London Comedy Success for Australian Tour R

MARCH, 1986 Vol 10 No 2 ISSN 0314 - 0598. A pUblication of the Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust

London Comedy Success for Australian Tour r

HA VING A BALL by Alan Bleasdale AVING A BALL made such an Best New Musical - the Elvis Presley Directed by David Ross H impression on the distinguished musical, ARE YOU LONELY Designed by Clive Lavagna Australian actor and producer, John Mc TONIGHT? It is still playing at the Cast includes: David Ross and Callum, when he first saw it playing at Phoenix Theatre in London. Jackie Weaver Bath in England that he immediately The action of the play takes place in a York Theatre, Seymour Centre secured the rights to the production in private vasectomy clinic in the North order to bring it to this country. That was West of England. Lenny Anderson " .. . rough, coarse, manic and funny . .. not his only achievement, for he persuad (David Ross) is a biscuit factory scientist What I like about the play is that Mr ed the star of the play, David Ross, to who feels he can see no life for any future Bleasdale explores the moral issues in play the part of Lenny in Australia as children he might bring into the world; he terms of wild farce." Guardian well as direct the production. His final is there for the umpteenth time. This time coup was to secure Jackie Weaver as co he is determined to master his nerves. "David Ross is one of the best farce star. Four apprehensive males are waiting for actors J have ever clapped eyes on . .. In HAVING A BALL has done three to the "chop"; one of them, incredibly, is this production, recreating his original four tours of England in addition to its Lenny's old school enemy, bully Richie role of Lenny the vasectomy victim in very successful London season. The Burrows. David Ross plays Lenny as a Alan Bleasdale's pop classic, he sews up author, Alan Bleasdale, is well known in gleeful prankster getting his own back on the evening with a performance as ripe as England having written some eleven a more than hostile world, and in so a well-aimed tomato and as vulgar . .. " plays. In 1985 he won the coveted Lon doing manages to terrorise the ex Financial Times. don Evening Standard's award for the schoolboy bully, console the drunken wife of a man dreaming of dropping the bomb, and cause little short of mayhem in the operating theatre. To say that this is a comedy about vasectomy however would be a trite com ment on a play which whilst riotously funny has much more serious under tones. A play about male sterilisation is ripe for jokes, everyone can think of at least one, but here Mr. Bleasdale avoids the obvious. He mixes such subjects as nuclear war and the meaning of life cleverly with uproarious one-liners and some full frontal glimpses! The play will appeal to those in the audience who feel that comedy should also have its serious aspect. HAVING A BALL was com pleted by the author in a state of deep depression after the death of that great anti-nuclear exponent, John Lennon. It opens at the York Theatre, Seymour Centre on April 12 prior to seasons in Canberra and Melbourne.

BOOKING INFORMA nON Sat Apr 12 to Sat May 10 Mon to Sat at 8 p.m. Wed and Sat mat at 2 p.m. AEIT $19.00 ($17.00 mats) G.P. $25.00 ($20.00 mats) Pens/ Stud $20.00 ($18.00 mats) Two AETT tickets per member Jackie Weaver will star in the Australian production of HA VING A BALL 2

School workshops in Visual Communica At Kinselas tion which annually attract deaf and Taking music to the hearing actors from all around Australia. people We wish him all the best for the future BOUNCERS by John Godber and at the same time welcome our new Directed by Terry 0 'Connell lotting into their tight schedule of per Artistic Director, Patrick Mitchell. Cast: Bob Baines, Tony Martin, Scott Sformances for The Australian Ballet McGregor and Tony Taylor and The Australian Opera, The Kinselas Philip Glass Ensemble Elizabethan Sydney Orchestra will pre sent two concerts this month out of the ohn Godber's play BOUNCERS central city area. The concerts are J returns to Sydney this month at presented as a new initiative by the Kinselas following its successful pre Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust to Christmas season at the Seymour make orchestral music more readily Theatre, Downstairs. BOUNCERS takes available and will be the forerunners of a a sharp look at the Friday night tribal continuing series. rituals at a rough provincial English The concerts will be held on Friday disco. The bouncers of the title strut their March 7 at Sutherland Entertainment natural stuff outside, harass the men Centre and on Saturday March 8 at arriving, chat up the girls and observe the Willoughby Civic Centre as part of the goings on with cynicism and scorn. It's a Willoughby Festival. The Sutherland seedy smorgasbord of people in the Shire concert is presented jointly by the twilight world. Trust with the Sutherland Shire Council and the Premier's Department. Both con certs, which commence at 8 p.m., will in BOOKING INFOR~A TION clude works from the popular classical Mar 3 to Mar 29 AETT discount $2.00 repertoirie - Greig'S piano concerto, (on dinner/theatre tickets) Tschaikovsky's 5th Symphony and the Bookings on 331 3100 ne of the major influences in modern overture from THE MERRY WIVES OF O music, Philip Glass and his music are WINDSOR by Nicholai. Ticket prices are not confined to either the world of jazz or being set at a very low level to allow as New Artistic Director the classical concert hall. He has been many people as possible to attend an<;l credited with both reviving and compos therefore AETT discounts will not apply. for the Theatre of the ing opera, collaborating with the likes of Bookings on 521 8888 (Sutherland) and Laurie Anderson and David Byrne (Talk 2664800 (Willoughby). Deaf ing Heads) on an LP of songs and writing the score for several films including n March 3, Patrick Mitchell replaces the enormously popular art film OBen Strout as the Artistic Director KOY AANISQATSI. At The Space of the Theatre of the Deaf. His performances have been sold out Patrick has spent the last two years as at the Metropolitan Opera in New York he French have their own ideas about Artistic Director of Freewheels Theatre and his operas have been performed in T what Australia is really like, and they in-Education Company in Newcastle. Stuttgart, Houston and England. He is commissioned David Chesworth to pro Prior to this he worked with major equally at home in pop circles being at the duce a performance piece, SKIPPY theatre-in-education companies around forefront of a school of music with fellow KNOWS, which was presented at the Australia as an actor, devisor, co Americans Steve Reich, Terry Riley and 1983 Paris Autumn Festival. David ordinator, director and tour manager. others, dubbed minimalism or systems Chesworth found the images on which to The Trust is confident that Patrick will music. Glass was commissioned in 1984 base the work in tourist souvenir shops continue to develop the Theatre of the to compose the music for the Olympic and calls SKIPPY KNOWS "a musical Deaf's high artistic standard established Games in Los Angeles and won the and visual souvenir for the French". It by his predecessor, Ben Strout. award for Best Soundtrack for the film has only been presented once before in Ben leaves after three years with the MISHIMA in 1985. His evocative music Sydney and will be one of the two works Theatre of the Deaf. During this period, provokes both meditative trance and being presented each evening at the Per he has directed nine plays for the com feverish excitement. The PHILIP formance Space from March 25 to 29. pany including last year's successful night GLASS ENSEMBLE will give one per The other work, also by Chesworth, is season at The Wharf Studio, Brecht's formance only in Sydney at the Concert INSA TIABLE, an operatic drama for MAN EQUALS MAN. He had previous Hall, S.O.H., on Tuesday, March 11 four voices. ly worked with America's National following Adelaide Festival appearances. Theatre of the Deaf and his experience BOOKING INFORMATION has helped our company establish itself as BOOKING INFORMA nON Tue Mar 25 to Sat Mar 29 at 8 p.m. one of Australia's leading theatre-in AETT discount $4.00 · AETT discount $1.00 education companies. During his tenure Bookings on 2 0588 Bookings on 699 5091 Ben also set up the innovative Summer 3 l

unseen, but within a very short space of Australian Ballet's Shakespeare in the time all this was to change. The author 1986 season draws on his experience to write this park cruelly humorous, sleazy but very funny play GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS. The he Australian Ballet's new season ollowing the success of the inaugural somewhat unusual title comes from two opens at the Opera House on March production of THE TAMING OF T F land developments in Florida, Glengarry 14 with the full-length version of DON THE SHREW last year, Esso Australia and Glen Ross, that are being peddled by QUIXOTE. It premiered in Adelaide in Ltd. is once again sponsoring this year's second-rate salesmen with few scruples. 1970 and has since been performed in production, MUCH ADO ABOUT The work is cut-throat, the prize for the many overseas countries by the company. NOTHING. One of Shakespeare's most most successful is a Cadillac, second DON QUIXOTE, with its spectacular sparkling comedies, the main roles of prize a set of steak knives, third and colour and virtuoso dance, is a firm Beatrice and Benedick will be played by fourth prizes, the sack! favourite of Australian audiences. two recent graduates from N.LD.A., The play had its world premier n Lon AN EVENING OF FOUR BALLETS Rose Clemente and Rhett Walton don at the National Theatre in 1983, has brings together SYMPHONY IN D, a Amanda Morris (Director) and Tim Fer won a Pulitzer prize, the West End satirical romp, performed to Haydn's rier (Designer) have devised an original theatre critics' "Play of the Year", and "Clock Symphony"; a new ballet com Western flavour for this production and the New York Drama Critics' Circle missioned from Jacqui Carroll to music the accompanying Mexican music will be "Best Play". by Carl Vine; SONGS OF A performed by the actors. MUCH ADO Directed by Neil Armfield, the WAYFARER created by Maurice Bejart ABOUT NOTHING will be performed at Australian production stars Gary to M~hler's songs and ETUDES, a the Reg Bartley Grandstand, Rushcutters McDonald, Henri Szeps and Frank classical showcase which allows the com Bay, from March 5 until March 31. Gallagher. pany to demonstrate its technical skills. TRIPLE BILL contains Chopin's ever BOOKING INFORMATION BOOKING INFORMATION popular LES SYLPHIDES, Ninette de AETT discount $2.00 Bookings on 332 4871 Sat Apr 12 to Sat Apr 26 Valois' masterpiece, CHECKMATE, Mon to Sat at 8.15 p.m. with music by Arthur Bliss and Fri at 5.30 p.m. Sat at 2.00 p.m. FORGOTTEN LAND, choreographed Real Estate's cut and AETT $19.00 by Jiri Kylian to music by Benjamin G.P. $22.00 Britten. thrust Pens/ Stud $15 .00 Two AETT tickets per member BOOKING INFORMATION DON QUIXOTE GLENGARR Y GLEN ROSS by David Fri Mar 14 to Sat Apr 6 (except Mar 28 Mamet Wilde with a and 29) Directed by Neil Armfield FOUR BALLETS Designed by Shaun Gurton difference Fri Apr 11 to Wed Apr 30 at 7.30 p.m. Cast: Gary McDonald, Henry Szeps, TRIPLE BILL Frank Gallagher he production of THE IMPOR Tue May 6 to Sat May 24 at 7.30 p.m. Playhouse, Sydney Opera House T T ANCE OF BEING EARNEST Mon to Sat at 7.30 p.m. (except Mar 31, which premieres at the Bondi Pavilion Apr 28 and May 21 at 6.30 p.m.) Theatre on March 6 differs in two major Sat mats at 1.30 p.m. n 1969, David Mamet, an unemployed ways from previous productions. Firstly, AETT $34.00 actor, spent a year working in a real I it will contain the Gribsby scene, written G.P. $37 .00 estate office in Chicago. Business was Child/ Pens $25 .00 booming, land was being sold sight- for the original 1894 version, but later dropped because four acts were con sidered too long. This production will in corporate this scene into Act II. In addi tion, the part of Lady Bracknell will be played by a female impressionist for the first time in Australia, namely Tracey Lee. Mr. Lee has won wide acclaim for his portrayals of female roles on the stage and is also well known for his ap pearances on television - Mike Walsh Show, Young Doctors and Carsons Law. Directed by Mogens Holt, the cast also includes Valerie Newstead and Peter Bensley. BOOKING INFORMATION AETT discount $1 .00 Bookings on 307211 The Australian Ballet's production of LES SYLPH/DES 4

VETCO (the Vietnam Veterans STC's Madras House Fugard's Statements Ens~mble Theatre Company), to give it its full title, was founded in 1979 in America by actors who were all veterans STATEMENTS by Athol Fugard THE MADRAS HOUSE by Harley of the Vietnam war. Their play, Directed and designed by Peter Carmody Granville-Barker TRACERS, has played to sold-out Cast: Laurel McGowan, Munro Reimers Directed by Rodney Fisher seasons in New York, London and Los and Hugh Wade Designed by Brian Thomson Angeles and is the recipient of several Belvoir St. Theatre Cast includes: Peter Carroll, Hugo major awards. It comes to Australia prior Weaving, Linda Cropper, Dennis Olsen, to embarking on a twelve-month U.S. Shauna O'Grady, Joan Bruce and Peter outh African playwright Athol tour. Collingwood SFugard has been one of the most vocal The . Guardian hailed it as "an Drama Theatre, S.o.H. opponents of the apartheid system and astonishing post mortem on the Vietnam his plays have been seen and applauded War" when it opened in London at the HE MADRAS HOUSE by Harley around the world. STATEMENTS, Royal Court Theatre in 1985. The play is T Granville-Barker is the final play in which was first presented in Sydney by devoid of patriotism, has little new to say the Sydney Theatre Company's current the Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust about the conflict, but depicts a futile season. The play, concerned with the in 1979, is to be presented at Belvoir St. war in chilling reality. glamour of the fashion industry and the Theatre later this month. It is the TRACERS will play at the York wealth of a retail emporium, provides an dramatic love story between a white Theatre, Seymour Centre, throughout insight into the status of women and of South African woman and a half-cast March. family life in general in Edwardian times South African man - a love which until in England. very recently was forbidden by law under BOOKING INFORMATION THE MADRAS HOUSE, formally a the Immorality Act. Like all his plays Wed Feb 26 to Sat Mar 29 grand Bond Street emporium, is in the STATEMENTS portrays vividly the in Mon to Thu at 8 p.m. process of being sold to an enterprising humanity of the South African system Fri and Sat 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. American by Phillip, the son of the and makes for powerful theatre. AETT $15.90 (except Sat at 9 p.m.) original owner, who has become increas G.P. $19.90 ingly disillusioned with the world in Pens/Stud $12.90 general. The sub-plot concerns the 300 Two AETT tickets per member personnel whose lives depend on the Firm for their very existence; they live and work in servitude to their employers. The play is directed by Rodney Fisher and Hamlet at Phillip St. opens in the Drama Theatre of the Sydney Opera House on Thursday April HAMLET by William Shakespeare 24. Directed by Beverly Blenkenship Designed by Bruce Auld BOOKING INFORMATION Cast includes Luciano Martucci, Diana Thu Apr 24 to Sat May 24 Denley, John Turnbull and Ben Franklin Mon to Sat at 8 p.m. Phillip St. Theatre 1 2 Wed at p.m. Sat at p.m. Laurel McGowan and Munro Reimers in AETT $19.00 (Mon to Thu and mats) STATEMENTS hillip St. starts off its 1986 season G.P. $22.00 Pens/Stud $16.00 (Mon to Thu) P with one of Shakespeare's most BOOKING INFORMATION Two AETT tickets per member famous tragedies. The story of an Fri Mar 28 to Sun Apr 27 idealistic man, the Prince of Denmark, Tue to Sun at 8.30 p.m. who discovers that his mother is an AETT $13.00 adultress and his uncle a murderer, is G.P. $15.00 Pens/Stud $7.50 both a family drama and a drama of con Guys and Dolls Two AETT tickets per member science. Hamlet's battle with his con science is as relevant to audiences today ne of the greatest Broadway musicals as it has always been, and Beverly O ever staged, GUYS AND DOLLS, Blenkenship will be giving her production has just opened in Melbourne following Vietnam - first hand a suitably timeless setting. its Australian premiere season in Adelaide. This lavishly staged $2 million he Vietnam war, one of the most BOOKING INFORMATION production will open in Sydney in May at T disastrous of our time, has had reams Until Sat Mar 29 Her Majesty's Theatre. Full details will written about it, mostly by people who Tue to Fri only at 8 p.m. follow in April Trust News but those were not directly involved. TRACERS is AETT $13.90 wishing to book now should contact the different. It is both written and perform G.P. $16.90 membership office in March when ticket ed by Vietnam veterans and is, therefore, Pens/Stud $10.90 Two AETT tickets per member prices will be available. unembellished by journalistic licence. 5

by Carole Long, Membership Manager

ith the start of the new financial membership fees. From time to time, cor year. In 1986, we carried forward $80,000 W year in January, the setting of an porate support is sought in the form of of the fees derived in 1985 or 340,70 of the income and expenditure budget for the sponsorship to further extend the scope 1986 income budget. 1986 Trust membership programme of the programme. This year, we will be In April of this year, an increase in the occupied a good deal of our time in seeking corporate funds to offset a annual membership fees from $20 to $28 December. Similar to the preparation of percentage of the projected deficit. will become effective. The $20 annual fee an annual household budget, with which As expected, communication to has been in force since 1982. Over the all members are well acquainted, the members is the largest component of the past three years, we have carefully exercise provided us with an opportunity expenditure budget. This item includes monitored the fee structures of other arts to review our performance during the Trust News, renewal notices, postage, organisations and we are justifiably year, helped identify initiatives where our Annual Report and computer costs. At proud that the Trust not only offers the expectations exceeded reality (sounds the close of 1985, there were 8,354 full most generous benefit programme in familiar?) and prompted the casting of a and associate members throughout Australia, but the most economical. critical eye on our planned marketing Australia which includes the 2,571 new Remember, the single annual fee relates activities for this forthcoming year. members who joined in 1985. A figure of to benefits in fact for two tickets at the While wrestling with the budget 10,000 members, however, is required discount rate, thereby becoming a dual estimates and our year-end review, it oc before substantial quantity discounts membership. curred to us that most of our members, become available to us. National membership renewals for 1985 slipped marginally from 830,70 in those of many years standing as well as Unlike other arts organisations where new members, are probably in the dark on 1984 to 780,70; renewal income estimates salaries can account for half of the expen have been based on our ability to main just how the Trust's membership pro diture, salaries for the Trust's national gramme is funded. tain the 780,70 figure at the new fee. New membership staff of six totals only one members' fees have also been estimated It is especially important for our third of the expenditure budget. at the 1986 scale fee. members to understand our funding situa Overheads and travel expenses are also We sincerely hope that our members tion and how we rely totally on current kept to a minimum. have gained some insight into how the members' renewal fees and new members' As stated earlier, our promotion and Trust membership programme is funded income to keep the membership pro advertising budget is slim indeed - only by the publication of our 1986 financial gramme flourishing. Growth, in terms of $6,000 per State for the year. This is one position. We intend throughout the year new members, also means we can spread of the reasons we heavily rely on the to keep members more informed on how our fixed costs over a larger base and that goodwill of the press , radio and our we are doing in respect to membership ul timately will substantially reduce the members to promote the existence of the growth and we look forward to your unit costs for our communication ex programme. active participation in ensuring Trust penses ... a desirable objective. On the income side of the ledger, the membership reaches our national goal of Detailed below in the illustrations are Trust has ensured the continuation of the 10,000 members. the income and expenditure estimates for membership programme in lean times by 1986. As is apparent, the Trust member instituting a Reserve Fund scheme. Each ship is a self-supporting programme year, 500,70 of the new and renewal receiving no funds from any government members' fees are set aside to be carried source. We rely entirely on income from forward for expenses in the following ~0 l\£SER\'£ fOR \987

: PRml ono~ : ADVERTISING : FORNI'\'(' • MEMBERS : PROCESSING • FEES CO~~\l l'N 1 CATION 10% 1986 RENEWAl. A~ j 985 RESERVE SALARIES • FOR TOME.II BERS :\,£IX' ~I E)IBER~ ftES 33% FUND : ,IIEMBERS : BOOKINGS 49% • OFFICE 53% 34% : OI'ERHEAOS 13% : 6%

HOW TIIE MONEY IS SPENT MEMBERSHIP INCOME

Communication to members 144,2 50 TO R~T\ 'cf()r l<)RiFinalld.llYC:1f Salaries 96,089 1986 Ren L~val fees fo r existing members 580,500 1 880,500 1 Promotionlt\dvertisingfor new ml111bers 30,000 1986 New members' fees 42,000 42,000 Reserve carried forward 80,000 Offi ce Ol'erileads 17,330 (50% of renc'\val and nL~V members fees in 1985) Trnl'e1 E.xpenscs 5,000 Processing fees for members' booking; 30,000 Total E.xpendirure Estimate for 1986 5292,669 Total Income Estimate for 1986 5232,500 5122,500 6 Std-'-r;t------;-tt Community Theatre - reflecting a community's life by Rose Costelloe thusiasm because it had so much relevance to their own lifestyles. NUOVO P AESE is Italian for New Country and it tells the story of an Italian woman who emigrated to Australia in 1948. Events are portrayed from her life through the '50s, '60s and '70s culminating in the story of her granddaughter and her friends, students at a High School, and the challenges they face as kids growing up in the '80s. The first act was set in beautiful Pioneer Park in Leichhardt, which was transformed by big cable drums, flags of many colours, bicycles, chairs for the audience and actors, both professional and from the community, who trans ported the audience to a Festa in Calabria in 1948. Elderly Italian men and women sat A scene from NUOVO PAESE playing cards, embroidering and knitting as part of a rich scenario being played ne of last year's most exciting events of grass roots people, which speaks in the out. It's the year of the first elections O in Leichhardt, Sydney, took in 60 language of these people and which after the war and politicians in all shades performers aged 8 to 80; a group of 16 reflects and represents the reality of the spruik while the Giro dell'Italia, a professional theatre people with many nations which exist within the national cycling race, is in motion. dramatic, teaching and technical skills; a geographical nation and class system Chiara's family, girlfriends and other local park; a school hall; a school peculiar to Australia. villagers are saying goodbye to her. playground with seats erected on scaf Community Theatre has a conscious As the family procession moves up the folding; an epic story to dramatise; and a park to the next venue - Australia - in spellbound audience of at least 350 each concern with the representation of sex ual, racial and social types. This Leichhardt High School hall, a house, car for the four nights of the performance. It and a beautiful woman on stilts pass in was called NUOVO P AESE. necessitates moving away from stereotyped cliches, towards creating front of the crowd: images of expecta The project was initiated by FILEF, a tions in the New Country. community organisation based in characters, text, images and language, Leichhardt with a strong working rela showing people's active and indeed at The audience, mostly from Leichhardt tionship with the Italian population. Two times contradictory involvement in social with a smattering of Sydney theatregoers, scriptwriters worked with the Italian life. To achieve this Theatre Practitioners watch as four scenes are played out Steering Committee and then with a work with organisations such as trade depicting the conflicts involved for group of Leichhardt High School unions, ethnic organisations, schools and Chiara in settling in a strange country students to produce the play which used professional lobby groups. Meetings are where ways of doing things are vastly dif both the Italian and Australian language held, research groups formed and ferent to those she's known back home. to enable members of either community workshops set up in order to develop the The Third Act is set in the school to follow the story. It was a project final work. In some projects non courtyard, which has become a street initiated by the community and was able, professionals work as actors, script with two tall towers at either end. Lucia's with the help of the skills of the profes writers or technicians, learning and work daughter plays out the challenges facing sional theatre people, to reflect the con ing with the professional team. Thus her and her friends in the rap cerns and lives of that community. This is Community Theatre companies achieve talking/ dancing style of street kids. It is what community theatre is all about. productions sensitive to public opinion exciting, fast and riveting. There are some 50 community theatre which attract and serve an audience The project was a tremendous success (CT) companies and groups working in which previously may not have thought on a theatrical level but also had other all States of Australia today. Whilst live theatre their idea of entertainment. spin offs. The play brought together kids overall aiming to keep theatre art alive, So it was with NUOVO P AESE. of many different ethnic backgrounds, healthy and flourishing they also fulfil a Members of the Leichhardt community some second generation children of number of specific objectives. Communi who had had little or no contact with migrants and some newly arrived ty Theatre aims to create theatre which theatre found themselves involved in a migrants and refugees. For some of these draws meaning and power from the lives theatrical experience which fired their en- kids it was the first time they had · ex- 7

perienced publicly a sense of pride about Many CT companies operate from a There is an interchange of artists be coming from a culture with a different rehearsal and administrative base, tour tween MT and CT which both extends ar language, mores and values. ing productions to a wide variety of tists' work options and allows ideas and Another Community Theatre company venues, including theatres. These range innovations to be exchanged. It is in NSW is Sidetrack Theatre which late from parks, factory canteens, halls, to desirable and inevitable that such cross last year presented ADIOS CHA CHA at schools and institutions within and out fertilisation occur. Conflicts arise the Performance Space. It was a celebra side the metropolitan area. There are also however when charges of lack of profes tion of the South American people's smaller groups working, often without sionalism and excellence in CT are made struggle for independence and after each regular funding, who devise and perform by a MT Practitioner, who then uses an performance different migrant groups shows, working in other jobs in order to image in their own next production, lifted were invited to speak with the audience. survive financially. straight from a CT production. Salamanca Theatre Company in Hobart Theatre Practitioners are also brought John McGrath, a CT Playwright and presented the first adaptation of together for specific one-off projects. Director of the 7:84 Company in Britain, Rosemary Crossley's book ANNIE'S Such projects can become the basis for was here recently as a guest of the Na COMING OUT. continuing and developing a company, tional Playwrights' Conference. 7:84, because of the success in attracting and along with 40 other CT companies, has serving a cultural need in a community. had its funding completely cut this year. Two characteristics of Community He spoke of the current situation in Theatre are a collective organisational England, giving an example of how the form and group-devised productions. Royal Shakespeare Company employs Many companies also hold skills and artists from CT, paying better wages and discussion workshops after the perfor offering higher status than CT can afford mance. in the present political climate. Development of skills rates a high This is robbing CT of many of their priority in CT Practitioners' working highly skilled performers and entrenching lives. Nepean College of Advanced further the conflict between CT and MT. Education, NSW and Victorian College Besides the UK and Australia, Com of the Arts offer courses in CT. The im munity Theatre exists in Italy, Canada, mensely successful Nanjing Acrobatic The Philippines, Holland and the United Projects, hosted by the Murray River States. It is a popular theatre and as such Performing Group, home of the Flying is often under the threat of financial ruin. Fruit Fly Circus, were attended by a large Nevertheless, the commitment to the number of CT Practitioners, whose skills development of imagination, fantasy, A scene from Sidetrack Theatre's production of are being disseminated into productions skills and new theatrical forms, continues ADIOS CHA CHA and workshops all over Australia. to enrich and expand the growth and Funding comes from a wide range of interest in live theatre everywhere. The Deck Chair Theatre in Fremantle, government and non-government people of Leichhardt still stop performers Western Australia, mounted SALT, sources. The Australia Council, State and participants in the street to talk MUSTARD, VINEGAR AND PEP Arts and Cultural Ministries provide about NUOVO PAESE and enquire PER, a celebratory show which looked at amounts which vary quite considerably about the next one. six key points in the life of women, link from State to State; Commonwealth Editor's Footnote: The residents of ing them by girls' schoolyard games. Employment Programs and schemes and Leichhardt are being mobilised again for THE LOGAN CITY STORY which Municipal Councils are often more will another FILEF production. To initiate was performed in local shopping centres ing to provide services or personnel. Non and support the theme of peace during its and told the story of two different government sources include Trade international year, LASCIATECI IN families living in the area was a col Unions, Trades and Labour Councils, PACE (leave us in peace) will be laboration between Street Arts, Brisbane professional and special interest groups, presented at Leichhardt Primary School and students from two Brisbane High and the occasional business and each weekend in March. The production Schools. The West Theatre Company in individual. takes a highly comic, musical look at Melbourne collaborated with Signal, a Partly due to the need to compete for aspirations for peace in the context of lobby group of the RANF to present limited Arts funds, there has been a global conflict. Bookings on 568 3776 VITAL SIGNS. A production involving history of antagonism, often heated, be (no AETT discount). 57 nurses and eight West actors, it tells tween Mainstream Theatre (MT) and CT. the history of nursing up to the present, In recent years, with increased represen when nurses are affirming the right to a tation by CT Practitioners on funding Rose Costelloe works as an actor, more active role in the treatment and care bodies, more equitable funding policies director and teacher. She has worked of their patients. Last year Mainstreet have resulted. The Theatre Board of the with the APG, The Women and Theatre Company, based in Millicent, Australia Council recently imposed a ceil Theatre Project, on Nuovo Paese South Australia, toured BUSTED, a play ing on the amount of funds anyone and has recently returned from East about the problems of young people fall theatre company can receive in one year, Berlin where she attended a Directors ing foul of laws which do little to protect thus freeing some money for re Seminar. them. distribution. ting in a rocking chair, engaged in a RELATIVELY SPEAKING draws Beckett Triple Bill dialogue with her own recorded voice as together a mistress and a wife, a jealous she rocks her way from a wasted life into boyfriend and a husband and mixes them he actress described by the world's oblivion. with mistaken identities and a few white T leading literary and drama critics as lies to create a pot-pourri of laughter. "the voice, body and soul of Samuel BOOKING INFORMATION The production is directed by Sandra Beckett", Billie Whitelaw, will present Sat Mar 8 to Sat Mar 29 (excluding Mar Bates and the cast includes Gillian Axtell, her internationally acclaimed perfor 17, 18 and 28) Michael Barnacoat, Michael Gillett and mance of three Beckett one-act plays at Mon to Thu at, 8.30 p.m. Felicity Soper. Sydney's Seymour Centre this month Fri and Sat at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. following Adelaide Festival appearances. AETT $18.00 (until Mar 21) The plays (two of which were written G.P. $21.00 BOOKING INFORMATION especially for Billie Whitelaw), deal with Pens/Stud $16.00 (except Fri/Sat) Ensemble Theatre II three aspects of womanhood. ENOUGH Two AETT tickets per member Tue Mar II to Sat Mar 29 is about a sometimes difficult, sometimes Tue to Sat at 8 p.m. ~ luminous long-past but well-remembered Mats Thu at II a.m. and Sat at 5 p.m. AETT $14.00 (Tue to Fri), $16.00 (Sat relationship which might be construed as Relatively Speaking evg), $11.00 (mats) a love affair. In FOOTFALLS a middle G.P. $15.00 (Tue to Fri), $17.00 (Sat aged woman reveals the sadness of a life he Ensemble Theatre continues its evg), $12.00 (mats) cramped by circumstance and wasted in T Festival of Laughter with the play Stud/Pens $11.00 (Tue to Fri), anguish. ROCKABY is regarded as the which firmly established Alan $9.00 (mats) piece de resistance. A single spotlight Ayckbourn as a comedy writer to be Two AETT tickets per member reveals the ancient, decayed woman sit- reckoned with. In typical style,

1986 ADELAIDE FESTIVAL AUTUMN RACES AT RANDWICK HALLEY'S COMET WEEKEND Friday March 14 to Monday March 17 Wednesday April 2 at 12 noon Friday April 18 to Sunday April 20

There is still time to join Sydney Commit The Sydney Committee's spring race Please note the change in date for this tee President, Shirley Hay, for her luncheon will have special interest for weekend from previously advertised. A weekend in Adelaide. The four-day visit racing fans now that well-known horse full itinerary is now available by ringing will include visits to the Clare and trainer and ex-jockey Neville Voigt has the membership office on 357 1200. The Barossa Valleys as well as the opportun agreed to be our guest of honour. The tour will include a visit to the Grove ity to see some fine theatre. Please ring luncheon takes place in the Doncaster Creek Observatory at Trunkey Creek the membership office on 357 1200 for Room in the members stand. Tickets are near Bathurst, which has one of the more information. $30.00, which includes luncheon, after largest telescopes in Australia. We will noon tea and entries. have the opportunity to view through the telescope as well as see videos and hear a lecture by a well-known astronomer. A BRISBANE RSC TOUR visit to the Parkes Radio Telescope, Friday June 20 to Sunday June 22 Orange Observatory and Forbes Pioneer THE FOREIGNER DINNER Village are also included. Cost, which Sadly because of the lack of a suitable Wednesday April 16 at 6 p.m. includes bus travel, accommodation, all venue Sydney audiences will not have the meals and entries, is $245 per person (for opportunity to see the Royal Shakespeare Do join us for dinner at the Glebe Ter twin share). Company's production of RICHARD race Restaurant, 36 Glebe Point Road. III. Anthony Sher's portrayal of Richard It's easy walking distance From the Foot BOOKING INFORMATION has electrified audiences and critics in bridge Theatre where the AETT's pro Unless otherwise stated bookings for Britain and won him the award for best duction of THE FOREIGNER will be Members Activities should be sent in on actor. The Sydney Committee President, playing. Dinner tickets are $18 .50 which the same grey booking coupon as your Shirley Hay, is arranging a visit to includes two courses, wine (or orange theatre bookings. The handling fee does Brisbane to coincide with the Brisbane juice) and coffee. Theatre tickets should not apply to Member Activities. season. Details in April TN. be ordered separately.

I 9

THE MORE THINGS CHANGE FAVORITES OF THE MOON directed directed by Robyn Nevin by Otar Iosseliani Screenplay by Jill Robb Screenplay by Otar Iosseliani and Gerard Starring Judy Morris, Barry Otto, Brach Victoria Longley, Lewis Fitz-Gerald and Produced by Philippe Dussart Owen Johnson Starring Alix de Montaigu, Pascal Opening March 27 at Hoyts Centre Aubier, Gaspard Flori, Emilie Aubry, Hans Peter Cloos, Maite Nahyr fter numerous successes as a stage At the Dendy Cinema, Martin Place A and movie actress (CADDIE, CAREFUL HE MIGHT HEAR YOU), tar Iosseliani is one of the few Soviet as associate director for the Sydney O filmmakers who has made films in Theatre Company, Robyn Nevin now the West but then he is a fairly unusual makes her debut as a film director with person. His education included a course THE MORE THINGS CHANGE . . . in composition, pianoforte and orch for producer Jill Robb. estral direction, then mechanics and Illustrating the encouraging fact that mathematics, which he interrupted to go over the past few years Australian films to the Moscow Film Institute from where Meryl Slreep in OUT OF AFRICA have sociologically come of age and don't he graduated as a director in 1961. It's any longer have to feature kangaroos, just as well he had more than one string OUT OF AFRICA is the love story of bushrangers or Aborigines to prove their to his bow as his films have managed to a Swedish woman, Karen Blixen, for her nationhood, THE MORE THINGS upset Soviet authorities more than once adopted country. With her cousin and CHANGE ... is about a sophisticated forcing him to make a living as a sailor husband-to-be, Bror Blixen, she went to city couple and their three-year-old son and a miner. Kenya in 1914 to farm. From her ex who move to 80 acres of neglected farm Iosseliani uses rather confusing and periences there over 19 years came some ing land in a search for security and self kaleidoscopic techniques and time of the finest books ever written about sufficiency. changes in FAVORITES OF THE Africa under the nom-de-plume of Isak Lex (Barry Otto) is a victim of the MOON, the moral of which appears to Dinesen (Dinesen being her maiden financial recession but Connie (Judy be that all the world is a thief and name). It was hardly a happy life in its Morris) still holds down her publishing precious objects are as transitory as our personal relationships. Her husband was job. The role reversal brings its own lives. It's not only objects that get stolen incorrigibly promiscuous and her love problems with Connie forced to com in this macabre game. Loves, secret affair with Eton and Oxford educated mute and Lex forced to play mother to thoughts, freedom, sensations are all the English adventurer, Denys Finch-Hatton their son in her place. Into the family prey of the light-fingered. The strange (Robert Redford) was a rather unbalanc circle comes 19-year-old Geraldine (Vic assortment of characters that Iosseliani ed one, with more giving on her side than toria Longley) to look after their son, assembles all finally fall into place like his. The bankruptcy of her farm and a Nicholas (Owen Johnson). Geraldine is the last pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. series of personal tragedies finally drove four months' pregnant but has hidden her from Africa. Her African life is seen this from her parents. Her determination entirely through the eyes of the author to have the child adopted followed by a (played by Meryl Streep) and mirrors her white wedding to her fiance puzzle her OUT OF AFRICA directed by Sydney love for the country and its people. employers but a change in all their at Pollack titudes over a period of months forms the Screenplay by Kurt Luedtke from the basis for a change in their relationships novel of the same name by Isak Dinesen too. Produced by Sydney Pollack and Terry Clegg BOOKING INFORMATION Starring Meryl Streep, Robert Redford, Klaus Maria Brandauer, Rachel Kemp Concessional vouchers can be purchased from the son AETT and exchanged at Hoyts, Greater Union and Village cinemas for tickets. The vouchers are Now playing at Greater Union open dated but some Saturday/ Public Holiday restrictions apply to their use. See vouchers for amed the best dramatic film by the details. Nforeign press in the 43rd Golden G.U. $6.50 ($1 saving), Hoyts $5 .50 ($1.50 Globe awards last month, the success of saving), Village $5 .50 ($1.50 saving). Please note, OUT OF AFRICA can't have been much no handling fee applies to film vouchers and members may purchase as many as they wish. of a surprise to director/ producer Sydney Discounts are also offered at the Dendy Cinema, Pollack. He had already collected 31 Martin Place ($2 .50), and the Academy Twin, Oscar nominations and various trophies Paddington ($2.50), at all performances except for such films as TOOTSIE, THEY after midday Saturday. Members should present SHOOT HORSES, DON'T THEY?, their membership card at the box office. Discount available on one ticket per member. Judy Morris and Barry 0110 in THE MORE THE WAY WE WERE and ELECTRIC THINGS CHA NGE HORSEMAN. -. 10

nlll ~ 'Id'<'" by levin Sau", _\Jf_;!I1~______-----j

irst off, the good stuff ... a sleeper Moving on to the more traditional we just doesn't work theatrically or as an ef F that crept in for an interim booking have the Broadway version of "SING fective political instrument. I found the and has planted roots for an extended ING IN THE RAIN". This version was first act too influenced by TV situation run, TANGO ARGENTINO. To be done by Betty Com den and Adolph comedy - and it's not the influence that more specific, "everybody's doing it, Green who also wrote the movie and it is inherently bad or wrong. It is the way doin' it, doin' it" the Tango has returned features the wonderful film score by that it is used .. . Here, too simplistically with a flourish that has set New York on Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed. . .. unimaginatively. The second act is its ear. This wonderful show, simply This big and bracey musical playing the more effective, but still is just not good done with elegance, style, charm and wit Gershwin Theatre (the name conjurs up enough. captivates its audiences with a refreshing musical wonders) features Don Correia I simplicity and directness that is as enter and Mary D' Arcy and was directed and And then you have the Why-did-they taining as it is disarming. It is a dance choreographed by Twyla Tharp one of do-it musical ... more importantly, musical event rather than the traditional our more adventurous and acclaimed "How did they get it on?" JUST SO is book show or revue. With a small or creators in the Dance World. Surprising billed as based on Rudyard Kipling's chestra on stage featuring four accordion ly, she has chosen a very straight forward "Just So" stories. It's a good thing Mr players (who are a main character in this recreation of the film musical Kipling is long dead. JUST SO is or was unusual entertainment), the Tango comes transplanted almost intact for the stage. (by the time you read this) playing at the alive in all of its varied possibilities If you're looking for Gene Kelly and Jack Lawrence theatre just off Broad through seven sets of wonderfully dif Donald O'Connor ... go see the movie. way. I will spare the performers . . . they ferent dance teams and four singers, two have to play it and that's punishment men, two women, equally individualised The San Francisco Mime Troupe, enough. and marvelous. Together they form one America's oldest (25 continuous years) of those rare and special evenings in the professional political theatre has a new theatre. If not dancing in the aisles you offering, STEEL TOWN, currently play will, at least, be dancing under your seats ing in New York. It will bring its labour Irvin S. Bauer is a Playwright or in your heads. Reverberations of oriented message throughout the country Producer based in New York where another time mingle with the tingling ex and as it should be, New York is just a he heads THE DEVELOPMENT citement and enjoyment of foot tapping stop along the way. The company is STAGE, a place where the Writer is exhilerating sounds and a feast of move serious, young, talented ... spirited . . . encouraged to fulfil the potential of ment for the eyes . I loved it .. . can you the message comes from the heart . . . his work. tell? but ... Brecht it's hot. STEEL TOWN

ritten by John O'Donoghue for the designs by Theo Tremblay. ECLIPSE '86 of Robert Hewett's play GULLS with a W Hunter Valley Theatre Company's is choreographed by John Salisbury for tour of the North West and the North 10th anniversary, A HAPPY AND eight dancers. Principal male dancer is Coast. A play which has been acclaimed HOL Y OCCASION will be presented Don Asker, who is also artistic director both within Australia and overseas it tells again by the Company this month in its of Human Veins Dance Theatre. the story of a woman who gives up her 20th year. A comedy set in an Australian Closing on March 15 at the Canberra career and marriage to look after her Irish Catholic home in the Newcastle Repertory Society's Theatre 3 is the old brain damaged 40-year-old brother. suburb of Mayfield, the story centres favourite ROOKERY NOOK, Ben Despite the serious topic the play includes around a party given for the eldest son Traver's farce . It is directed by Mick a great deal of comedy. It stars Kate who is about to enter a seminary. It will Rodger and set design is by Bill Dowd. Wilson in the lead role with Terry Brady be playing from March 5 to 29 and is as the brother. The production is directed The Riverina Theatre Company is directed by Brent McGregor. Sets are by by Murray Foy, artistic director of the Australia's longest-running professional Derek Cox and the cast includes Helen New England Theatre Company. regional theatre company. Based in Morse, Nick Enright, Vic Rooney and Following its Sydney concert (see story Wagga, it starts off its 1986 season with Kath Leahy. p. 2) and Adelaide Festival appearances, Bernard Pomerance's ELEPHANT the Philip Glass Ensemble will play at the At the Art Centre, ANU, Human MAN. It is based on the true story of Llewellyn Hall, Canberra School of Veins Dance Theatre will present John Merrick, condemned to a pitiful life Music, on Wednesday March 12. ECLIPSE '86 from March 8 to 22. In as a sideshow freak because of his gross deformity. John Hurt starred in the film dance and dialogue, it portrays the AETT discount applicable all perfor pressure and images of the advertising version of the play. mances. See local press for booking world. The script is by Joe Woodward, The New England Theatre Company at information. the original score by Jeff Evans and Armidale will follow its Armidale season

-- • 11 ~-~~-'-~------~ "I t is a marvellous show, simple in con- ollowing a Melbourne season, ME laying until March 23 at Belvoir St. ception, exuberant in its exploitation F AND MY GIRL has just opened at P Theatre is the stage adaptation of of technology, disarming in its undisguis Her Majesty's Theatre, Sydney. ME David Malouf's novel, AN IMAG ed pleasure in its cleverness, flirting with AND MY GIRL is the story of a sharp INARY LIFE. It is the story of a cynicism, teasing sentiment, robust with witted, lovable Cockney lad who turns celebrated poet who is plunged into exile health and high spirits. Richard Wher out to be a long-lost earl. Along with his where he meets a boy who seems to repre retf's company rises to its challenges with Lambeth sweetheart, Sally, he creates sent the innocence of his lost childhood. the sustained accomplishment we loved in chaos at his ancestral seat, Hareford At first the poet assumes the role of pro CHICAGO." H . G. Kippax's review of Hall, as his noble relatives attempt a tector but gradually the roles are reversed COMPANY in The Sydney Morning Pygmalion-style integration. As well as a as the two form a curious and touching Herald just about says it all. The Sydney tap-dancing duet to the title song, the alliance. Kim Carpenter, who both Theatre Company have started 1986 in songs include the show-stopping designed and directed the production, has great style with a musical which is adored "Lambeth Walk", "Leaning on a Lamp created a piece of musical theatre in by critics and audiences alike. Written by Post" and "Once You Lose Your which the story is told through images the multi-talented Stephen Sondheim, it Heart". ME AND MY GIRL, which and sound with minimal dialogue. is about marriage and the age-old debate won the Laurence Olivier award for best Norman Kaye plays the role of the poet as to whether marriage or bachelorhood musical of 1985, stars David Waters, with Ira Seidenstein as the child. is the more desirable state. The produc Julie Haseler and David Ravenswood. AETT discount $4.00 tion is directed by Richard Wherrett and AETT discount $4.00 ($2.00 mat) Bookings on 699 3273 John O'May leads a fine cast. Bookings on 266 4800 AETT discount $5.00 (Mon to Thu and mat) . Bookings on 250 1777 he Sydney Theatre Company's MIX T ED DOUBLES season concludes this month with a new play and re-runs of two earlier plays. Opening on March 1 is THE DON'S LAST INNINGS by ontinuing at Marian St. Theatre Timothy Daly, which is coupled with C throughout March is Michael Frayn's Tennessee Williams' SUDDENLY LAST play BENEFACTORS. Described as SUMMER for the first half of the month "The best play of the year. Funny, and TOM THUMB by Henry Fielding tender, intelligent" by the New for the second half. Superficially THE Statesman, it won three London awards DON'S LAST INNINGS is a comedy for Best Play of the Year. BENEFAC about an ordinary elderly couple in a TORS investigates the terrain of friend suburban living room where each night ship, marriage and the changing face of Don Bradman goes in to bat for architecture through the characters of Australia. Beneath the surface, however, neighbours who have been closely involv is a story of frustration, fantasy and ed in each other's lives for fifteen years. obsession. It is the first professional pro The production, which is directed by duction of the play. Richard Cottrell, stars Neil Fitzpatrick, AETT discount $2.00 (Mon to Thu and John Gregg, Jennifer Hagan and Jane mat) Harders. Bookings on 250 1700 AETT discount $1.00 (except Sat evg) Jennifer Wes[ and Chris Langham in THE NERD Bookings on 4983166 laying throughout March at the Foot et in Newcastle-on-Tyne during World P bridge Theatre is Larry Shue's SWar II, C. P. Taylor's AND A comedy THE NERD. The author NIGHTINGALE SANG explores the describes a Nerd as being a mixture of a riffin Theatre's current production, parallels between the fortunes of a family twit, wimp, wally and creep, someone G SOFT TARGETS, touches on a and that of Britain amidst the social you definitely would not invite to your highly emotive subject - that of mores of the time. It merges the home for an indefinite stay, even though Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. dreamlike qualities of memory with the he may have saved your life in Vietnam. The production was developed by the realism of a country at war. "e. p. The British actor, Chris Langham, who company following interviews with Taylor manages to warm our hearts and toured hjs own one-man show around people whose lives have been changed by perhaps let us in on the real secret of the Australia in 1978 / 9, plays the Nerd, with AIDS. They heard stories that were not human race's survival" said the London strong support from Penny Cook, Kevin making the press - stories of work being Daily Mail critic following its 1979 Lon Miles, John Derum, John Allen and done by nurses, volunteers and the family don presentation. The play continues at Jennifer West. and friends of those who are fighting. the New Theatre throughout March. AETT discount $3.00 (Mon to Thu and AETT discount $1.00 AETT discount $1.00 Fri at 6 p.m.) Bookings on 33 3817 Bookings on 519 3403 Bookings on 660 7571 .. 1 12 I

is a publication of the Australian Elizabethan POSTAGE Theatre Trust which is produced exclusively for its 8,000 members throughout Australia. PAID i THE AUSTRALIAN ELIZABETHAN AUSTRALIA I, THEATRE TRUST (incorporated in the A.C.T.) Patron Her Majesty The Queen President Sir Ian Potter Chairman Andrew Briger, AM Directors Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor of Brisbane, Alderman S. Atkinson Sir David Griffin CBE, The Hon. Mr. Justice C. J. Legoe K. E. Cowley, 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 Director, Entrepreneurial Activities: Jeffrey Kovel Entrepreneurial Administrator: Dennis Linehan Australian Content Administrator: Wendy Blacklock Executive Producer for Musical Theatre: Noel Ferrier Orchestral Director of Music: William Reid I

Administrator of Orchestras: Warwick Ross I Theatre of the Deaf Artistic Director: Patrick Mitchell Theatre of the Deaf Administrator: Priscilla Shorne Ticket Services Manager: Andre Krause Building, Props and Electric Supervisor: Roger Taylor Costume Hires Manager: Michael James Membership Manager: Carole Long Membership Secretary: Carol Martin Melbourne office: Carol Ormerod Brisbane office: Denise Wadley Adelaide office: Veronica Bohm i Perth office: Janet Durack ! 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 W.A. Arts Council. B.P. Australia. The Ian Polter Foundation. The Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust is a founder member of CAPPA. :

Membership enquiries should be directed to the I 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