FEBRUARY, 1988 Vol 12 No 1 ISSN 0314 - 0598 A publication of the Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust

Vast - Dance on a New Scale

VAST choreographed by Graeme Murphy Music by Barry Conyingham Design by Andrew Carter Costumes by Jennijer Irwin Lighting by Kenneth Rayner

entral to any celebration of the Aus­ Ctralian arts must be a recognition of the spectacular advances made over the last decade by our dancers and dance companies. In a world precedent, the diversity and energy of four of these companies - the Dance Com­ pany, The Queensland Ballet, the West Australian Ballet Company and Aus­ tralian Dance Theatre - will be forged together in a specially commissioned ballet - VAST - choreographed by Graeme Murphy and featuring all 69 dancers. VAST will reflect the diversity of our landscapes, the reefs and coastlines, deserts and rainforests and, of course, the uniquely urban situation in which most Australians live. "The new work will reflect the vastness 0/ this country" says Murphy "I don't think you could tackle a subject as huge as this with any less than 69 dancers. It will not be a return to narrative slyle but at the same time I don't want it devoid a/humanity. You have to be bold enough to people that landscape, showing them coming to terms with their environment. Aus­ tralians are finding the beauty in the harshness, strength and vibrance 0/ the colours we dwell in, rather than craving the softness, the pastels and ease oj a more tamed environment. " Murphy will spend a fortnight with each of the four companies getting to know their styles before they come together for joint rehearsals in Sydney Graerne J;furphy rehearses VAST {/{ his sllIdio in Sydney at The Wharf and then Melbourne. The new com­ bined work will show a true ensemble, to a Bicentennial Arts activity, which, drawn from a variety of dance styles together with the significant financial BOOKING INFORMATION but melded together into a common support from the Australian Bicenten­ Her Majesty's Theatre language. A special AETT discount of nial Authority, makes the project poss­ Tue Apr 19 to Sat Apr 30 ible. An added bonus for lovers of Mon to Sat at 8 p.m. (except Fri Apr 22 $6.00 per ticket applies during the first at 5.45 p.m. & 8.45 p.m.) four days of the season. dance is that each company will present Sat mat at 2 p.m. Wang Australia has been principal a free outdoor performance of a work AETT $30.50, $26.50 (Apr 19 to 22) sponsor of the Sydney Dance Company from their repertoire in each city. In G.P. $32.50 since 1985. For the National Bicenten­ Sydney the performance will take place Stud/Pens $22.50 nial Dance Event, Wang is contributing in The Domain on Saturday April 16 at Two AETT tickets per Member $300,000, the largest sponsorship given 7.30 p.m. 2

and Julia Blake. Considered by many Prior to opening in Dublin with an New Gluck to be his best play, Ibsen uses the meta­ Irish cast directed by Barry Creyton ORPHEUS & EURIDICE by Gluck phor of inherited terminal syphillis to NUN SENSE returns to Sydney in Directed by John Wregg explore the ways in which our lives are March for a four-week season. Musical direction by Roland Peelman closed in and perverted by ideologies Starring Rosemary Gunn and Amanda passed down from generation to gener­ BOOKING INFORMATION Thane ation. The work has been translated by Everest Theatre, Louis Nowra and May-Brit Akerholt. Sat Mar 5 to Sat Apr 2 pera Ensemble will bring a radical Booking information is supplied Mon to Sat at 8 p.m. Wed at 11 a.m. Sat at 2 p.m. Onew look to Gluck's ORPHEUS below for this first production in the season and details of later productions AETT $23.50, $19.50 (mats) AND EURIDICE when they present G.P. $26.50, $22.50 (mats) their first 1988 production at Sydney's will follow in future editions. Those Members who are interested in seeing Pens/Stud $17.50 (except Fri/Sat evg) newest theatre - the Zenith at $15.50 (mats) Chatswood. Opera ensemble will revert all five productions will obtain the best Two AETT tickets per Member to Gluck's original concept of a conflict discount by subscribing and a brochure between Orpheus and his alter ego can be obtained from Belvoir St. on Euridice. To eliminate any romantic 6993273. implication the two principal roles will Oz Ballet 1988 be played by female singers - Amanda Thane and Rosemary Gunn. BOOKING INFORMATION rust Members have the opportunity Tue Mar 8 to Sun Mar 20 T of reserving tickets for the 1988 Tue to Sat at 8 p.m. Australian Ballet season once sub­ Sat at 2 p.m. Sun at 5 p.m. scriber needs have been satisfied and BOOKING INFORMATION AETT $17.00 before single performance tickets go on Zenith Theatre, Railway Pde, G.P. $20.00 Chatswood sale to the general public. But in order Pens/Stud $10.00 to do this bookings must be received at Wed Feb 17 to Sat Feb 27 Two AETT tickets per Member Wed to Sat (excl Thu) at 8 p.m. the Trust by Friday February 19. The Sun at 4.30 p.m. season will include John Cranko's AETT discount $3.00 (Feb 19, 20, ROMEO AND JULIET, a double bill 21 ) Nuns Return of a new Graeme Murphy work, GAL­ Bookings on 327 1667 LERY and Bejart's GAITE NUNSENSE by Dan Goggin PARISIENNE, Prokovsky's THREE Directed by Barry Creyton MUSKETEERS and a triple bill of Jiri Designed by Peter Tyers Kylian's RETURN TO THE Bel voir St. Season Musical Direction by Dale Ringland STRANGE LAND, Lander's ETUDES Cast: Belly Bobbitt, Laine Lamont, and a newly commissioned balletic ver­ GHOSTS by Henrik Ibsen Geraldene Morrow, Kerryn Henderson sion of SNUGGLEPOT AND Directed by Neil Armfield and Ja-Anne Cahill CUDDLEPIE. The dates given below Designed by Brian Thomson are those on which we expect good A and Jennie Tate reserve seats to be available. Tickets on Music by Chris Neal other dates may be available but good Starring John Bell, Julia Blake, seats are unlikely to be available. Robert Menzies and Rebecca Frith BOOKING INFORMATION elvoir St. Theatre has always had a Opera Theatre S.O.H. B fairly radical approach to theatre ROMEO & JULIET performance from the time that 600 Tue Mar 29, Wed Mar 30 industry members formed a syndicate Thu Mar 17 & Thu Mar 24 at 7.30 p.m. to buy the theatre from Nimrod three DOUBLE BILL years ago. So the launch of their first Thu Apr 21, Fri Apr 22, Thu Apr 7 subscription season under the title of & Thu Apr 14 at 7.30 p.m. Radical Classics foreshadows a year in TRIPLE BILL which we will be asked to sit up and Tue May 17, Wed May 18 take a fresh look at works familiar. The The Sydney cast of NUNSENSE Thu May 5 & Thu May 12 at 7.30 season includes Xavier Herbert's ne of the highlight's of the 1987 p.m. CAPRICORNIA, Brecht's DRUMS OSydney musical calendar was the MUSKETEERS OF THUNDER, Prevert's LES wonderful cabaret act put on by the Tue Dec 20, Wed Dec 21, Thu Dec 8 & Thu Dec 15 at 7.30 p.m. ENFANTS DU PARADIS and Little Sisters of Mercy to raise funds for AETT $38.00 Stephen Sewell's HATE. the burial of their dearly departed sis­ G.P. $42.00 The season commences in March ters. It had an extended season at the Pens $36.50 with Isben's GHOSTS starring two of Footbridge Theatre and led one Sydl1ey Two AETT tickets per Member Australia's greatest actors - John Bell critic to say"... for God's sake see it". 3

over mistrust, THE MORTAL FAL­ Power Play Royal Ballet CON the dire consequences of obsess­ s a major cultural component to ive passion and THE GAME OF LOVE THE WARHORSE by John Upton our Bicentennial celebrations The AND CHANCE is an inimitable Directed by Gary Baxter A Royal Ballet will tour Australia this French refinement of the Italian Cast includes Jeff Ashby, Don Carter, year. The company will present two commedia dell'arte. Members are Julie Herbert, Serge Lazareff, works at the Sydney Entertainment invited to purchase as many tickets as Mark Lee and Shirley Sunners Centre. MANON by Kenneth they wish at special Trust performances MacMillan is a full three act ballet of THE FALCON and THE GAME at a he first play in the Ensemble's 1988 portraying a story of passion, opulence $5.00 discount. Bookings for IDEAL T season was described by Sydney and inevitable tragedy. The second HUSBAND are very heavy and so drama critic Taffy Davies as "the programme is a triple bill featuring bookings are only available Monday to funniest play since THE CLUB". THE Frederick Ashton's THE DREAM and Thursday. WARHORSE is a comedy about power RHAPSODY and Kenneth and political machinations. It deals MacMillan's THE RITE OF SPRING. with Labor Party politics at the level of Tickets have been set aside for Mem­ local councils but the issues raised deal bers at the performances shown below with government at all levels. but as demand for these tickets is likely Jack Armstrong, the warhorse of the to be high Members are urged to book title, is a member of State Parliament as soon as possible. who has reached retiring age but wants another term. Several Labor aldermen are already jockeying to succeed him. Jack sets out to engineer a political BOOKING INFORMATION Sydney Entertainment Centre crisis so the party will turn to him one MANON last ti me. Members may purchase as Wed Jul 20 & Sat Jul 23 (mat) many tickets as they wish at a $6.00 dis­ at 7.30 p.m. count on February 16 and 17. TRIPLE BILL Tue Jul 26 & Thu Jul 28 at 7.30 p.m. Linda Cropper AETT Price to be confirmed G.P. $73.00 BOOKING INFORMATION Pens $60.00 Two AETT tickets per Member THE MORTAL FALCON Man Feb 29 to Sat Mar 12 THE GAME Man Mar 14 to Sat Mar 26 IDEAL HUSBAND Man Mar 28 to Thu Apr 7 Experimental Theme Mon to Fri at 8 p.m. Sat 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. AN IDEAL HUSBAND AETT $2l.00 (except Fri/Sat evg) by Oscar Wilde $18.00 Feb 29, Mar 5 (2 p.m.) THE GAME OF LOVE AND Mar 14, Mar 19 (2 p.m.) CHANCE by Pierre Carlet G.P. $23.00 de Chamblain de Marivaux Pens/Stud $18.00 THE MORTAL FALCON adapted Two AETT tickets per Member except from Middleton and Rowley's Feb 29, Mar 5, 14 & 19 Mark Lee "The Cha!lgeling" Directed by Richard Wherrett BOOKING INFORMATION Cast includes Andrew Tighe, Fringe Festival Fri Feb 12 to Sun Mar 13 Paul Goddard, Richard Roxburgh, Tue to Sun at 8 p.m. Rosemary Harris, Susan Lyons, ringe companies from all over Aus­ Sat & Sun at 5 p.m. Robert Coleby and David Cameron. F tralia are converging on Sydney this Thu at 11 a.m. month for a Fringe Festival taking AETT $15.00 (Feb 16, 17) orking with a repertory company place at the Bay Street Theatre and the $12.00 (Thu mat), $19.00 (Fri) Wand exploring the themes of loy­ Gap (Trade Union Club, Foveaux St). $17.00 (Man to Thu & Sat/Sun mats) alty, lust and love, the Sydney Theatre Twenty companies will include styles G.P. $14.00 (Thu mat), Company is presenting a season of ranging from commedia dell'arte, $21.00 (Fri/Sat) three plays which will appeal to audi­ through music theatre and new Aus­ $19.00 (Man to Thu & Sat/Sun mats) tralian plays, to performance. Pens/Stud $14.00 (exc Sat evg) ences committed to research and exper­ Two AETT tickets per Member except iment in theatre arts. AN IDEAL Further details can be obtained from Feb 16 & 17 HUSBAND explores the triumph of the Bay Street Theatre on 692 0977. A . tolerance over idealism and loyalty $1.00 AETT discount applies. 4

winter). This time the play they've hearted romp in commedic style con­ Legendary Diva chosen is Neil Simon's hilarious com­ trasts well with the realism of the edy of marital and extra marital Williams' play set in down-town New Elisabeth Welch, the American-born relationships set in New York's Plaza Orleans. Using a combination of mime, black singer-actress will celebrate her Hotel. The theatre restaurant has now sign language and voice, the company 79th birthday with an Australian been racked to improve everyone's presents its unique form of perform­ premiere season of her one-person sightlines and a new menu will offer ance which has appeal to both a hearing show SHE SHALL HAVE MUSIC at patrons a chicken or vegetarian dish and non-hearing audience. the Footbridge Theatre. Songs like with entree and American cheesecake Patrick Mitchell, Artistic Director "Shanty Town", "Stormy Weather" to follow. Matinee performances offer a and Carol-Lee Aquiline the company's and "Love for Sale" have become syn­ light luncheon (1 p.m.) or high tea (4 deaf Assistant Director will act in and onymous with her name and many of p.m.). Bookings can be made by indi­ co-direct both plays. Members are these songs have been interwoven with vidual Members or join our theatre invited to purchase as many tickets as anecdotes of her remarkable career to group on March 2nd (see Member they wish to the special preview on produce a performance which in 1986 Activities p. ). Prices include both March 3 at $9.00 each. won the Off Broadway Obie Award and the show and meal. outer Circle Critics Award. "Her secret BOOKING INFORMATION is that beyond the consummate tech­ Seymour Centre, Downstairs nique, the singular voice, the impeccable Fri Mar 4 to Sat Apr 2 diction, she brings reality to her songs ". BOOKING INFORMATION Hyatt Kingsgate Tue to Sat at 8.15 p.m. The audiences she attracts are not Tue Feb 9 to Sat Mar 26 Sat mats 4 p.m. made up of elderly nostagists but of (excluding Feb 22 to 27) (No perf. Fri Apr I) yuppies who have only recently dis­ Mon to Sat at 7 p.m. AETT $14.20, $9.00 (Mar 3) covered her. Wed at I p.m., Sat at 4 p.m. G.P. $17.20 AETT $SS.OO Pens/Stud $12.00 G.P. $S9.S0 Two AETT tickets per Member Pens/Stud $39.S0 (Wed I p.m.) except Mar 3 $29.S0 (Sat 4 p.m.) Two AETT tickets per Member Wog Mania Food for Thought atch out Sydney theatregoers! WYou are about to be assaulted by a ydney's Entr'acte has been develop­ devastating new comedy which if reac­ Sing a new work in recent months. It tion in Melbourne is anything to go by will be their first since the highly suc­ can be positively addictive. WOGS cessful production of OSTRAKA last OUT OF WORK was created and per­ year. THE LAST CIRCUS, while based formed by Nick Giannopoulos, Simon Elisahel h Welch strongly on the company's movement Polomares and Maria Port est for strengths, will incorporate other Melbourne's Comedy Festival last theatre forms. It explores in the com­ March. They hoped it might run the BOOKING INFORMATION edy mode the twin ideas of food - two-week season. It did . .. and more Footbridge Theatre bread to feed the body and philosophy ... running until Christmas when it Wed Feb 3 to Sat Feb 28 the soul. Tue to Sat at 8. IS p.m. finally closed with a gala presentation Sat at 5 p.m. of I'M DREAMING OF A WOG AETT $22.00 (exc Fri/Sat evg) BOOKING INFORMATION CHRISTMAS. G .P. $26.00 The Performance Space Pens/Stud $19.00 Tue Feb 16 to Sat Mar S Two AETT tickets per Member Tue to Sat at 8 p.m. AETT discount $1 .00 Bookings on 699 5091 Dinner Theatre Theatre of the Deaf PLAZA SUITE by Neil Simon Directed by Edgar Metcalfe I' Australia's only professional deaf Starring Janet Brown, Henri Szeps and Do theatre company returns to present Victoria Nicolls ~L a season of two one-act plays. SGANARELLE by Moliere and THE he Hyatt Kingsgate at Ki.ngs Cross LADY OF LARKSPUR LOTION by T is about to launch theIr second Tennessee Williams will show the season of dinner theatre (following company's strengths and versatility in RA TTLE OF A SIMPLE MAN last two very different lights. A light- . Simon Palomares and Nick Gia nnopoulas

I'Et An Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust presentationl ______5

WOGS OUT OF WORK explores BACKBEA T is described as an out­ Romeril with producer John Timlin multiculturalism drawing on the rageous journey of four generations of told Manning Clark that they proposed experiences of Nick, Simon and Maria women through four decades of to dramatise his history. Later it was growing up in Australia the children of Rock'n'Roll; the choices they make and decided to transform the play into a "New Australians". They laugh at their the consequences they live with. It's musical under the direction of John stereotypes as well as giving the yuppies about being young, growing old and Bell, who sees the work as the culmi­ and yobbos an affectionate roasting. everything in between. nation of his interests in epic theatre, original Australian theatre and BOOKING INFORMAnON BOOKING INFORMA nON musicals. Playhouse, S.O.H. Stables Theatre The production covers the years Tue Feb 2 to Sun Feb 28 Thu Mar 10 to Sun Apr 10 from 1788 to 1915 by featuring many Tue to Fri at 8 p.m. Tue to Sat at 8.15 p.m. of the exiciting characters and events Sat at 7 p.m. & 10 p.m. Sat & Sun at 5 p.m. included in the first five volumes of the Sun at 5 p.m. AETT $15.00, G.P. $18.00 History of Australia and the years 1915 AETT $18.90 (exc Fri/Sat) Pens/Stud $11.00 to the present will be dealt with by fol­ G.P. $22.90 Two AETT tickets per Member lowing the life and times of Manning Pens/Stud $14.90 (exc Fri/Sat) Clark himself. Two AETT tickets per Member The Sydney season opens at the State Musical History Theatre in April following its Aus­ tralian premiere season in Melbourne. MANNING CLARK'S HISTORY OF Griffin Premiere AUSTRALIA by Manning Clark, Don Watson, Tim Robertson and John BOOKING INFORMATION BACKBEA T by Grant Fraser Romeril Wed Apr 13 to Sat Apr 30 Directed by Ian Watson Directed by John Bell Mon to Sat at 8 p.m. Designed by Jack Ritchie Music composed by Martin Armiger Wed & Sat at 2 p.m. and George Dreyfus AETT $30.00 (Mon to Thu) Cast includes Tina Bursill, Ivor Kants, $23.90 (mats) riffin Theatre's second play of G.P. $35.00 (Mon to Sat) G 1988 is another world premiere - Terry Bader, Michelle Fawdon and $28.00 (mats) by Grant Fraser who's first play LOVE John McTernan Pens/Stud $19.90 (Mon to Thu and AND THE SINGLE TEENAGER cre­ mats) ated enormous interest at its Griffin t is four years now since writers Don Two AETT tickets per Member premiere some years ago. I Watson, Tim Robertson and John I M~_·1~______~

BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION HYATT DINNER THEATRE Coffee Shop prior to the Trust night of Grand Ballroom, Sheraton Wentworth Friday March 4 at 7 p.m. RELA TIVEL Y SPEAKING at the Monday March 21 at 7.30 p.m. Glen Street Theatre, Frenchs Forest. Dinner theatre is often more fun as a Bagels, crepes or pasta with pastries to A gala evening celebrating 200 years of party, so we've arranged a special night follow will be on the menu and tickets theatre in Australia will be presented for Members and their friends to attend for the two-course dinner with wine by the Elizabethan Theatre Trust's Syd­ the Hyatt Kingsgate's latest pro­ and coffee are $34 each, which also ney Committee on March 21. Judy duction. It's the delightful Neil Simon includes your theatre ticket. White who is both a Trust Governor comedy PLAZA SUITE starring Janet and the author of a history of Belltrees Brown, Henri Szeps and Victoria MARIAN ST. SUPPER Station has developed a scripted pres­ Nicolls. (See Dinner Theatre Returns Tuesday February 23 entation of costumes from our theatri­ p. 4.) The cost for dinner and the show Join us for supper following a perform­ cal heritage. The presentation will be a is $55 per person. ance of A MONTH OF SUNDAYS at highlight of the evening which also Killara's Marian St. Theatre. It will be a includes a full three-course dinner. GLEN ST. DINNER great opportunity to see Ron Haddrick Tickets are $60 each and Members are Wednesday, February 10 at 6 p.m. and Penny Cook with a fine supporting encouraged to get together tables for cast both on stage and in person at the the event. Individual bookings are also There's still time to join us for a light supper. Tickets are $23.00 each, which very welcome. pre-theatre dinner at the Glen Street includes both theatre and the supper.

l 6 ~'-~------t:I An Entertainment Focus for Sydney's West Parramatta Cultural Centre by Jo Litson

es Currie has a message for all those L people who live out west, from Par­ ramatta to Katoomba, from Campbelltown to Richmond: "finally we have our own arts centre. It's not my theatre, it belongs to all of us and we 've all got to support it to make it work. " Not that Currie is worried about finding support for the new Parramatta Cultural Centre, of which he is General Manager. Most people he has spoken to are extremely excited about the project, but he is anxious to convey the message that this is for the benefit if everyone, not just the committed theatre-goer. The Centre, as he envisages it, will be the home for all manner of entertain­ ment from jazz bands to opera, from putting. A trip to Parramatta would be stage is bigger and better than the Opera theatre to late-night cabaret. It will be a a comparative breeze. House stage", says Currie, "with a meeting place, an exhibition centre, a In 1983, Neville Wran picked up on thrust stage or orchestra pit that can place where people can picnic, get mar­ that need and announced that the State accommodate up to 70 musicians. ried and generally enjoy themselves. Government would join with the Fed­ Orchestras won't know themselves after "It's ours. " eral Government in providing the the cramped conditions in the Opera On Saturday 27 February, the Parra­ much-needed centre. Finally in 1988 House pitl" matta Cultural Centre will celebrate its the dream becomes a reality. Already there have been enquiries opening with a bang. After all it's been a The Parramatta Cultural Centre is from the Australian Opera who are long-time coming. built in a beautiful spot, on the Parra­ considering staging performances of Since the late 1970s when the people matta River facing Prince Alfred Park, THE MAGIC FLUTE, the Australian of Parramatta fought to save the Astra on land donated by the Parramatta Chamber Orchestra, Musica Viva, Syd­ Theatre and failed, there has been a City Council. The architecture comp­ ney Dance Company, the Human perceived need for an entertainment lements the landscape with its abun­ Veins Dance Company and the venue to service the west. Parramatta dance of curves and hues ofbluey-green Queensland Ballet. itself has a population of 130,000 and violet which echo the river and the The Lennox Theatre, named after which is growing. Large companies are Jacaranda. It has long been a favourite the Lennox Bridge which it overlooks, decentralising and moving from the spot for picnicers. Now Currie hopes to will present mainly theatrical fare in city out west. Development is on the entice them inside. 1988, while Rafferty's Room, named increase, buildings are on the up and In order to do so he is convinced that after Chips Rafferty who came from up. As Currie is well aware, there is a the entertainment offered must be the area, will certainly be a place where new wealth in the Cradle City of Aus­ extremely diverse. Not only is that part Rafferty's Rules prevails - in other tralia. What's more, Parramatta is now­ of the Centre's charter - to promote words, "anything goes ". "J'd like to adays the geographical centre of all art forms - but it is, he says, the encourage stand-up comedy, young Sydney, the hub of a thriving commer­ only way to service the whole people's cabaret and start to develop cial, industrial and residential com­ community. some of the fringe groups in the area ", munity which services 1.5 million Consequently the keynote, when says Currie. people - an exceedingly healthy designing the facilities, was flexibility. The courtyard is also an ideal per­ potential audience. There are four main performance formance space, with concerts under Surveys have shown that people spaces - the Riverside Theatre which the stars already planned as well as a from the other western suburbs will seats 695, the Lennox Theatre and production of OTHELLO by Wayne make the arduous journey into the city Rafferty'S Room, flexible spaces which Harrison, which will recreate the whole if there is a show they really want to see seat up to 200 and 100 respectively, Elizabethan feel , with food and alcohol like CATS for example, but the dis­ and the courtyard. served to the audience as they watch tance, the problems of finding a park, The Riverside Theatre is built in the the show. Eventually Currie would like finding a baby-sitter, finding a res­ lyric mode, designed on a traditional to install a canopy over the courtyard, taurant and then finding their way Renaissance opera theatre model with money permitting, so that inclement home late at night are frequently off- stalls and horseshoe balconies. "Its weather becomes irrelevant. 7

The facilities are without doubt first anyway. By being entrepreneurs we also puppet cabaret by American puppet­ class. Currie's most difficult task now is ensure that we cover all artistic aspects eer, Eric Bass and a couple of seasons in to make them pay their own way. so that we satisfy everybody. " the smaller theatre by Q Theatre. Despite some funding from the State The programme planned for 1988 is Currie will be aiming to attract audi­ Government through the office of the certainly a mixed bag. The Centre will ences from Sydney to the Centre from Minister of the Arts for an open with a week's Festival including a the very beginning. "In order to work we entrepreneurial fund, once the centre is grand opening night concert featuring have to altract everybody", and he is planning an aggressive marketing cam­ up and running it has to be sell­ artists of the likes of Roger Woodward. paign to co-incide with the opening. He financing, which as any theatre man­ A Festival Club will open through the ager will tell you is no mean feat these week with late night jazz from people is also hot on the trail of corporate days. like Kerrie Biddell and Galapagos sponsorship and has already found $50,000 for THE SENTIMENTAL Currie must therefore hustle to get Duck. shows into the centre and ensure they BLOKE. The Riverside Theatre opens the fol­ are of a sufficiently high standard to Individuals can help by becoming lowing week with THE SENTIMEN­ attract a large and committed audi­ Friends of the Centre for $40 a year TAL BLOKE starring Bartholomew ence. He remains confident that the while plans for a Foundation Member­ John, a co-production between the Par­ Centre will break even but is well aware ship are afoot whereby for $300 you ramatta Cultural Centre and the Q of just how daunting that task is. can purchase your own seat which is Theatre. With a cast of 20 and a full yours for life for every show provided "The artistic policy is ofcourse in one orchestra, it is an exciting way to begin. you book during the preferential book­ sense just to get hirers in ", he says. "I've In the Lennox Theatre, Leonard Teale ing period. Enquiries on (02) 689 9333. been knocking on every door to encour­ performs a new one-man show called Currie is full of plans for the future. age shows to come in here as hirers, but THE MEN WHO MADE AUS­ Eventually he would love to see a resi­ we're also taking an entrepreneurial TRALIA, which is a realistic rather dent compan,.y evolve. For the time approach because I believe the only way than a rosey coloured view of Australia being, he is throwing all his energies any theatre will work, particularly a new as seen through our literature. Sub­ into planning the most exciting open­ one, is to have it operating day and night sequent productions include a local ing possible. His commitment and with good shows. Sometimes we will Gang Show, a one man show called enthusiasm are obvious. "The Parra­ take a risk on a show ourselves as we OFF THE RECORD which pays trib­ malta Cultural Centre is going to have to be seen to take that risk to ute to Peter Dawson and which comes work", he says with conviction. "I think encourage others, in the early stages from the Adelaide Festival, a one man we're onto a goldmine!" on how it feels to be Australian particu­ Dip Your Lid larly in this our Bicentennial year. A Singular Voyage ydney's Q Theatre and the Parra­ Smatta Cultural Centre have joined BOOKING INFORMATION together to produce a big modern musi­ ollowing a season at Sydney's Lennox Theatre Wharf Theatre, Tony Sheldon's cal spectacular of C. J. Dennis' immor­ Tue Mar 9 to Sat Apr 2 F tal poem THE SENTIMENTAL Tue to Sat at 8.15 p.m. portrayal of First Fleeter Ralph Clark, BLOKE. Directed by the Q's director, Wed at II a.m., Sat at 2.15 p.m. A SINGULAR VOYAGE, opens at the Doreen Warburton it will play in the Sun at S p.m. Parramatta Cultural Centre, Lennox Ri verside Theatre from March II to AETT $16.90 (Tue to Thu), Theatre on February 27. Local actor April 9. $18.90 (Sun). $13.90 (mats) and director Peter Collingwood has G.P. $19.90 (Tue to Thu) brought to life the everyday incidents $21.90 (Fri/Sat/Sun) $16.90 (mat) and passionate longings of the young BOOKING INFORMA nON Pens/Stud $13.90 (Mon to Thu). Riverside Theatre officer, Ralph Clark, as he proceeds on $10.90 (mats) his reluctant voyage from Portsmouth Fri Mar I I to Sat Apr 9 Two AETT tickets per Member Mon to Sat at 8.00 p.m. to Port Jackson aboard the Wed at I p.m., Sat at 2 p.m. "Friendship" . AETT $2S.90 (Mon to Thu) $20.90 (mats) G.P. $29.90 (Mon to Thu) BOOKING INFORMA nON $31.90 (Fri/Sat), $24.90 (mats) Lennox Theatre Pens/Stud $20.90 (Mon to Thu) Sat Feb 27 to Sat Mar S $IS.90 (mats) Mon to Sat at 8.1S p.m. Sat at 2.IS p.m. AETT $16.90 (Mon to Thu), Reflections $13.90 (mats) G.P. $19.90 (Mon to Thu) new one man show by Leonard $21.90 (Fri/Sat), $16.90 (mats) A Teale will follow A SINGULAR Pens/Stud $13.90 (Mon to Thu) VOY AGE in the Lennox Theatre. $10.90 (mats) Directed by Liz Harris THE MEN Two AETT tickets per Member WHO MADE AUSTRALIA will reflect Tony Sheldon in A SINGULAR VOYAGE by Margaret Leask

he 1987 theatre year concluded ing account of the relationship of two asm Shakespeare as a living source of T with women in the ascendent in women at odds with the world about inspiration and observation. He is a London - what with Judi Dench win­ them, manifested in their approach to fiercely intelligent actor with an end­ ning major awards for her Cleopatra at history and architecture - Maggie lessly pliable voice and body, which the National, Dame Peggy Ashcroft's Smith is a tour guide, sacked for her accounts for the success of such a pro­ 80th birthday celebrations at the Old embellishment of historical fact in a gramme not usually to be found in the Vic, and Maggie Smith lighting up the dull stately home by Margaret Tyzack's West End. At the National, another West End with a superb comic per­ ferocious employer at the Conservation British actor, Alec McCowen, is giving formance in Peter Shaffer's new play Trust. Miss Tyzack is the perfect foil a series of watchable performances in written specially for her, LETTICE for Miss Smith, making for a facinating repertoire this season, including AND LOVAGE, at the Globe. piece of theatre. Vladimir, in Michael Rudman's new For me, the highlight of the year was production of Beckett's WAITING a special "party" at the old Vic (where FOR GO DOT, which has been' gener­ she first appeared on stage in 1932) to ally praised but as always, despite an celebrate the 80th birthday (on Decem­ awareness of something great in its ber 20) of "The Jewel in the British metaphor for the human condition, it Theatre's Crown", Dame Peggy sits uneasily in the repertoire for the Ashcroft with extracts from the plays general theatre-going public. (mostly Shakespeare) and words and Looking ahead to 1988 sees a revival music programmes Dame Peggy has of SOUTH PACIFIC at the Prince of presented over the years. Much loved Wales, Shaw's YOU NEVER CAN and long applauded, Dame Peggy TELL with Michael Horden and Irene appeared at the end of this memorable Worth at the Haymarket, and John evening; leaving with the audience a Gielgud in a new play by Hugh great sense of her strength and imagin­ Whitemore, THE BEST OF FRIENDS at the Apollo, as well as continuation of ation and her important place in the Dam e Peggy Ashcroji British Theatre. Three days before this such delights as Aphra Behn's THE event, I saw LETTICE AND LOVAGE At the Playhouse, Ian McKellen's ROVER with Jeremy Irons at the Mer­ with Maggie Smith and Margaret one-man show, ACTING maid and Charlton Heston in A MAN Tyzack, directed by Michael SHAKESPEARE, goes some way to FOR ALL SEASONS at the Savoy. Blakemore - a warm, eccentric com­ re-dressing the balance - in a pro­ edy "which defies tradition by having a gramme he has toured throughout Margaret Leask is a former editor of hard core but soft edges" (SUNDAY America, he explores with almost Trust News now living in London where she is an artists' agent. TIMES). It is the painful b~t entertain- missionary zeal and boundless enthusi-

Mr. Stonier's strengths as a publisher benefits and services across all States. Trust Update and accountant will be of great value to With membership at an all-time high the Trust. He is also Vice-Chairman of (rapidly approaching 11 ,000), the Since publication of our December the National Art Gallery on whose Trust recognises and thanks all mem­ issue, a number of important develop­ Board he sits until May 1988. Dr. bers for their continuing loyalty and ments have taken place at the Trust. Seaborn is the founding director of the contribution to the Trust, and thereby Most of you will be aware that our Seaborn, Broughton & Walford Foun­ to the entire Australian arts scene. former Chief Executive, Kathleen dation, whose charter is to foster the No other organisation has the broad Norris, has decided to pursue new the­ performing arts in Australia. The charter and unique capability to deliver atrical avenues and that a new chief Foundation's first contribution was to significant benefits to all performing executive will be appointed in due assist the Griffin Theatre financially arts. We aim to improve communi­ course. Mr. Stan Coonan, a senior man­ thereby allowing it to continue operat­ cation and progressively establish a agement consultant with Duesburys, ing in its Stables home. Dr. Seaborn is a stronger national presence. In this has been appointed Acting Chief retired psychiatrist, a former president Bicentennial year, we also aim to look Executive and will help the Trust con­ of the Alcohol and Drug Foundation of to the future by developing pro­ solidate its management restructuring N.S.W., and the founding president of grammes to educate and inspire the and implement new growth the Drug and Alcohol Foundation of young people of Australia as the per­ programmes. Australia. formers and audiences of tomorrow. During the latter part of 1987, mem­ The Trust's management structure The Trust and its members have bers of the Board of Directors met to has been strengthened with the shared goals and can only achieve them consider and define the strategic direc­ appointment of Mr. Bill Cottam as by concerted, co-operative efforts. tion of the Trust and its immediate and Finance Director and Mr. Trevor Over the next few months, the Trust medium-term objectives. Since then, Brooks as Marketing Director, both will outline its new programmes to all the Board has been strengthened by the from the private sector. members. Together we can make great appointment of Mr. K. Brian Stonier, One of the main thrusts of 1988 will strides forward during 1988. Welcome AO, and Dr. R. Seaborn, OBE. be a significant review of membership to a challenging and exciting year. 9

duction at the Drama Theatre, S.O.H. A Month of Sundays Sankai Juku is directed by Rodney Fisher.

ob Larbey, who wrote the award­ t the same time grotesquely shock­ BOOKING INFORMATION Bwinning TV comedy series "A Fine A ing and beautiful, SANKAI JUKU Drama Theatre, S.O.H. Romance", is the author of the (which translates as "The School of Wed Feb 10 to Sat Feb 27 Northside Theatre Company's next Mountain and Sea") blends traditional Mon to Sat at 8 p.m. production, A MONTH OF SUN­ and modern dance, sculpture and Sat mat at 2 p.m. DA YS. Directed by Aubrey Mellor and poetry and German Expressionism to AETT $24.00 (except Fri/Sat evg) designed by Penny Cooke, it stars Ron produce an extraordinary blend of G.P. $27.00 Haddrick and Brian James. Its elderly modern dance and experimental Pens/Stud $24.00 (except Fri/Sat evg) hero, Cooper, defies his family and theatre. It was formed in Japan in 1975 Two AETT tickets per Member their plans for him by booking himself and was acclaimed by critics and audi­ into a rest home. There he causes quite ences on its American tour in 1984. a stir by verbally battling with his nurse Booking Service and his good friend Aylott, and need­ ling ~ nis daughter and son-in-law on Those of you who regularly use our their duty visits. telephone booking service will know how easy and convenient it is. As a result, fewer people are using the mail , . BOOKING INFORMATION booking coupon, so rather than enclose , Killara a coupon with each edition of Trust Sun Feb 7 to Sun Feb 21 News, we'll mail one out to you with Tue to Sat at 8.15 p.m. your tickets. If you'd like a stock of Sat and Sun at 5 p.m. spares, please let us know. Wed mat at II a.m. We are only able to run our booking AETT $16.90 (Tues to Fri and mats service so efficiently because of the except Feb 10) G.P. $22.90 dedicated band of volunteers who Pens/Stud $10.90 (except Fri/Sat evg) come in each day to assist us. But even Two AETT tickets per Member so costs continue to rise and so reluc­ tantly we have had to increase our handling fees this year. Fees for mail bookings will rise to 60c per ticket and Relatively Speaking BOOKING INFORMATION for phone bookings to $1.00. Our book­ York Theatre, Seymour Centre Mon Feb 15 to Sat Feb 27 ing services continue to be available 9 wo very well-known stage and tele­ to 5 pm Monday to Friday. Tvision stars will be on stage at the Mon to Sat 8 p.m. Glen Street Theatre when the Forest Programme 1: Mon Feb 15 to Sat Feb 20 Theatre Company opens its 1988 Programme 2: Mon Feb 22 to Twyla Tharp Dance season with RELA TlVELY SPEAK­ Sat Feb 27 very different dance company is ING. June Salter and Roger Climpson AETT $21.00 (except Fri/Sat evg) will appear together for the first time G.P. $26.00 Athat of Twyla Tharp, who's name since they played an engaged couple 35 Stud/Pens $20.00 (except Fri evg) and talent have been the talk of the years ago. The play is by Alan Two AETT tickets per Member dance world since her first perform­ Ayckbourn, that prolific master of ance in 1965. Considered one of the comedy and English eccentricity. most inventive and imaginative RELATIVELY SPEAKING played for choreographers in the world, Twyla over 1000 performances in London Six Characters Tharp has created works for starring Celia Johnson, Michael Baryshnikov, the American Ballet Horden and Richard Briers. ince its premiere in 1921 , Luigi Theatre and the New York City Ballet, SPirandello's SIX CHARACTERS as well as film and television. The films IN SEARCH OF AN AUTHOR has she has choreographed include HAIR BOOKING INFORMATION been produced regularly around the and AMADEUS. Tue Feb 9 to Sat Feb 27 world. It is almost a play within a play Mon to Fri at 8 p.m. but not quite. Six actors are on stage BOOKING INFORMATION Wed at I p.m. Sat at 5 p.m. rehearsing a previous play of Her Majesty's and 8.30 p.m. Pirandello's called THE RULES OF Tue Feb 16 to Sat Feb 27 AETT $19.90 (Mon to Thu and mats), THE GAME when they are interrupted MOIl to Sat 8 p.m. $17.90 (Feb 9 and 10) by the arrival of the six characters Sat Feb 20 and 27 at 2 p.m. G.P. $22.90 AETT $28.00 (except Fri/Sat evg) Pens/Stud $14.90 portrayed in that play. Being more fam­ G .P. $32.00 (Two AETT tickets per Member except iliar with the roles than the actors the Stud/Pens $27.00 (except Fri/Sat evg) Feb 9 and 10) characters gradually take over. The Two AETT tickets per Member 's pro- 10

ORPHANS directed and produced by Alan J. Pakula Screenplay by Lyle Kessler from his play of the same name Starring Albert Finney, Matthew Modine and Kevin Anderson Opening February 25 at Village Twin, Double Bay

RPHANS is probably the most Ounusual film yet made on father/ son relationships and bonding. Starring in the stage play in London, Albert Finney was so impressed with it that he arranged a performance solely for fel­ low actors to introduce them to its "dynamic American naturalism". Two orphaned brothers hide like wild ani­ mals in a decaying old house in New Jersey. The elder, Treat, makes hunting forays into the outside world, mugging A scene/rom CRY FREEDOM and stealing. Phillip the younger never the U.K. in the late 1970s, he took with ARIA directed by Robert Altman, ventures out. He has been convinced by Bruce Beresford, Bill Bryden. Treat that he will have violent allergic him the manuscript of"Biko" the story Jean-Luc Godard, Derek Jarman, reactions to the outside world and die. of the life and death of the charismatic, Franc Roddam, Nicolas Roeg, Their world changes when Treat kid­ compassionate and non-violent black Ken Russell, Charles Sturridge naps a drunken gangster, Harold leader whom the South African police and Julien Temple (Albert Finney). Basically a violent had pronounced a Banned Person and Produced by Don Boyd man, Harold also has great tenderness finally beaten to death under interrogation. Slarring Buck Henry, Anita Morris, and tames the boys with his offer of paternal love. The newspaperman was Donald Beverley D 'Angelo, Genevieve Page, Woods, an affluent fifth generation Julie Haggerly and John Hurl white South African, and a crusader Opening early February al lhe against apartheid in the paper he Academy Twin, Paddinglon edited. When he was coerced into meet­ ing Biko it was the first time in his t is a rarity to find ten directors listed forty-odd years that he had met a black I for one film; even more rare when on an equal footing. Biko's friendship they are ten of the world's best. Pro­ changed his life and took him into the ducer Don Boyd had the novel idea of black townships and meetings with inviting them to each film an aria with other black leaders. his own interpretation and in his own CR Y FREEDOM was a natural style - a feast of musical variations. follow-on for Attenborough after his The various segments of opera were experiences with apartheid during the filmed in various places; England, making of GANDHI. It is a film that France, Belgium, Italy and America. both shocks and enchants - shocking The list of opera singers involved in its scenes of the black townships and includes such comtemporary "greats" violence of police raids, the chasm as Price, Domingo, Caballe, Flagello, between the lives of black and white Bjoerling and Yakar. Also involved in Alber! Finney and Kel'in Anderson in ORPHANS South Africans; enchanting in the the making of ARIA were a group of beauty of the scenery and the filming of some of the world's best stills photogra­ CRY FREEDOM produced and it, and the finely understated direction phers. Their work will illustrate a book directed by Richard Attenborough and acting. of the film by Stephen Spender. Screenplay be John Briley Starring Kevin Kline, Penelope BOOKING INFORMATION Wilton, Denzel Washington and John Hargreaves Concessional vouchers can be purchased from members may purchase as many as they wish. Opening February 18 at the AETT for $6.00 (Village. Hoyts. G.U.) and Please specify which cinema chain you require. exchanged at cinemas for tickets. The vouchers Discounts are also offered at the Dendy Cin­ Greater Union cinemas are open dated but some Saturday/Public Hol­ ema. Martin Place ($2.50), and the Academy iday restrictions apply to their use. See Twin. Paddington ($2.50), at all performances hen a mild, bespectacled news­ vouchers for details. except after midday Saturday. Members should W paperman disguised as a priest present their membership card at the box office. secretly escaped from South Africa to No handling fee applies to film vouchers and Discount available on one ticket per member. 11

much earlier period of our history modern feminist angle gives a new revenged himself on society by chop­ A is illustrated in A SINGULAR Aslant on the famous 1933 Le Mans ping up his customers and selling them VOYAGE, adapted by director Peter murders. American Wendy Kesselman in meat pies. Good for a laugh? Collingwood from Lieutenant Ralph wrote MY SISTER IN THE HOUSE AETT discount $5.00 Clark's journal about his experiences which is at the York Theatre, Seymour Bookings on 212 3411 and emotions during the long voyage of Centre until February 28. Two young the First Fleet. Tony Sheldon plays convent educated sisters take jobs as OZA ALBERT! was hailed by Lieutenant Clark in a one-man show maids in a private household. Made to W critics and audiences for its that is both funny and moving. It is at slave for long hours, they savagely turn exuberance both in Australia and the Wharf Studio. on their employer and murder both her worldwide. Now its author Mbongeni AETT discount $4.00 (except FriiSat evg) and her daughter. Ngema has brought its successor, Bookings on 250 1777 AETT discount $2.70 (Mon to Thu & ASINAMALI! to Sydney for the Festi­ mats) val. It is presented by "Committed Art­ ists", a group of non-professional ntil the 1960s the rich American Bookings on 692 0555 actors formed by Ngema. Five black pop music market was strictly the U n old favourite - really old, it was prisoners tell in poetry, song, chanting, domain of the white musicians and A first performed in London in 1892 speech and dance how they came to be singers. Black music was limited to - is at the until Feb­ in gaol after the 1983 rent strikes. It black audiences. Director Graeme ruary 20 under the umbrella of the Syd­ closes February 7 at the Belvoir Street Blundell and writer Bob Hudson put ney Festival. CHARLEY'S AUNT is Theatre. together DANCING IN THE STREET one of those mistaken-identity farces AETT discount $5.00 (except Fri/Sat) - The Motown Story, to document the featuring two Oxford undergraduates, Bookings on 699 3273 sudden explosion of black music into their girlfriends and a wealthy aunt the general US market. The show stars from Brazil. lso part of the Festival of Sydney is Doug Parkinson and Mark Williams AETT discount $1.00 Athe French-Canadian group, and musical director Terry Murray pre­ Bookings on 5299190 or 267 7774 Carbone 14's LE RAIL, which closes on senting the big names and hits of that February 6. Set in fog on an isolated musical revolution. Until February 13. here were a lot of interesting railway track, khaki-uniformed actors AETT discount $2.00 T characters around Kings Cross in play out the story of Freud's young Bookings on 331 3100 the twenties and poet Kenneth Siessor patient, Anna, who believed she was immortalised them in his poems. Now raped by his son. It is based on the Katherine Thomson (THE NIGHT novel "The White Hotel" by D. M. WE ANCHOR IN TWOFOLD BAY) HE KID is the first play in the Grif­ Thomas and is at the Performance has based her new play fin Theatre Company's 1988 season Space. T DARLINGHURST NIGHTS on those and runs till February 14, at the AETT discount $5.00 poems as a touching and nostalgic cel­ Stables. It was the first play written by Bookings on 699 5091 ebration of Sydney life. It is a Sydney Michael Gow who has had such success Theatre Company presentation con­ with his subsequent plays, AWAY and here are still seats available for tinuing until February 20. EUROPE. Three homeless kids roar members in late February and early AETT discount $2.00 (except Fri/Sat T down the Pacific Highway towards March for The Australian Opera sum­ evg) summertime Sydney. En route they mer season. Dates for THE MERRY Bookings on 250 1777 pick up a just-out-of-school opera buff. WIDOW are February 18 , 20 (mat), 25, Their experiences include living in the 27 (mat) and March 2; for THE COR­ largest block of flats in the southern ONA TION OF POPPEA, February 19, hemisphere and meeting Desire who 22, 24, March 1 and 3; and for hopes the world will end. SALOME February 16, 26 and 29. AETT discount $3.00 AETT tickets are $45 each Bookings on 333817 Bookings on 357 1200 wo Australian components of the here's a revolution on at the T Bicentennial Festival of Sydney T Theatre Royal - the French Rev­ give lively views of our past. One of our olution in the guise of LES best-known and most controversial MISERABLES, the show we've all authors, Frank Hardy, has written been waiting for. It stars two of F ACES IN THE STREET, which with Australia's best known pop stars, David Sandford and Ronald Falk in the addition of music illustrates our Normie Rowe and Debbie Byrne. DARLINGH UR ST NIGHTS more recent history through the eyes of Tickets are available to Trust members he short season of SWEENEY eccentric poet/short story writer, Harry from April onwards, but please check T TODD will end at Her Majesty's Larsen. It is at the Everest Theatre, with the membership office about Theatre on February 6, so if you Seymour Centre. dates. haven ' t yet seen this Stephen AETT discount $6.00 (except Fri/Sat AETT discount $2.00 Sondheim musical, don't delay. The evg) Bookings on 357 1200 plot is unusual- a London barber who Bookings on 692 0555 .- -- ._-- 12

is a publication of the Australian Elizabethan POSTAGE Theatre Trust which is produced exclusively for PAID its 10,000 members throughout Australia. AUSTRALIA THE AUSTRALIAN ELIZABETHAN THEATRE TRUST (incorporated in the A.C.T.)

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

I