W.Oi"", OCTOBER, 1985 V~o-lO ISSN 0314 - 0598 A publication of the Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust

November Season Concludes Triumphant Year for Dance Company

SHIMMERING choreographed by Music by Lead dancers: Andrea Toy and Alfred Williams BOXES choreographed by Graeme Murphy Music by and Bob Kretschmer Lead dancers: Janet Vernon, Kim Walker, Paul Mercurio, Nina Vereten­ nikova and Ross Philip Opera Theatre,

c CO ne can say that the has changed the face of dance in the 80s," said Barry Moreland, artistic director of the W.A. Ballet Company, in an article for Arts National this year. It is a fitting tribute for a company which has had a trium­ phant year. Following February ap­ pearances at the Perth Festival, the com­ pany played in New York where Clive Barnes said of them in the N.Y. Post "The final impression of the company is of irrepressible vitality and style . .. even now that impression is strong enough to surprise, divert and enchant". Then it was off to China where they presented performances in Shanghai and . On their return to highly suc­ cessful seasons in and Sydney (of SOME ROOMS and AFTER VENICE) followed. The company is now preparing for their final 1985 season to be presented in the Opera Theatre Sydney Opera House from November 7 to 23. They will pre­ Nina Verelennikova, Paul Mercurio and Kim Walker in BOXES sent two brand-new works from the pro­ lific "pen" of its star choreographer, Graeme Murphy. SHIMMERING is a leading band Icehouse. Murphy has rare­ mounted HELL on ice for the Torvill and new short work to music by Karol ly worked with contemporary rock music Dean World Tour Company. Szymanowski, which will be played live. so BOXES will represent a new departure It will feature Andrea Toy, who joined in style for the company. Both Iva Davies the Sydney Dance Company from The and Bob Kretschmer will appear live on BOOKING INFORMATION Australian Ballet earlier this year. She stage at each performance, performing Thu Nov 7 to Sat Nov 23 will be partnered by Alfred Williams. their exciting music as an integral part of Mon to Sat at 7.30 p.m. AETT $20.50 BOXES is a major new work for the the action. One previous example of G.P. $24.50 company, featuring a commissioned Murphy's work with contemporary rock Stud/Pens $19.50 score by Australian rock composers Iva music is his piece HELL from the Deadly Two AETT tickets per member Davies and Bob Kretschmer of the Sins Cabaret Show. Murphy has since 2

When he is refused the full-time work he New Australian needs to keep a wife and child, Jona? defies his old employers by openmg hIS Musical ' own shop, and "Jonah th~ Boot" becomes the most successful busmessman JONAH JONES adapted for the stage by in Redfern with even bigger ambitions in John Romeril from the novel "Jonah" mind. by Louis Stone A pre-theatre dinner for Trust Directed by Richard Wherrett Members will be held on Wednesday, Music by Alan John October 28 (see Member Activities p. 10 Musical direction by Michael Tyack Choreography by Ross Coleman for details). Costumes and sets by Roger Kirk BOOKING INFORMATION Lighting by Nigel Levings Mon Oct 28 to Sat Nov 9 Cast: Simon Burke, Valerie Bader, Peter Previews Sat Oct 19 to Thu Oct 24 Carroll, Lynne Emanuel, Michele Mon to Sat at 8 p.m. Fawdon, Wayne Scott Kermond, Alan Sat mat at 2 p.m. David Lee, Diane Smith, Tony Taylor AETT $16.00 (Mon-Thu), $12.00 (Sat and Geraldine Turner mat), $9.00 (previews) Wharf Theatre G.P. $19.00, $12.00 (previews) Pens/Stud $13.00 (Mon to Thu and Sat mat), $7.00 (previews) Marina Finlay he premiere of JONAH JONES by Two AETT tickets per member T the Sydney Theatre Company on October 26 will make it the first full­ German Classic length Australian work and also the first Same Time Next Year musical to be presented at the Wharf WOYZECK by Georg Buchner Theatre. It will follow an unusually long SAME TIME NEXT YEAR by Bernard rehearsal period which will include the Directed by Bradley Smith Slade Designed by Ian Robinson recording of an original cast album of the Directed by Doug Anderson show. Music by David King Starring Lorraine Bayly and Brian Young Cast includes Geoffrey Cartwright, Mat­ First commissioned in 1979 by the Ensemble Theatre Sydney Theatre Company, Jonah Jones thew Crosby, Marian Dworakowski and was originally intended to be a play. But Marina Finlay nce a year, every year, for twen~y­ Wayside Theatre as it developed it became clear the wo~k O five years, a couple meet for a bnef needed a musical component to reach ItS encounter in a cottage in Northern full expression and John Romeril chose egarded by Brecht as his most impor­ California. Glimpsing their meetings only R tant influence, Georg Buchner cram­ Alan John as his collaborator. every four or five years in the play, the Set in Redfern between 1905 and 1914, med more into his short life than most changes in their lives, interests and men do in a full lifetime. Born in Ger­ JONAH JONES tells the story of a themselves make an ideal setting for some hunchback who is employed as a part­ many in 1813, he was a revolutionary hilarious and sometimes touching situa­ who wrote his first play, DANTON'S time bootmaker by day but at night is the tions. One year she is a hippie, he is a leader of the feared Botany Road Push. DEATH, in five weeks to earn enough Goldwater supporter; another year he is money to flee into exile in Switzerland. Jonah fathers a child who is not a hunch­ temporarily impotent, she is eight months back and this encourages him to marry. There he qualified for a PhD. and lec­ pregnant. SAME TIME NEXT YEAR tureship in Natural Sciences in Zurich. has just opened at the Ensemble Theatre He died of typhus at 23 before com­ and continues until the end of October. pleting WOYZECK, which consists of Canadian-born Bernard Slade also four fragments. It is based on a true story wrote the screenplay of SAME TIME of the sensational murder trial of a NEXT YEAR which starred Alan soldier who pleads insanity but later. is and Ellen Burstyn. He has written over declared sane, and executed. An m­ 100 shows for U.S., Canadian and British teresting facet of the play is that .it is the television but SAME TIME NEXT first ever written with a proletanat hero YEAR is undoubtedly his most popular and deals with social issues such as play. It is directed by Hayes Gordon and poverty, war and class. stars Lorraine Bayly and Brian Young.

BOOKING INFORMATION BOOKING INFORMATION Tue to Sat at 8 p.m. Until Sun Oct 27 Thu and Sun at 11 a.m. Wed to Sat at 8.15 p.m. Sat at 5 p.m. Sat mat 5 p.m. Sun mat 3 p.m. AETT discount $1.00 AETT discount $2.50 Bookings on 929 8877 Bookings at Mitchells Bass on 266 4800 Simon Burke 3

The Australian Ballet

inal programme in this year's F Australian Ballet season is a double bill. Erik Bruhn, the renowned Danish dancer who is now Artistic Director of the National Ballet of Canada, will stage his celebrated version of August Bour­ non ville's LA SYLPHIDE. This classic ballet which pioneered the romantic era of ballet is set to the music of Herman Lovenskjold. In contrast the second work is AUREOLE, a contemporary work by Paul Taylor, and one of his most suc­ cessful works. It is danced to music by Handel.

BOOKING INFORMATION Fri Nov 29 to Thu Dec 19 Mon to Sat at 7.30 p.m. (except Mon Dec 16 at 6.30 p.m.) Bathroom Frolics Anglo-Italian Season Sat mat at l.30 p.m. AETT $3S.00 BATHROOM written and directed by MARY STUART/ MARIA STUARDO G.P. $38.00 Donald Macdonald by Dacio Maraini Pens/ Stud $28.00 Designed by Peter Cook Directed by Veronique Bernard/ Rodney Two AETT tickets per member Cast: Neil Fitzpatrick, Kerry McGuire, Delaney (Italian) Discount unavailable at Opera House Peter Sumner, Suzanne Roylance, Jen­ Designed by Jack Ritchie nifer Hagan, Gwen Plumb and Bob Cast: Olivia Brown and Beverly Blenkin­ Hornery ship, Carla Caverni and Gianna Marian St. Theatre Dignenva (Italian) Wharf Studio At Bondi ollowing the success of his first play, F CARAV AN, Donald Macdonald will livia Brown who played the role of THE EXERCISE by Lewis John Carlino direct the world premiere season of his O Elizabeth I in the produc­ Directed by David Spencer new comedy, BATHROOM, for North­ tion of MARY STUART returned to A CROOKED AFFAIR by Jennifer side Theatre Company. BATHROOM Australia fired with enthusiasm to see the Minter takes a peep at relationships, mothers production staged here. What is intrigu­ Directed by David Jansz and cleanliness. The action takes place on ing is that not only has she achieved her Bondi Pavilion Theatre the night when Harry and Tess are giving goal but she is giving the season an extra a party to celebrate the completion of dimension by having Italian and English ontinuing until October 12 is Lewis their new bathroom. But the party productions running in parallel. The play C John Carlino's play THE doesn't turn out quite as they planned. by one of Italy's leading women writers, EXERCISE. An actor and actress appear They hadn't expected to spend the night Dacio Maraini, portrays the conflict be­ early for a rehearsal on a bare stage. It is trying to get their guests out of the tween Mary Stuart, the darling of the immediately apparent that they have been bathroom nor had they expected Harry's aristocracy, and Elizabeth I who stood lovers. As they rehearse their roles they ex-wife and his mother to arrive. for the rising middle classes. Italian per­ begin to improvise and the fears and fan­ Many performances are now heavily formances by I Carbonari della Com­ tasies of their real life relationship begin booked, so to obtain good seats Members media are given each Saturday evening at to emerge. It is David Taylor's first pro­ are advised if possible to reserve seats on 6.30 p.m. during the season. Other per­ duction since returning from an extended Sunday, November 3 or Tuesday, formances are in English . period working in Canada with Mon­ November 5. treal's Actors' Studio. It will be followed on October 23 by A CROOKED AFFAIR, a new play by Jen­ BOOKING INFORMATION BOOKING INFORMATION nifer Minter to be presented by Dragon Sun Nov 3 to Sun Nov 17 Until Oct 12 Theatre Company, a company commit­ Tue to Sat at 8.1S p.m. Mon to Thu at 8.30 p.m. ted to staging new Australian topical Sat and Sun at S p.m. Wed at 11 a.m. Fri at 6.30 p.m. and 9 p.m. AETT $IS.00 (Mon to Fri and mats scripts. A CROOKED AFFAIR is a Sat at 4.30 p.m. and 9 p.m. except Nov 6/ 7 evg) Sat at 6.30 p.m. (Italian) dramatic comedy about the hectic G.P. $17.00 (Tue-Thu), $18.00 (Fri-Sun) modern business world. Bookings for AETT discount $4.00 Pens/ Stud $12.00 (except Fri and Sat evg) Bookings on 2S0 1777 both productions on 30 7211. AETT dis­ Two AETT tickets per member count $1.00. 4

Disco Fever UK style NZ Political Cabaret New TOD Production

BOUNCERS by John Godber ew Zealand real-life twins Lynda and second play written by Greg McCart Directed by Terry O'Connell N Jools write their own material A and called THE BUNDLE OF Lighting design by Bruce McKendry from their joint life stories and present it STICKS is being mounted for high Downstairs Theatre, Seymour Centre as political musical cabaret under the title school students by the Theatre of the TOP TWINS. From October 9 to 27 they Deaf. Stemming from the legend of a ohn Godber's play, BOUNCERS, has will be commenting on such varied sub­ father who gives his children a task which Jjust finished its second highly success­ jects as childhood on the farm, a short can only be completed if they learn to co­ ful season at Edinburgh's Fringe Festival. stint in the territorial army, women's operate, the play is a modern exploration It premiered in 1983 and has been playing issues, nuclear threat and Maori land of personal effort, achievement and the in the UK continuously ever since. rights downstairs at Belvoir St. ancient moral "United we stand, divided The play, which caricatures the night's we fall". Greg McCart's previous play rituals in and -around a rough provincial BOOKING INFORMATION THE INVADERS has been an enormous English disco, is not for those who are Wed Oct 9 to Sun Oct 27 success for the Theatre of the Deaf. For easily shocked. It was described in Time Tue to Sat at 8 p.m. further information and bookings please Out magazine as "Like a hideously funny Sat and Sun at 5 p.m. contact Richard Payten on 357 1200. AETT discount $1 .00 Saturday Night Fever". The bouncers of Bookings on 699 3273 the title are four jacketed heavies, cynical Downstairs, Belvoir St. custodians of what passes for decency and decorum in the twilight world of The Man and the nightclubs. But the actors don't remain as bouncers long. First, they are a quartet Company of working-class lasses making ready for ESSINGTON LEWIS: I AM WORK by a trip to the disco, then a gang of likely John O'Donoghue lads out on the razzle. In all, the four Directed by Aarne Neeme actors play 50 different roles and in the Designed by Brian Nickless process paint a clear picture of the rituals Music by Alan McFadden of disco life. For the Seymour Centre Cast: Jonathon Biggins, John Doyle, season the Downstairs Theatre will be Steve Jacobs, Tony Martin, Dqvid transformed into a discotheque with Wood, Julie Hudspeth tables and chairs and disco music. Stables Theatre BOOKING INFORMATION Fri Oct 25 to Sat Nov 23 rowing together from minor Mon to Thu at 8.30 p.m. G employee and small mining Fri and Sat at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. company to corporation head and in­ Previews on Oct 23/24 at 8.30 p.m. and dustrial giant, the rise of Essington Lewis Oct 25 at 6 p.m. and B.H.P. mirror each other in John AETT $13.90 G.P. $16.90 O'Donoghue's second play. John Pens/Stud $10.00 O'Donoghue's first play, A HAPPY All preview tickets $10.00 Gregory Yurisich and Graeme Ewer in AND HOLY OCCASION, was Two AETT tickets per member THE MIKADO presented by the Sydney Theatre Com­ pany in 1981. Covering the period 1881 to Mikado Matinees 1961, ESSINGTON LEWIS: I AM Cello Recital WORK pictures much of the social ue to the popularity of The history of Australia during that period. ulian Lloyd Webber, brother of D Australian Opera's production of The play had its premiere with the Hunter JAndrew of CATS fame, and himself a THE MIKADO, two extra matinees have Valley Theatre Company in 1981 and this noted young British cellist, is touring been scheduled for Wednesday, October first Sydney production includes as many Australia this month for a series of 23 and Wednesday, October 30. To be as possible of the original cast. David recitals and orchestral concerts. He will conducted by Gordon Kember, principal Williamson said of the play "This is one appear with the Sydney Symphony roles will be played by Heather Begg, of the best plays and the best production Orchestra at the Opera House on Satur­ Graham Ewer (as Ko-Ko), Gregory I have seen anywhere". day October 12 and the programme will Yurisch (as Pooh-Bah) and Michael include the Rodrigo cello concerto and Smith. BOOKING INFORMATION the Haydn cello concerto in C. Oct 4 to Nov 2 BOOKING INFORMATION Mon to Fri at 8 p.m. BOOKING INFORMATION Wed Oct 23/Wed Oct 30 at I p.m. Sat at 5 p.m. and 8.15 p.m. Sat Oct 12 at 8 p.m. AETT $15.00 Sun at 5 p.m. AETT discount $2.00 G.P. $20.00 AETT discount $2.00 Bookings on 20588 Two AETT tickets per member Bookings on 333 817 5 O~-~-~--· ------~ Brighton Beach The Real Thing

Memoirs f you like the cut and thrust of Noel I Coward's witty plays, you will nother premiere by another top play­ certainly like Tom Stoppard's new play, A wright opens at the York Theatre, THE REAL THING, which opens on Seymour Centre, on November 2. It is October 17 at the Opera House Drama BRIGHTON BEACH MEMOIRS by Theatre. It is directed by Richard Wher­ Neil Simon, which won the Best Play rett for the Sydney Theatre Company Award of the 1983 NY Drama Critics and stars Jackie Weaver and John Bell. Circle. Director is American Ron Link Set in the slick London world of suc­ and it stars , Judi Farr and cessful playwrights and actors, THE Miles Buchanan as the 15-year-old hero. REAL THING won the New York Tony Unashamedly autobiographical, it is Jill Perryman Award for "Best Play" of 1984. about a middle-class Jewish family in Brooklyn during the depression. Teenage BOOKING INFORMATION BOOKING INFORMATION Eugene wants two things - to be a writer Mon Nov 4 to Sat Nov 16 Thu Oct 17 to Sat Nov 16 and to learn about sex - and he com­ Mon to Sat at 8 p.m. Mon to Sat at 8 p.m. ments to the audience on the events as Wed and Sat at 2 p.m. Sat mat at 2 p.m. they take place. It is both funny and sad AETI $17.90 (except Fri and Sat evg) AETI $19.00 (Mon to Thu) and was described by Variety as "one of G.P. $21.90 G.P. $22.00 the finest comedy-dramas American Pens/Stud $14.90 (except Fri and Sat evg) Pens/Stud $16.00 (Mon to Thu) theatre has ever had". Two AETI tickets per member Two AETI tickets per member

visual art. "It is intriguing how one Post-Modern Dance dancer on a bare stage can sometimes Multi-Media Dance DOUBLE EXPOSURE choreographed captivate an audience in a way ten THERE'S AL WA YS TIME, THERE'S by Russell Dumas and Lisa Kraus dancers and a gaggle of props cannot" AL WAYS SPACE devised and directed Presented by Dance Exchange said Philadelphia's After Dark magazine by Brett Cabot The Performance Space last year reviewing a performance of Lisa Presented by Time Theatre Kraus' THE WATCHERS. Performance Space merican dancer and choreographer Lisa Kraus is in Australia to work BOOKING INFORMATION HERE'S ALWAYS TIME, A Thu Oct 3 to Sun Oct 13 with Dance Exchange and to perform in Thu to Sun at 8 p.m. T THERE'S ALWAYS SPACE DOUBLE EXPOSURE which she AETI discount $1.00 charters the journey and experiences of a choreographed in collaboration with Bookings on 550 1536 fanciful and astute young boy who is ex­ Dance Exchange's artistic director posed to, and in turn exposes, city life. Russell Dumas. The production merges the computer age Lisa Kraus and Russell Dumas first with live dance, original music and per­ met in the seventies in New York when sonal acting and has a set in which the they worked with well-known New York background comes alive and 3D effects avant garde dancer, Trisha Brown. It was merge with the reality on stage. To create the time when post-modern dance was this work Brett Cabot has gathered born and Russell Dumas returned to together artists whose skills encompass Sydney in 1975 determined to create a music, filmmaking, dance, costuming more dynamic and critical context for and design. . His company, Dance Exchange, is a leading exponent of post­ BOOKING INFORMATION modern dance in Australia. Often per­ Wed Oct 23 to Sat Nov 2 formed without music it relies little on Wed to Sun at 8.30 p.m. AETI discount $1.00 props and costumes and has a close inter­ Bookings on 698-7235 face with both performance art and Lisa Kraus in THE WATCHERS 6 ~-'~------+ii Theatre in - succeeding against the financial odds

by Merrill Coke

New Zealand theatre has come a long The 21 years have seen other profes­ way in the past 21 years. It has rocketed sional theatres emerge and, in some from the founding of the country's first cases, fold. These include regional professional regional theatre to a well­ theatres in smaller centres and other established and diverse theatrical com­ groups which tried to present an alter­ munity hotly engaged in a debate over native approach to what has been called theatre leadership. "the English rep-style" model of the From a lack of belief in the audience regional theatres. pulling power of New Zealand plays, we In 1975 a group of Wellington actors have progressed to the stage where New and theatre enthusiasts founded Circa, a Zealand plays are widely performed and professional theatre with no Arts Council collectives have been established to pro­ funding run on a co-operative basis. Cir­ duce New Zealand works only. ca proved an artistic success, is stilI going Theatre subsidies from the Govern­ strong and its co-operative approach has ment, though low by overseas standards, served as a model for other groups. Co­ took a leap forward this year when the operative theatre is becoming a catch-cry Arts Council boosted its support for New of some sectors of the theatre profession. Zealand's six professional regional The Wellington Depot, devoted to the theatres and set up a theatre initiatives production of New Zealand works, fund to support new and innovative Kate Harcourt, Davina Whitehouse and Jane Wad­ Working Title in (with the theatre. dell in Downstage Theatre 's production of same aim), React in Christchurch and The increase in government support WEDNESDA Y TO COME, a play about the other small groups of professionals that for theatre has been paralleled by a 25 per Depression years in New Zealand, written by New come together for one production only, cent increase in the wages of professional Zealand playwright Renee see co-operative or collective theatre as a (Photo: Christine Lavine) actors, dancers and musicians. This still way to circumvent the artistic control of leaves New Zealand's theatre actors earn­ The regional theatres have played a regional theatre directors. A number of ing less than the average weekly wage of vital role in the development of the writers, actors and directors say they (NZ) $309, but was a significant victory theatre profession in New Zealand. As prefer working in the co-operative style. for Actors Equity in the light of the providers of regular, paid employment The outcome of the traditional model Government's move to keep wage for directors, actors and theatre techni­ versus co-operative theatre debate is increases at a low level. cians, they have helped to implant in the anyone's guess. It has developed an In 1964, the year the Queen Elizabeth minds of the public the idea that theatre acrimonious edge because of the limited II Arts Council (New Zealand's main arts is actually a profession (although that government subsidies for theatre in New funding body) was founded, a Well­ idea has still got a long way to go). Zealand. Those who are trying to present ington poet, lecturer and radio actor Although the main training ground for an alternative approach criticise the large launched the country's first professional actors is the New Zealand Drama School, Arts Council grants given to the regional regional theatre, Downstage. It was the founded in 1970, the regional theatres theatres, which they see as expensive first professional company established have nurtured many actors and directors dinosaurs. In recent years the Arts Coun­ since touring costs dealt the death blow to now senior in the profession and in de­ cil's shortage of cash prevented it from the New Zealand Players, a national mand by television and independent film­ funding new and innovative groups - its touring company which existed from makers. They have been hamstrung, in theatre funding energies were devoted to 1953 to 1960. Downstage was followed recent years, by the lack of government keeping regional theatres alive (as far as by Auckland's regional theatre the Mer­ support. There have been cutbacks in possible). This created resentment among cury in 1968, by Christchurch's Court theatre in education, in big cast plays, in­ such groups as Circa, which applied for Theatre in 1971, Dunedin's Fortune theatre training and other areas. Regional an Arts Council grant after establishing a Theatre and another Auckland theatre, theatres say that the boost in grants this good track record, was turned down and Theatre Corporate, in 1973 and year - most received 25 to 30 per cent in­ took action to challenge Arts Council Palmerston North's Centrepoint in 1974. creases on last year - will only enable funding policy in court. In a submission All six are still in operation and are the them to hold the line. The increase in ac­ for funding, made last year, The Depot main recipients of the Arts Council's fun­ tors' and theatre workers' wages, which collective described the Arts Council's ding for theatre - their grants for this the regional theatres agreed was needed, then grants to theatre as "the present financial year (1985-86) total (NZ) means that big cast plays are still dicey closed shop of theatre funding". Last $2,040,000. propositions. year the Arts Council set up a working 7

party to examine its theatre funding the pool of wntmg talent available to the third-planned production, THE policy. As a result of the party's delibera­ theatres. In 1980 it organised the first MIKADO (expected to be a financial suc­ tions - and a rise in budget from (NZ) New Zealand Playwrights Workshop, cess), was turned down and the company $6,488,000 in 1984/85 to (NZ) $9,738,000 which launched McGee's FORESKIN'S was only rescued from oblivion by pool­ in 1985/ 86 - the council established a LAMENT - "a landmark play that ing resources with Auckland's Mercury $220,000 theatre initiatives fund. So far touched the public beyond the usual Theatre. Currently Arts Council-funded grants have been given to four profes­ theatregoer". Successive workshops, in opera is based in Auckland; opera in sional theatre groups, including Circa, 1982 and 1984, have built on the success other centres is staged by regional com­ The Depot and small innovative touring of the first - they have launched signifi­ panies, such as the Wellington City groups. cant New Zealand plays and contributed Opera Trust, which receives no govern­ ment assistance. On the dance front, New Zealand can point to a 32-year-old ballet company which was granted permission to call itself "The Royal New Zealand Ballet" last year; a Southern Ballet Company, based in the South Island; and a modern dance group, Limbs, which has won critical accolades in Australia and America. Groups which marry Maori tradition and modern dance have come together recently; freelance choreographers or dance teachers bring small professional companies together for part of the year or for one perfor­ mance only. This year the Arts Council established a fund to support dance initiatives. The performing arts scene in New Zealand is lively, enthusiastic and dedicated but has been held back by limited government and corporate sub­ sidy. There are signs the financial climate Ian Marter, Bruce Phillips, Peter Elliot and Stuart Devenie in the Court Theatre's production of Greg is on the change - the boost in govern­ McGee's FORESKIN'S LAMENT ment support this year is matched by The growth in professional theatre to a growing sense of comradeship growing sponsorship, or interest in spon­ companies has been accompanied by an among writers, theatre practitioners and sorship, from the corporate sector. Un­ explosion in New Zealand playwriting. committed observers. fortunately, funds are not growing fast From a few important pioneers, such as The growth of New Zealand's profes­ enough to prevent crises - Dunedin's Bruce Mason and James K. Baxter, the sional theatre can be reckoned a success Fortune Theatre is in a state of upheaval, pool of talent has grown to the point story. Opera, in contrast, has had a partly because of a lack of cash. where Playmarket - the New Zealand chequered life. A New Zealand Opera However, if support continues to in­ playwrigh ts agency has 140 Company was founded in 1954, the first crease, there could be more exciting playwrights on its books. Towards the of several attempts to found a profes­ developments in the next 20 years. end of 1984 Australian director Aarne sional opera company. The last national Neeme, who visited New Zealand in 1983 touring company, the National Opera of as the Trans Tasman Fellow for that New Zealand, was established in 1979 at year, staged a season of New Zealand the instigation of the then Minister for the Arts, Allan Highet, who gave a grant plays at The Stables Theatre, Sydney. Merrill Coke is a freelance journalist of $202,000 to get it under way. The The plays presented were Greg McGee's who works with Playmarket both as National Opera reached the pinnacle of FORESKIN'S LAMENT, Roger Hall's a publicist and writer for New artistic success in 1982 when director MIDDLE AGE SPREAD and Robert Zealand's theatre magazine Act. Raymond Hawthorne staged Lord's BERT AND MAISIE. British-born, she trained and worked Brecht/ Weill's THE RISE AND FALL FOOTROT FLATS, the musical based as a journalist in South London. Her OF THE CITY OF MAHAGONNY and on characters created by New Zealand professional experience in New Britten's TURN OF THE SCREW, both cartoonist Murray Ball has enjoyed con­ Zealand includes three years as press to critical acclaim. But the productions siderable success in Western .Australia secretary to New Zealand's former pulled poorer-than-expected houses and and is still on the road. Playmarket, Minister for the Arts, Allan Highet, the company, which was operating on a which began in 1973, has pushed to get and three years as the arts reporter budget of only $180,000, found itself in New Zealand writing into professional for the Wellington Evening Post. theatres and, by offering support services financial strife. An appeal to Minister to up and coming playwrights, to increase Highet for an additional $60,000 to stage 8

SHE'LL BE WEARING PINK doubles became the team's leader and in­ stool at Eve's Place. Into this scene PYJAMAS directed by John spiration. She says "I'd always thought comes Mickey (Keith Carradine), an Goldschmidt about doing something like this but I escapee from a veterans' mental hospital Written by Eva Hardy never dreamed it would actually and a man whom wine inspires to pro­ Produced by Tara Prem and Adrian happen". The film is directed by multi­ pose to every woman he kisses. The film Hughes award-winning director John which is set against a background of Starring Julie Walters, Anthony Higgins, Goldschmidt. hyper romantic songs sung by Teddy Jane Henfrey and Maureen O'Brien Pendergass relates the melodrama, Opening Oct 10 at Village Twin, CHOOSE ME written and directed by humour (sometimes black) and confusion Double Bay Alan Rudolph as the characters play out a modern varia­ Produced by Carolyn Pfeiffer and David tion of LA RONDE. HE'LL BE WEARING PINK Blocker SPYJAMAS is set in Britain's Lake Starring Lesley Ann Warren, Genevieve BOOKING INFORMATION District where a group of assorted women Bujold, Keith Carradine, Rae Dawn Concessional vouchers can be purchased from have volunteered for a rugged survival Chong and Patrick Bauchau the AETI and exchanged at Hoyts, Greater course. During the tough training the Opening early October at Academy Union and Village cinemas for tickets. The vouchers are open dated but some Satur­ women gradually get to know each other, Twin, Paddington day/Public Holiday restrictions apply to their growing in confidence with themselves use. See vouchers for details. and their companions and gradually escribed by the Los Angeles Times as G.U. $5 .50 ($1 saving), Hoyts $5 .00 ($1.50 revealing their innermost hopes, fears D "a neon orchid - hip, outrageous, saving), Village $5 .00 ($1.50 saving). Please and expectations. Author Eva Hardy beautiful", CHOOSE ME is a cat's note, no handling fee applies to film vouchers wrote the script from her own experiences cradle of romantic entanglements. Lesley and members may purchase as many as they wish. of a similar course, which she describes as Ann Warren plays Eve, the sultry ex­ Discounts are also offered at the Dendy the most stressful and most elating period hooker who runs a sleek Los Angeles bar. Cinema, Martin Place ($2 .50), and the of her life. She hopes the film will inspire Genevieve Bujold is a sex academic who Academy Twin, Paddington ($2.50), at all per­ people, not just women, to attempt gives advice on a popular radio talk show formances except after midday Saturday. something they've never done before. but can't handle her own problems. Rae Members should present their membership Julie Walters relished the opportunity to Dawn Chong plays a comically bad poet card at the box office. Discount available on one ticket per member. play Fran and with no stand-ins or who spends her nights perched on a bar

anberra Philharmonia's next produc­ performances are on October 11 and 12 October 10 to 19. The two new works - C tion is the Russell Crouse and in the Playhouse. MALINCHE and MYSELF - MY Howard Lindsay romantic satire CALL At the Playhouse from October 18 is STRANGER - are linked by a common ME MADAM which stars June Bronhill Theatre A.C.T. with their production of theme and are joined by a short, joyous as the irrepressible Sally Adams. It plays Michael Frayn's BENEFACTORS. The dance piece - ON ARTHUR STREET in the Canberra Theatre from October 17 winner of three major V.K. theatre by John Vtans and set to Ella Fitzgerald to 26. awards, the play is an ironic comedy in songs. Following on October 29 is that which a successful married couple take it At the Playhouse in Newcastle the outstanding phenomenon of Australian upon themselves to bring aid and comfort Hunter Valley Theatre Company is performance, Max Gillies, who, along to their not-so-successful neighbours. presenting Edward Albee's WHOSE with Tracy Harvey and Phillip Scott, will Queensland's classical ballet company AFRAID OF VIRGINIA WOOLF. Im­ present THE GILLIES SUMMIT. The Queensland Ballet returns to mortalised on the screen by Richard Bur­ Celebrating its 10th anniversary Jigsaw Canberra from October 2 to 5 to present ton and Elizabeth Taylor, it portrays the Theatre will present an adaptation of that three works at the Canberra Theatre - devastating impact on a young associate classic tale THE LION, THE WITCH SCHEHERAZADE, ORPHEVS and and his wife of George and Martha's AND THE WARDROBE. It is directed LES BICHES. vitriolic relationship. by the company's founding director, Canberra's own dance company Carol Woodrow who is incorporating Human Veins Dance Theatre will present AEIT discount applicable all perform­ puppets and some interesting visual ef­ two new works choreographed by Don ances. See local press for booking fects into the production. General public Asker at the A.N.V. Arts Centre from information. 9

ATS is still purring at the Theatre C Royal, but don't forget that prices go up at the end of January. There are still a few tickets available for AETT members. Based on T. S. Eliot's "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats" to music by An­ drew Lloyd Webber (EVITA), it has a memorable set, hi-tech production, and is a show not to be missed.

BOOKING INFORMATION Thu Jan 9 and Tue Jan 14 at 8 p.m., Sat mat Jan II at 2 p.m. AETT $33.0 G.P. $35.00 No pens/stud discount Two AETT tickets per member Discount unavailable at Theatre Royal Grant Smith and Marina Prior in CA TS

laying at the New Theatre during inishing on October 19 is the revival he behind-the-scenes story of Edward October is THE BIKO INQUEST by of 's THE CLUB P F VIII's abdication in 1936, CROWN Jon Blair and Norman Fenton. It is at Phillip Street Theatre. It takes place in T a top professional football club where the MATRIMONIAL continues at the directed by Frank McNamara. Steven Playhouse, Sydney Opera House. June Biko was imprisoned for distributing play is dirtier off the field than on. John Clayton, Peter Phelps, Kit Taylor, Mark Salter plays Queen Mary, dealing with subversive pamphlets and dieq in a South the agony of a family where a rebellious Butler, Tom Considine and Kevin Healy African prison from brain damage. He son puts love for a married woman play various and not nice footie was the 42nd black activist to die in before his duty to the crown. First staged characters. custody in 14 years and this is almost a in 1978, it is again produced by Peter straight transcript of the inquest into his AETT discount $1.00 Williams, director of the Phillip Street death. Performances are on Friday and Bookings on 232 4900 Theatre. Several of the cast, including Saturdays at 8.15 p.m. and Sundays at June Salter and John Hamblin, were in 5.30 p.m. the original production. See new Trust AETT discount $1.00 Member nights below. Bookings on 519 3403

ue to its popularity, 's BOOKING INFORMATION Tue to Sat at 8 p.m. D THE 1985 SCANDALS move up­ Wed and Thu at II a.m. Sat at 2 p.m. stairs at the Belvoir Street Theatre from AETT $19.90 Nov 5 (8 p.m.) Nov 6 (II October 1 and will be running until early a.m. and 8 p.m.) Dec 3 (8 p.m.) November. Described as "a classic December 4 (II a.m. and 8 p.m.) cabaret in the Weimar tradition", $24.90 other performances SCANDALS, as with other Robyn G.P. $25.90 Archer shows, has a political basis. It Pens/Stud $14.90 follows the success of her 1985 London Two AETT tickets per member production, CUT AND THRUST CABARET. AETT discount $1.00 nding its run on October 19 at the l Seymour Centre (York Theatre) is the Bookings on 699 3273 E Dame Edna Nimrod production of ARMS AND HE MISANTHROPE, playing at the veryone's favourite megastar Dame THE MAN by George Bernard Shaw. T Wharf Theatre until October 12, is E Edna Everage insisted, according to It's a spoof on the "glamour" of war, the third of a trio of plays Moliere wrote the press release of TEARS BEFORE complete with Bulgarian princesses, under the patronage of Louis XIV, but BEDTIME, that the release be printed on dashing cavalry officers, twirling was the only one to run a full season. It is paper that contained no platypus pro­ moustaches and chocolate creams - a a comedy about truth and sincerity, ducts. The humour of satirical look at the comic opera world. friendship and love, and is presented by hasn't changed and his fans won't want Robert Coleby plays the hero, Bluntschli, Melbourne's Australian Nouveau to miss this, his latest show at Her who prefers running away to fighting. Theatre for the Sydney Theatre Com­ Majesty's Theatre. It features no less The case also includes Maggie Dence, pany. than three new songs with music and Jane Harders and Zoe Bertram. AETT discount $5.50 (Oct 2) lyrics by the star. AETT discount $2.00 $2.00 other performances AETT discount $3.00 (Mon to Thu) (Mon to Thu and Sat mat) Bookings on 250 1777 Bookings on 266 4800 Bookings on 692 0555 10 -Ad!~~ . RACE DAY AT RANDWICK Wednesday October 2 at 11.30 a.m. There is still time to join the Sydney Committee for their Annual Race Day. Ray Selkrig, the ex-jockey who rode the Melbourne Cup winner Lord Fury, will be guest of honour at luncheon in the Doncaster Room. Tickets are $25.00 which includes luncheon, afternoon tea and entries. Please ring Joan Ratcliffe on 759 6217 to make your bookings.

CROWN MATRIMONIAL DINNER Tuesday October 8 at 6 p.m. Members and their friends are warmly in­ vited to join us for dinner in the Banks famed tram car restaurant which takes CAMDEN PARK SON ET LUMIERE Restaurant, Wentworth Hotel prior to you around the city as you eat! The cost Saturday December 7 at 6.30 p.m. the performance of CROWN for the weekend, which includes airfares, To celebrate the anniversary of Camden MATRIMONIAL. We'll arrange accommodation at Melbourne's elegant Park, the Macarthur Stanham family in­ transport down to the Opera House Regency Hotel, lunches, dinners, opera vite the public to join the festivities by at­ afterwards for those who want it. Dinner and ballet tickets, as well as the country tending a rare and novel evening's tickets are $17 for a two-course meal with tour, is $595. Sounds like a bargain. presentation. This will involve a tour of wine. Theatre tickets should be ordered the property, a three-course dinner with separately. NOEL FERRIER TALK wine on the lawns and a professional Wednesday October 23 at 5.30 p.m. Son et Lumiere performance written Noel Ferrier is one of the great theatrical especially for the celebrations. personalities of Australia. An actor and We are arranging bus transport and WESTERN PLAINS ZOO WEEKEND author, he is also executive producer of pickups will be made on the North Shore Saturday October 26/ Sunday October 27 the Musical Theatre Division of the and at Strathfield and Liverpool. The recent weekend in Scone was such a Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust. In Members are welcome to make their own success that by popular demand that capacity, he co-produced THE travel arrangements and meet us there if Members Committee President, Shirley SOUND OF MUSIC with Julie Anthony they wish. The coach will depart Kings Hay, is organising a visit to Dubbo to and the box office smash hit THE Cross at 4.45 p.m. Tickets, which include visit the Western Plains Zoo. The tour PIRATES OF PENZANCE. Mr. Ferrier transport, dinner, and the son et lumiere departs Sydney Saturday morning and will talk on the resurgence of interest in are $52 by coach or $45 if you use your returns Sunday evening. Besides the zoo musical theatre both in Australia and on own transport. there'll be a visit to the Wellington caves, the stages of New York and London. It Bottle House and House of Clocks, and a will be held in the theatrette of the Qantas tour of historical places of interest in International Centre in the city. Tickets JONAH JONES DINNER Dubbo. The cost, which includes are $8.00 for Trust Members, $10.00 for Wednesday October 30 at 6 p.m. transport, all meals, entries and accom­ non-Members and $7.00 for students modation, is $145. Ever since our luncheon at the Wharf which includes light refreshments from earlier this year we've been looking out 5.30 p.m. for an opportunity to arrange dinner in their delightful harbourside restaurant. VICTORIAN ARTS CENTRE TOUR The launching of the new Australian Friday November 23 to Sunday musical JONAH JONES seems an ideal November 24 occasion, so we do hope you'll join us. Friends are welcome too! Tickets are There is a lot of interest in Melbourne's $17 .00 which includes two-course meal splendid new arts centre, so Shirley Hay, with wine. who is known to many of you as our tour leader extraordinaire, has arranged a weekend for you to sample the delights of the centre and see something of BOOKING INFORMATION Melbourne. The weekend will include Unless otherwise stated bookings for performances of LOHENGRAN by Vic­ Members Activities should be sent in on torian State Opera and of The Australian the same grey booking coupon as your Ballet's THE SLEEPING BEAUTY at theatre bookings. The handling fee does the Centre, as well as a day tour to the not apply to Member Activities. Dandenongs and dinner on Melbourne's Noel Ferrier \ \ I~U, ~ \ ())//~J: '/ " ' II..) i\\'. (. ...)t) ' The T rust IS . seeki ng energetic,. commItte . d vo Iunteers I V i ' V who enjoy being in the thick of things and are willing to give ' ~;1 ~ ;; ) their time and effort to assist with administrative tasks in our I ~ I ~ busy membership and theatrical departments. Lv Volunteer Co-ordinator we'd like to hear from you. Membership staffwith This very special person Duties include hospitality at enrolment of new members, will assume overall co­ new members functions, theatre bookings, renewal ordination of the Trust's special events and telephone mailings, etc. volunteer programme; a good contact with lapsed members. organiser and communicator Booking Services who thrives on responsibility Scheduling Volunteer Volunteer and is definitely people­ A reliable volunteer is In 1986, the Trust would oriented is required. Working required by the Theatre of the like to introduce a new closely with the Membership Deaf to assist wi th their theatre­ telephone booking service for Manager, a flexible duty in-education programme. members. If you enjoy contact schedule can be arranged from Duties include liaiSing with with people and would like to home or the AETT. schools to confirm booking work one day a week on a rotating schedule in the new Volunteer Copywriter dates and checking and confirming arrangements. This year, please let us know. Flair with the written word pOSition is key to the scheduling Production Volunteer is required of a volunteer to of the company, so we ask that help draft articles for certain anyone applying be willing to A corps of casual issues of Trust News. Previous work every Monday during the volunteers is needed to help writing experience is preferred, season. out the Entrepreneurial and however, talented novices will Australian Content production certainly be considered. Time departments whenever shows involved would be 3-4 days Membership Services are being prepared. Ifyou'd like bi-monthly. Volunteer to assist the Trust's promotion, If you take pride in box office or secretarial staff HospitalitylP.R. Volunteer contributing to the smooth during these particularly hectic If you have an outgoing, running of an organisation and periods and learn the behind­ pleasant personality, enjoy can give one day a week, this is the-scenes business of the mixing with people and can the volunteer position for you. theatre, we'd welcome your spare 2-3 evenings a month, Duties include assisting the involvement.

Ifany of these volunteer opportunities appeal to you, please send a brief resume of tFfr work skills, interests or aspirations to: Carole Long, Membership Manager, AE ,PO Box 137, Kings Cross, 2011.

~ Interviews will be held in the week of 28th October, 1985. 12 1~NtJIIS is a publication of the Australian Elizabethan POSTAGE Theatre Trust and is mailed to its 5000 members in eleven times per year. PAID THE AUSTRALIAN ELIZABETHAN AUSTRALIA THEATRE TRUST (incorporated in the A.C.T.) Patron Her Majesty The Queen President Sir Ian Potter Chairman Andrew Briger, AM Directors Alderman S. Atkinson Sir David Griffin CBE The Hon. Mr. Justice C. J. Legoe R. C. Lovejoy OBE Dr. T . Manford D. A. Mortimer N. R. Seddon AO CBE L. G. Teale L. D. S. Waddy T. Yates Chief Executive: Kathleen Norris Company Secretary: Don Grace Accountant: Barry Tree Entrepreneurial Administrator: Jeffrey Kovel Australian Content Administrator: Executive Producer for Musical Theatre: Noel Ferrier Orchestral Director of Music: William Reid Theatre of the Deaf Artistic Director: Ben Strout Theatre of the Deaf Administrator: Priscilla Shome Public Relations Manager: Andrew McKinnon Building, Props and Electric Supervisor: Roger Taylor Costume Hires Manager: Michael James Trust News Editor: Carole Long Membership Secretary: Carol Martin

The Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust receives financial assistance for its activities from: The Music, Theatre 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 Directorate of Cultural Activities. The Victorian Ministry for the Arts. The Government of Western Australia through the Instant Lottery. Esso Australia Ltd. 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