by excitement before and after the curtain wonder,. affectionate teasing and Adrian Noble fakes nothing in its goes up, is playing host to "A Broadway respect for their fierce tradition of portrayal of the life of Hogarth - a Legend", Stephen Sondheim's unique honour, while the Americans, seen popular artist in pursuit of pleasure entertainment starring Diana Rigg, through Kabuki eyes, are mythical who comes up against the anger of a Julia Mackenzie, Daniel Massey, monsters. Visually and musically we murderess (played with a superb bal­ David Healy and Dolores Gray. Based experience the gradual westernisation ance of vulgarity and vulnerability by around a reunion on stage (before the of Japan in a production generally Penny Downie). old New York theatre is demolished) of praised for its imaginative use of space Barry Humphries'Dame Edna is the Weismann Follies girls and their and effective costumes. BACK WITH A VENGEANCE! at the marriage partners, we go behind the Strand from November 17, although scenes of two couples' relationships, The Royal Shakespeare Company, the show is currently on tour out of lost dreams and personal surprises. who recently secured survival sponsor­ London. The advance publicity is some Julia Mackenzie is one of the treasures ship from the Royal Insurance Com­ of the most eyecatching and entertain­ of the British musical stage and in pany, have a current season which ing in itself, I've seen. Edna Everage is FOLLIES she doesn't put a foot continues to provide an interesting var­ currently hosting a TV Chat show wrong. iety of productions - from Genet's which oversteps many bounds but will Stephen Sondheim is having a good THE BALCONY to a new play by Nick no doubt ensure great success for this season in London - hot on the heels of Dear about the artist William Hogarth, latest West End extravaganza! FOLLIES is PACIFIC OVERTURES THE ART OF SUCCESS. THE BAL­ in the repertoire of the English CONY, directed by Terry Hands at the Margaret Leask is a former editor of National Opera at the Coliseum until Barbican, is a highly charged and the­ Trust News who now lives in Lon­ December. With an all male cast, doub­ atrical piece set in a brothel. Despite don where she's an artists' agent. ling roles using masks and a modified excellent performances, it leaves an

That popular old-timer from Holly­ Mississippi and has a cast of 60 includ­ the Hunter Valley Theatre Company at wood and Broadway, Eddie Bracken, ing a double black and white chorus. the Playhouse until November 14. and veteran of Australian film and TAU Community Theatre has taken Directed by Brent McGregor and stage, Ray Barrett, share top billing in quite a few liberties with Jules Verne's designed by Derrick Cox, it is set in THE SUNSHINE BOYS as a pair of work in DINNER AT THE TAU three suburban kitchens on three separ­ vaudeville artists who have worked CAFE (A JOURNEY TO THE ate Christmas Eves. together for 43 years and loathe each CENTRE OF THE EARTH). Pre­ GOLDEN VALLEY by Dorothy other. Written by Neil Simon and sented as theatre restaurant, diners will Hewett tells the story of a young take a surreal and multi-cultural com­ directed by Eddie Bracken, it is at the orphan, Marigold, searching for happi­ Canberra Theatre from November 10 edy trip, with a duck as the main ness with her eccentric uncles and to 19. character. It has been written by aunts and her friends, both animal and For "Peanuts" fans (and who isn't?) Alanna McLean and is directed by Tina human . It is a Theatre South, the Canberra Repertory Theatre is pre­ van Raay. Wollongong production and will be senting YOU'RE A GOOD MAN, Eureka Theatre Company is present­ presented from November II to 28. ing Michael Gow's play A WAY at the CHARLIE BROWN from November The play won a Writer's Guild Awgie 14 to December 5. It is a musical play ANU Arts Centre between November 7 for Dorothy Hewett. It is directed by based on Charles Schultz's comic and 28 . The play, which has had two Des Davis, with music by Jim Cotter. strip. very successful Sydney seasons is about The Canberra Philharmonic the suppressed feelings and resent­ The Riverina Theatre Company is Society's production of Jerome Kern ments which emerge to shatter a family presenting HOT WATER, a comic and Oscar Hammerstein's vacation. It is directed by Rod farce by New Zealander Roger Hall SHOWBOA T which opened at the Charles. from November 14 to 28. It is about a Canberra Theatre on October 29, will ABSURD PERSON SINGULAR, family beach holiday in New Zealand run until November 7. Directed by one of Alan Ayckbourn's highly suc-/ where everything goes wrong that can Lorraine Francis, the story is set on the cessful comedies is being presented by go wrong. Kim Durban is directing. 9

ISHT AR written and directed by Elaine May Produced by Warren BeaLLy Starring Duston Hoffman, Warren BeaLLy, Isabelle Adjani, Charles Grodin, Jack Weston Opening November 12, at Hoyts f another team had written, directed, I produced and starred in ISHT AR, it might well sound like an updated ver­ sion of Hope and Crosby's ROAQ TO MOROCCO. Elaine May's career had encompassed television, radio, and stage appearances, writing plays and screenplay and of course her memor­ able comedy team with- Mike Nichols. Warren Beatty is not just a pretty face, Johl1 LOllI' in THE LAST EMPEROR he has produced five previous films harsh conventions and lifestyle and Thousand Years", "The Son of (including BONNIE AND CLYDE, took to the road. She became a nomad Heaven" and ruler of almost half the SHAMPOO, HEAVEN CAN WAIT, wandering the country, sometimes world's population. He was the last and REDS) and Dustin Hoffman needs riding the freight cars with hobo Emperor of China, Pu Yi (John no biography. Who can resist seeing friends. Lone). Hoffman and Beatty as two down-on­ Family ties brought her back to He was cosseted by courtiers and their-luck singer/songwriters in the Fingerbone to care for two teenage eunuchs in the magnificence of the middle of a coup in the middle east nieces, who had been tossed from one Imperial court, treated like a god, free escaping across the desert with a reluctant relative to another. Like to do anything he wanted, except to beautiful revolutionary (Isabelle Sylvia, they had never known, what know what was happening outside the Adjani) on a blind camel! most people take for granted, a home, Forbidden City or to leave the palace. family and love. At first the girls are He was unaware that in 1912 China HOUSEKEEPING fascinated by their eccentric aunt and became a republic. It wasn't until Directed by Bill Forsythe she replaces the mother they hardly Peking was captured by a republican Screenplay by Bi!! Forsythe from the knew, but in time her behaviour warlord that he fled with the help of his novel of the same name by Marifynne embarasses them, and causes a division Scottish tutor (Peter O'Toole) to Robinson between the sisters. Tientsin where as a rich man he could Produced by Robert F. Coles berry It is the story of how they all come to live freely for the first time. When Starring Christine Lahti, Sara Walker find there is more to a family than mere Japan invaded Manchuria, he accepted and Andrea Burchill "housekeepi ng". the Japanese offer to be emperor of the Now playing at Hoyts new State of Manchukuo. It proved his yl via rebelled after the failure of a THE LAST EMPEROR greatest mistake. He was jailed by the Smarriage arranged to please her Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci communists for 10 years and on his mother. She quit the small Rocky Produced by Jeremy Thomas release and pardon in 1959, he became Mountains town of Fingerbone with its Screenplay by Mark Peploe and a gardener in the Peking Botanical Bernardo Bertolucci Gardens. For the first time in his life he Starring John Lone, Peter O'Toole, rode a bicycle, ate in restaurants and Joan Chen, Victor Wong, Dennis Dun, rode on public transport. He became a Ryuich i Sakamoto citizen of the People's Republic and Opening November 26, at Hoyts died in 1967. n Peking in 1908, a three-year-old The Chinese Government gave its I boy was taken from his home and whole-hearted co-operation in the mother and carried at night to the making of THE LAST EMPEROR, the Forbidden City. He was sat on the first film made about modern China in Dragon Throne as "The Lord of Ten that country by a western film crew. BOOKING INFORMATION Concessional vouchers can be purchased from members may purchase as many as they wish. the AETT for $6.00 (V illage, Hoyts), $5.00 Please specify which cinema chain you require. (G.U.) and exchanged at cinemas for tickets. Discounts are also offered at the Dendy Cinema, The vouchers are open dated but some Martin Place ($2.50), and the Academy Twin, Saturday/Public Holiday restrictions apply to Paddington ($2.50), at all performances except their use. See vouchers for details. after midday Saturday. Members should present their membership card at the box office. Discount No handling fee applies to film vouchers and available on one ticket per member. . ~ s(,l'l1l'/rom HOUSEKEEPING 10

outh Africa's racial problems are Jupiter's seduction of Alcmene, the tented wife of a dull vicar retreats to a Salways the subject of that country's wife of a general away at the wars. For dream world where all her dreams I best known playwright, Athol Fugard those not well-versed in Greek myth­ come true. It is directed by Richard ' and BLOOD KNOT is no exception. It ology, the liaison results in the birth of Wherrett. is a parable about two brothers, one Hercules! It is at the Footbridge AETT discount $3 .00 light-skinned, one dark, living in a Theatre. (Mon to Thu & mats) hovel in a coloured township. Gillian AETT discount $4.00 Bookings on 250 1777 Owen directs BLOOD KNOT which is (Mon to Thu & mats) ritics are writing enthusiastically downstairs at the Seymour Centre until Bookings on 692 9955 about Barry Creyton's first play, November 7. C DOUBLE ACT, at the Ensemble AETT discount $4. 00 (all A lex Buzo's new play, STING RAY, Theatre. Starring Barry Creyton and performances) fiat the Stables Theatre takes a Noeline Brown, it is a light-hearted Bookings on 692 0555 surreal look at the world of a property developer who wants to become the look at two people who are in love, get married, can't stand living together, get hen Anne Frank wrote her diary divorced and then find they can't live W about the persecution of the Jews apart. Confusing for everyone. It closes during WWII, life in hiding with her on November 21. family and their final betrayal, she AETT discount $2.00 (except Sat evg) could not have imagined that her story Bookings on 929 8877 would still be told on stage or film in the late eighties. Peter Williams directs ovember 7 is the closing date fo r the current production THE DIARY N LES LIASONS DANGEREUSES OF ANNE FRANK at the Phillip Street at the Nimrod. Christopher Hampton Theatre which will close on November adapted Laclos' 18th century novel 2 1. which was in the form of letters AETT discount $3 .00 (all between two French aristocrats. Time performances) Out described it as "an erotic and Bookings on 232 4900 David Wood in STING RAY psychological masterpiece". It stars spiritual ruler of the world. It is the Angela Punch McGregor, Deidre er Majesty's Theatre is the new third presentation by Essington Pro­ Rubenstein and Hugo Weaving and is H venue for the revival of THE ductions, a company which was formed directed by Richard Cottrell. ROCKY HORROR SHOW, which for the Sydney Critics Circle Award AETT discount $3.00 began its season at the Theatre Royal. It winning play, ESSINGTON LEWIS: I (except F ri/Sat evg) will be on till November 21 so if you AM WORK and now stages a new play Bookings on 692 0555 each year at The Stables. It is directed didn't see it back in 1974 you can catch avid Argue sends up opera singers, it now. The original cast returns, with by Aarne Neeme and will close on November 29. D ice skaters and strip teasers in Daniel Abineri as Frank-N-Furter and DAVID ARGUE ON EVEN Stuart Wagstaff as the Narrator. AETT discount $2:00 Bookings on 333817 THINNNER ICE at Kinselas .. It is liter­ AETT discount $3.50 (all ally " on ice" - David's father performances) designed the rink. To keep the whole Bookings on 212 3411 I' The versatile Max Gillies is a col­ a. lege department head in David family busy, his mother did the chor­ Williamson's latest play, THE eography, and his sister Michelle and n interesting twist to Neil Simon's "l DEPARTMENT which the Trust is brother Greg make up the cast. Closing ever-popular play THE ODD A presenting at the York Theatre, date is November 7. COUPLE is that the Northside Theatre Seymour Centre throughout Novem­ AETT discount $2.00 (all Company has changed the two leading ber. Co-star is Tracy Mann in this satire performances) male characters to two women. One is on the dirty dealings of committee Bookings on 331 3100 divorced from her husband and lives in meetings. It is considered one of the happy chaos, the other is newly separ­ hen five old friends, all in early best of Williamson's many successful ated and is a born housework-aholic. Wmiddle age, go holidaying in a John Krummel directs THE ODD plays. caravan together and one of them AETT discount $3 .00 COUPLE which stars Kerry McGuire brings along a much younger girlfriend, (Mon to Thu & mats) and Amanda Muggleton. It will close at there is bound to be some friction. Bookings on 692 9955 Marian Street on November 7. Donald Macdonald has set up this AETT discount $1.00 obyn Nevin stars in the new Alan scene for his play CARAVAN which is (except Fri/Sat evg) R Ayckbourn play, WOMAN IN the Forest Theatre Company's fourth Bookings on 498 3166 MIND, the Sydney Theatre Company show at Glen Street Theatre. CARA­ production at the Drama Theatre, VAN is directed by Peter Williams and hat crazy romp through ancient S.O.H. until November 14. Alan will close on November 14. T Greece, OLYMPUS ON MY Ayckbourn is always funny, but the plot AETT discount $3 .00 (all MIND, will also run right through of this play has serious undertones. performances) Noveinber. It is based on the tale of After mild concussion, the discon- Bookings on 452 5152 I'Et An Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust presentationl ______11

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POSTAGE is a publication of the Australian Elizabethan PAID Theatre Trust which is produced exclusively for its 10,000 members throughout Australia. AUSTRALIA

THE AUSTRALIAN ELIZABETHAN THEATRE TRUST (incorporated in the A.C.T.)

Patron Her Majesty The Queen President Sir Ian Potter Chairman Andrew Briger, AM Chief Executive Kathleen Norris Directors Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Alderman S. Atkinson Sir David Griffin eSE, F. M. Hooke, The Hon. Mr. Justice C. J. Legoe, K. E. Cowley, Dr. T. Manford, D. A. Mortimer L. G. Teale, L. D. S. Waddy, T. C. Yates Director of Finance: Mark Benvau Entrepreneurial Administrators: Dennis Linehan John Woodland Australian Content Director: Wendy Blacklock Executive Producer for Musical Theatre: Noel Ferrier Marketing Manager: David Martin Administrator of Orchestras: Warwick Ross Theatre of the Deaf Artistic Director: Patrick Mitchell Theatre of the Deaf Administrator: Liz Marshall Ticket Services Manager: Jo Litson Building, Props and Electric Supervisor: Roger Taylor Costume Hires Manager: Michael James Membership Manager: Carole Long Membership Secretary: Carol Martin Melbourne Representative: Christy Vena Brisbane Representative: Rosemary Cameron Adelaide office: Veronica Bohm Perth office: Janet Durack The Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust receives financial assistance for its activities from: The Music, Theatre, Literature and Aboriginal Arts boards of The Australia Council, a statutory body of the Commonwealth Government. The Department of Aboriginal Affairs. The New South Wales Government through the Office of the Minister for the Arts. The Queensland Government through the Minister for the Arts. The Victorian Ministry for the Arts. The Government of Western Australia through the W.A. Arts Council. B.P. Australia. The Ian Potter Foundation. The Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust is a founder member of CAPPA. Membership enquiries should be directed to the Membership Secretary on 357 1200, 153 Dowling St., Potts Point. Postal address: P.O. Registered by Australia Post - Publication No. NBH 1305 Box 137, Kings Cross 2011. May be opened for postal inspection