MARCH,1988 Vol 12 No 2 ISSN 0314 - 0598 A publication of the Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust

Sarah Vaughan - legend in her own time

If What more can be said of a singer a. whose four octaves outclass many ~ operatic sopranos, who uses her versatile voice at will as a perfectly pitched flute or earthy bass viol? What more indeed can be said about Sarah Vaughan, whose voice has been such a constant delight to so many people. Sarah Vaughan was last here over fif­ teen years ago and The Australian Elizabethen Trust is very proud to be bringing her back for two Sydney per­ formances at the Concert Hall, S.O.H. this month. The performances are part of an Australasian tour which includes both the Adelaide and Wellington Festivals. Sarah Vaughan's musical career began at the age of seven when she sang in her church choir in Newark, at the same time expanding her musical edu­ cation by learning the piano and organ. Her talents were first recognised when she was persuaded at the age of sixteen to enter a contest in New York: not only did she win hands down, but her per­ formance was heard by Billy Eckstine who recommended her to Earl "Fatha" Hines as a singer and second pianist. Later Eckstine formed his own legend­ ary group with Dizzy Gillespie, com­ bining two legendary names and Sarah Vaughan joined them. She and Eckstine were the first to introduce a new kind of music - Bebop.

Bicentennial Dinner Sarah Vaughan's repertoire has vocalist for eighteen consecutive years! embraced everything from pop to gos­ Perhaps one of her most lasting contri­ he Trust is making its own contri­ pel, from jazz to the classics. At home butions has been her way of interpret­ T bution to the Bicentenary Year with jazz groups or symphony orches­ ing George Gershwin, for the two with a tribute to 200 years of theatre in tras, she performed an unprecedented names are almost synonymous. Australia. Devised by Judy White and four performances at Carnegie Hall Prime seats have been set aside for presented by leading Australian artist.s, during 1979. She has also performed Members at both concerts but as including Leonard Teale and LIZ with the Boston Pops, at the Hollywood demand is likely to be heavy Members Harris, who'll be portraying Lola Bowl with the Los Angeles Philhar­ should reserve their tickets as soon as Montez, the tribute will be a highlight monic, with Count Basie's orchestra possible. of the Trust's Bicentennial Dinner to and has sung, more than once, at the be held at the Grand Ballroom, White House. Her many performances Wentworth Hotel, on Monday, March have brought her great recognition - BOOKING INFORMATION 21. Guests of honour are the Governor, she was awarded an Honorary Doctor­ Concert Hall, S.O.H. Sir James Rowland, and Lady Mon Mar 21, Thu Mar 24 at 8 p.m. ate of Music at Harvard, nominated AETT $35.00 Rowland. Tickets are $60.00 each and best female jazz singer by the National can be reserved by phoning the Trust G.P. $39.00 Academy of Arts for eight years, holds No pens/stud price on 357 1200. Dress is black tie or the­ both Emmy and Grammy awards and Two AETT tickets per Member atrical costume. has been Downbeat's best female If Et An Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust presentation'-______2

Gary Penny organisation at the Play­ wedding day at the turn of the century, 1988 Q Season house, S.O.H. Opening there in April is and then tracing their lives over the BROADWAY BOUND, Neil Simon's next 50 years. It includes many hit etails of the new season at the Q current Broadway hit, a touching study songs such as "Love Isn't Everything", D Theatre, Penrith, have just been of a Brooklyn family in the 1940s as it "What is a Woman" and the award­ released and members interested in begins to fall apart through the disinte­ winning "My Cup Runneth Over". I seeing all productions are urged to sub­ gration of the parent's marriage. Miles DO! I DO! sees the welcome return to scribe as soon as possible. Further Buchanan plays Eugene, the play's nar­ the stage of Julie Anthony, one of details of individual plays will follow in rator (and the author's alter ego). The Australia's favourite musical comedy subsequent issues of Trust News. play provides a perfect vehicle for Judi The season opens in April with Farr to play the mother and Hayes Gor­ DAGS, by Debra Oswald, a don the part of Grandfather "Ben". See wonderfully funny and poignant work Member Activities (p. 5) for Members' about the trials and tribulations of supper on Wednesday April 13. being an adolescent. It first premiered A new comedy by Tom Stoppard, at the Seymour Centre in 1985. ROUGH CROSSING, which will be a PEARLS BEFORE SWINE, a musical co-production with the State Theatre dealing with an entertainment troup in Company of South Australia, starring South East Asia during the Vietnam Dennis Olsen, Henri Szeps, Ronald War follows. The Australian premiere Falk and Tina Bursill follows in June. of James Duffs HOME FRONT The third play is ORPHANS, by Lyle explores the fragility offamily relation­ Kessler, about two wild boys and the ships among the Vietnam veterans. A man who tames them. The film adap­ fifth play is yet to be announced, and tation, starring Albert Finney, opened the year concludes in light-hearted recently in Sydney. Members wishing mood with TRUE PATRIOTS ALL?, a to subscribe to the season should com­ musical by Anne Harvey, based on plete the enclosed brochure. Further documentation about convicts on a details of individual productions will prison farm at Emu Plains in 1825. follow in later editions of Trust News. stars. Co-starring with Julie is D. J. Members wanting to subscribe should Foster, who last performed in H.M.S. contact the Q on (047) 21 5735. BOOKING INFORMA nON PINAFORE as the Bosun. Members Broadway Bound may purchase as many tickets as they Playhouse, S.O.H. wish at a $5.00 discount for perform­ Playhouse Season Tue Apr 12 to Sat Apr 30 ances on Saturday April 30 (5 p.m.), Mon to Sat at 8 p.m. Sunday May 1 (5 p.m.) and Thursday BROADWAY BOUND by Neil Simon Wed and Sat at 2 p.m. May 12 at 8 p.m. Director: Jon Ewing AETT $25.90 (Mon to Fri evg) $21.90 Designer: James Ridewood (mats) G.P. $29.90 (Sat evg) $28.90 (Mon to BOOKING INFORMA nON Cast includes Judi Farr, Hayes Gordon, Glen Street Theatre, Frenchs Forest Miles Buchanan, Julie Hamilton, Neil Fri evg) $24.90 (mats) Stud/Pens $18. 90 (except Sat evg) Sat Apr 30 to Sat May 30 Fitzpatrick and Jamie Oxenbould Two AETT tickets per Member Tue to Fri at 8 p.m. Sat at 5 p.m. and 8.30 p.m. etails have just been released of the Sun at 5 p.m. 1988 season to be presented by the Wed mat at 1 p.m. D AETT $24.90 (Tue to Thu and mats) Broadway Musical $21. 90 (Apr 30, May 1 at 5 p.m. & May 12) G.P. $26.90 I DO! I DO! by Tom Jones and Harvey Pens/Stud $15.90 (Tue to Thu & mats) Schmidt Two AETT tickets per Member except Directed by Peter Williams Apr 30, May 1112 Designed by Deirdre Burges Choreography by Janice Breen Musical Direction by Mike Harvey Dangerous Curve Cast: Julie Anthony, D. J. Foster ydney's Underground Theatre Pro­ ne of Broadway's most successful Sductions presents a new Australian Omusicals is I DO! I DO! which orig­ musical at the Performance Space from inally starred Mary Martin and Robert Friday, March 11 to Sunday, April 3. Preston and ran for two years. Based on This is the story of mothers and daugh­ the hit play "The Four Poster", I DO! I ters, of the changing fortunes of young Miles Buchanan and Hayes Gordon in DO! looks at love and marriage, begin­ people in the inner city, of their BROADWAY BOUND ning with a couple starting out on their dreams, ambitions and the choices they 3

face. Written and directed by Claire from an old-established Scottish fam­ The performance begins with a scene Haywood, the music, by John ily, took her doctorate at an obscure from life before colonisation, then Negroponte, Howard Shawcross and Scottish university, and subsequently recreates some of the most important Claire Haywodd, is performed by Mul­ became a musical director. The two moments in modern South African his­ tiple Fracture. Using music, dance, tory and ends with an exuberant cele­ acrobatics and mime, the performers bration of dance. create a kaleidoscope of young, urban Australia. BOOKING INFORMATION AETT discount $1.00 Mon Mar 7 to Thu Mar 17 Bookings on 699 5091 Tue to Sat at 8 p.m. Sat at 2 p.m. Sun at 5 p.m. Pygmalion AETT discount $3.00 Bookings on 699 3273 PYGMALION by Bernard Shaw Directed by Peter Williams Cast includes: Faye Donaldson, Charles Hambling, Ainslee Masterton, Earle Last of the Convicts Cross, May Turner and Richard May Hinge and Bracket 1841 by Michael Gow ost theatregoers are familiar with Directed by John Gaden & Michael Gow M"My Fair Lady" but have never friends, in their home at Stackton Settings and costumes by Robert Kemp seen the play from which the musical Tressle, Suffolk, have many common Music by Brett Guerin was written. Bernard Shaw's tale of the interests - gardening, an interest in Cast includes John Gaden, Gillian transformation of Eliza Doolittle from country lore and wine-making. Dr. Jones, Heather Mitchell flower girl to society belle at the hands Evadne Hinge (George Logan) and of Professor Higgins has become one of Dame Hilda Bracket (Patrick Fyffe) ichael Gow's plays, AWAY , ON the popular classics of our time. But have appeared on television, at Covent M TOP OF THE WORLD, and there is more than mere fairy tale in Garden and with many leading British EUROPE, have confirmed him as one Shaw's original playas he satirises the orchestras. Here they are guests on of the most exciting playwrights in Aus­ affectations and pretensions of the Eng­ THE ARKLEY BARNET SHOW. tralian theatre today. Specially com­ lish upper classes with his biting and Their gently satirical and "terribly Brit­ missioned for the bicentenary, Gow's acerbic wit. This new production stars ish" patter, piano playing and singing 1841 is set in Sydney in the nineteenth Charles Hambling as Henry Higgins, make for a most unusual evening. century. The last convict transport has newcomer Ainslee Masterton (who is a arrived, bringing a group of colourful graduate of the Western Australian desperados who never made the history Academy of Performing Arts) as Eliza BOOKING INFORMATION books. 1841 explores Manning Clark's and Faye Donaldson as Mrs. Higgins. Footbridge Theatre claim that by 1838 the battle between Fri Mar 4 to Sat Apr 9 barbarism and civilisation would be Mon to Sat at 8 p.m. and Sat at fought out in New South Wales. It 5 p.m. BOOKING INFORMATION comes to Sydney from its world Phillip Street Theatre AETT $25.00 (exc. Sat evg) Tue Mar 1 to Fri Mar 25 G.P. $28.00 (Mon to Thu evg and Sat premiere in Adelaide and is presented Mon to Thu at 2 p.m. mat) jointly by the Sydney Theatre Com­ Tue to Fri at 8 p.m. $30.00 (Fri and Sat evg) pany and State Theatre Company of AETT $19.90 Pens/Stud $22.00 (Mon to Thu evg and S.A. Special Trust Nights are Thursday G.P. $22.90 Sat 5 p.m.) April 7 and Saturday April 9 at 2 p.m. Pens/Stud $14.90 Two AETT tickets per Member when Members may purchase as many Two AETT tickets per Member tickets as they wish at a $6.00 discount per ticket. Black Theatre Hinge and Bracket BOOKING INFORMATION elvoir Street Theatre's innovative Drama Theatre, S.O.H. t was in 1974 that Dame Hilda Bseason of Black Theatre com­ Wed Apr 6 to Sat Apr 30 I Bracket and Dr. Evadne Hinge were mences this month with Amandla, the Mon to Sat at 8 p.m. asked to present one of their musical cultural ensemble of the African Sat mat 2 p.m. soirees at the Edinburgh Festival. The National Congress of South Africa. No perf. Good Friday Amandla fuses diverse cultural forms AETT $24.00 (except Fri/Sat evg), show was so successful that it trans­ $18.00 (Apr 7 and 9 (mat» ferred to the Royal Court Theatre and of theatre, dance and music from the G.P. $27.00 since then the ladies have not looked people of South Africa, drawing on Pens/Stud $24.00 (except Fri/Sat evg) back. Dame Hilda is very, very English, jazz, guitar-based popular music of Two AETT tickets per Member tracing her ancestry back to the Soweto and many forms of dance and except April 7/9 Plantagenets. Doctor Hinge comes singing styles from chanting to choral. 4

basic rights as a citizen were abused, female character Y se, and the three Lindsay Classic and he was tried for gross indecency. At men surrounding her - her husband, the age of 42, he committed suicide by former lover and Mesa. Each has come orman Lindsay's wonderful eating an apple dipped in cyanide (his to that moment in life when their des­ N children's classic, THE MAGIC favourite film had been "Snow tiny is to undergo a change, PUDDING, is currently playing at The White"). Whitemore examines the con­ symbolically at the precise moment of Rocks Theatre, George Street North. A fhct between private morality and pub­ noon. BREAK OF NOON is a drama of new script by Eleanor Witcombe incor­ lic expediency. paSSlOn and transition in classical porates the character of Norman Northside Theatre Company's artis­ style. Lindsay into the plot. Presented by the tic director, John Krummel, makes a Marionette Theatre of Australia, it's a rare return to the stage to star in the play for six puppeteers and one actor production, which is directed by BOOKING INFORMATION and is suitable for children from five Wayne Harrison. Wharf Studio, S.O.H. years of age. Performances are Tuesday Tue Mar I to Sat Mar 26 to Friday at 10 a.m. and 12 noon and AETT discount $2.00 on Saturdays at noon and 2.15 p.m. Bookings on 250 I 777

BOOKING INFORMATION AETT discount $1.00 50 Years On Bookings on 273274 THE PETITION by Brian Clark Directed by Sandra Bates Designed by Tom Bannerman ~ WHY NOT USE OUR Cast: Betty Lucas and Frank Wilson EASY BOOKING LINE ~ rian Clark is already known to Aus­ Btralian audiences who saw his emotionally charged play about eutha­ nasia, WHOSE LIFE IS IT ANYWAY? 357-1200 In THE PETITION, which has its Aus­ Mon to Fri, 9-5 pm tralian premiere at The Ensemble, he turns his attention to the nuclear VISA MASTERCARD BANKCARD threat. But in this case the issue is a trig­ John Krummel in BREAKING THE CODE ger and the real theme of the play is an evaluation of a fify-year marriage BOOKING INFORMATION between a retired general and his wife. Morality Question Marian Street Theatre Real opinions are expressed for per­ Sun Apr 3 to Sun Apr 17 haps the first time and resentments are BREAKING THE CODE Tue to Sat at 8.15 p.m. Sat and Sun at 5 p.m. exposed. Two of Australia's finest by Hugh Whitemore actors, Betty Lucas and Frank Wilson, Directed by Wayne Harrison Wed mat at II a.m. AETT $16.90 (Tue to Fri and mats star as the septuagenarian couple. Designed by Peter Cooke except Wed Apr 6) Members may purchase as many Cast: John Krummel, Peter G.P. $22.90 tickets as they wish at a $6.00 discount Collingwood, Bettina Welch, Tom Oli­ Pens/Stud $10.90 (except Fri/Sat evg) on April 19 and 20. See Member ver, Fay Kelton, Reg Gillam, Kelan Two AETT tickets per Member Activities (p. 5) for pre-theatre dinner Angel, Joseph Clements on April 20. "When the morality of the State con­ flicts with that of the individual, it is BOOKING INFORMATION the former that cruelly wins." Thalia Theatre Ensemble Theatre (GUARDIAN) Fri Apr 15 to Sat Apr 30 ince its formation in 1983, the Tue to Sun at 8 p.m. REAKING THE CODE's subject is SThalia Theatre Company has Sat & Sun at 5 p.m. BAlan Turing OBE, war hero, father deservedly earned a reputation for orig­ Thu at II a.m. of the modern computer and a mathe­ inality and innovation. Now they are to AETT $15.00 (Apr 19/20) matical genius who cracked the present one of the most prominent of $12.00 (Thu mat), $19.00 (Fri) German's Enigma code thus helping to French writers, Paul Claudel. BREAK $17.00 (Mon to Thu & Sat/Sun mats) prevent their U Boats from controlling OF NOON was written after a personal G.P. $14.00 (Thu mat), $21.00 (Fri/Sat) the Atlantic. He was acclaimed by crisis in the life of Claudel and revised $19.00 (Mon to Thu & Sat/Sun mats) Churchill and revered by many. Turing almost half a century later. It deals with Pens/Stud $14.00 (exc Sat evg) was also a practising homosexual at a the martyrdom of Mesa but is con­ Two AETT tickets per Member except time when it was neither fashionable sidered to be the poet's autobiography. Apr 19120 nor legal. As a result of prosecution his The three acts are dominated by the 5 ilt-0tJ;J:_'forl<_··· _ bY_ Irvin_Bauer___ ~

n addition to the first rush of plays fine musical performer, and is comp­ would seem that there IS something I and musicals, one of the big hits of lemented by Bruce Adler who, having wrong someplace. the current season is DRIVING MISS grown up in the theatre, shows his ver­ DAISY, a modest two hander, with a satility and experience at every oppor­ Irvin S. Bauer is a Playwright-Producer third character supplementing the tunity. They are a delight, as is the based in New York where he heads main two. The play crept unheralded entire show. THE DEVELOPMENT STAGE, a into the John Houseman Theater Off­ In the midst of all this promise, I'd place where the Writer is encouraged to Broadway and captivated audiences like to add a few words about an Aus­ fulfil the potential of his work. and critics alike. It is sensitively written tralian play that ventured out to "Off' by Alfred Uhry and directed with great Broadway's West Side Arts Theater. taste, skill and understanding by Ron The play, called ISLE OF SWANS, is Musical Notes Lagomarsino, a young director who by Daniel Keene with Rhonda Wilson will surely be heard from again. The in the leading role, as well as having wo exciting Musica Viva events at play, done in one long act without directed the three-character play. T the Opera House in March are intermission, takes place in Atlanta, Much was made of the fact that the play recitals by the Labeque sisters and Georgia, and covers a time span of marked the first exchange of actors Pierre Boulez and his ensemble. from 1948 to 1973. More remarkable between American and Australian Katia and Marielle Labeque are the when you realise that the leading Actors' Equity Associations. The agree­ sensational French pianists whose con­ character of Daisy starts when she is ment allowed Rhonda Wilson, an Aus­ certs have fun, style and excitement. already in her seventies and grows from tralian actress, to play on the stage in Their programme will include works by there. Rochelle Oliver, the youngish New York. Mr. Zeitman, an Australian Brahms, Schubert, Ravel and actress who ages in the course of the producer, is to employ an American Gershwin's marvellous "Rhapsody in Blue". action, does so with remarkable skill actor in one of his Australian and ease. Matching her moment for productions. Surely one of the towering figures of moment is Morgan Freeman as the N ow I see no purpose in savaging Mr. twentieth century music and a most distinguished composer is Pierre black chauffeur who works for her, Keene's playas some critics did. ISLE Boulez with his Ensemble cares for her, stands up to her as well as OF SWANS lasted two nights, and the Intercontemporain. Based in Paris, this by her, and who, in the end, proves to reviews I saw of it were scathing in be, as she says finally, "her best every aspect. I saw the play the night is their first Australian visit and the friend". before it opened. Mr. Keene has an ear recital promises to be one of unsur­ passed music-making. They will play for language, and although Rhonda works by Varese, Ligeti, Webern and a Another stand out, also off­ Wilson is obviously a talented actress, new piece written for the Ensemble by Broadway, is ON SECOND A VENUE, she did not help herself or the play by Pierre Boulez. a musical revue which captures the directing it. But that is not the point. glory days of the Yiddish Theatre on Australian film is respected in the BOOKING INFORMATION New York's Lower East Side in the States and Australian theatre is Concert Hall, S.O.H. 1920s. The show is put together and unheard of. Nothing comes. It's as if Labeque: Mon Mar 7 at 8.15 p.m. directed imaginatively by Isaiah there is no Australian theatre. It's a Boulez: Tue Mar 22 at 8.15 p.m. Sheffer, and boasts two wonderful per­ shame that when an Australian play AETT discount $3.00 formances. Mary Soreanu is Romania's does come it's as ineffective and Bookings on 20588 gift to New York Theatre. She is truly a mediocre as ISLE OF SWANS. It M~~1~______~

BROADWAY BOUND SUPPER HYATI DINNER THEATRE ENSEMBLE DINNER Playhouse Theatre, S.O.H. Friday, March 4 at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 20 at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 13 There's just time, if you're quick, to The Ensemble Theatre has a delightful The opening of a new Neil Simon play obtain tickets for our night at the Hyatt smorgasbord to offer theatre goers at its is always an exciting event, so why not Kingsgate's dinner theatre. The pro­ Kirribilli venue and Members are stay for supper after the show and meet duction is Neil Simon's PLAZA SUITE invited to get together over a pre­ with members of the cast, including starring Janet Brown, Henri Szeps and theatre meal prior to the Trust night of Judi Farr, Hayes Gordon and Miles Victoria Nicholls. The ticket price (for THE PETITION, starring Betty Lucas Buchanan. At $28.00 tickets for the dinner and the show) is $55.00 per and Frank Wilson (see 50 years on p. 4). theatre and the supper are less than the person. Tickets are $35.00 each which includes normal general public price. the meal and theatre. Elizabethan The Trust active in '88 Philharmonic Orchestra With such a/east o/theatre available in gramme for high schools a~d primary ormed in 1967, the EPO (formerly our bicentennial year we'd like to take a schools which includes tounng through Fthe Elizabethan Sydney Orchestra) brie/ closer look at the programmes the south coast region of New South has been a major force in Australian being undertaken by the Trust's major Wales. performing arts for t:ve~ty years an? is divisions this year, with special empha­ Theatre of the Deaf reaches an involved in many sIgmficant musIcal sis on the extensive schedule 0/ our Aus­ annual audience of 50,000 schoolchil­ events through its association with the tralian Content Department. dren and their enthusiastically received Australian Opera and the Australian performances help dispel old myths Ballet. about the deaf and deafness. While involved predominantly with Theatre of the Deaf There are no training schools for deaf performances of the Opera and B~ll~t , actors so Theatre of the Deaf trains its he Theatre of the Deaf, formed in the Trust, through Orchestra AdmIms­ own people to perform, produce and trator Warwick Ross, provides oppor­ T 1979, is Australia's only pro­ direct drawing company members fessional deaf theatre ensemble. Led by tunities for the EPO to perform on the from the community. Two new recruits concert platform when schedules allow. Administrator Liz Marshall, the have been taken on this year. Department is composed of both deaf The Orchestra has a very fine repu­ Amidst all this activity the Trust and tation for high performance standards and hearing actors and has a very TOTO are also beginning to lay plans special performance style, using a c?m­ and is involved in regular presentation for 1989, TOTO's anniversary year, of the Mostly Mozart series as well as bination of voice, sign language, mIme which promises to be an outstanding and gesture. concerts with top soloists and conduc­ programme. tors. The Orchestra also performs at the enormously popular Opera in the Park concerts. Playwrights Award The Trust also manages two non­ he AETT Playwrights Award has permanent ensembles which perform Tbeen held every two years in con­ on special occasions during the year, junction with Writers Week at the The Soloists of Australia and The Eliz­ Adelaide Festival. The last two award abethan Sinfonietta. Performances winning plays received workshopping include the highly successful PORGY and production. . AND BESS, the ballet GISELLE and When the Bicentenary LIterary the recent presentation of Croatian Awards did not include a category for a opera in concert form, ZRINSKI, at the playwrights award, the Governors of Opera House. the Australian Elizabethan Theatre This year the EPO will perform Trust made an appeal to newspaper, Dvorak's Requiem with the Philharmonia Society in Sydney and a publishing, theatrical and lit~rary concert featuring Georgio Ermolenko circles to continue the Playwnghts Award in our bicentennial year. as soloist for Liverpool's bicentennial The following individuals and organ­ celebrations. isations have generously supported o~r request for a continuation of thIS award: Australian Content Safya Gallan. Steve Ripley and Jean St. Clair The Ian Potter Foundation Department in TOTD'S SGANARELLE News Ltd. Suzanne Falkiner and Publishing Artistic Director Patrick Mitchell he Australian Content Departm~nt General Motors-Holden currently has the company work~ng Twas established by the AustralIan Jill Hickson and Associates hard in rehearsals for a forthcommg Elizabethan Theatre Trust six years ago Mr. Morris West double bill for adults opening at the to foster the creative talents of Aus­ Mr. John Kerrigan Seymour Centre in March. FACE !O tralian artists and to give them an Mr. David Williamson FACE is a landmark in AustralIan opportunity to be acknowledged in Mrs. Judy White theatre history with the debut of Assist­ their own country and ultimately over­ Sir James Darling ant Director Carol-Lee Aquiline, the seas. It has established an unpre­ Mr. Tim Yates. cedented reputation for supporting and first deaf director. of adult I?rofessional Donations for the Bicentennial Play theatre in AustralIa. Both dIrectors per­ initiating projects of innovation and Award are tax deductible and future form in the other's productions. for touring Australian artists and com­ donations will be gratefully acknowl­ Theatre of the Deaf then commences panies from Hobart to Vancouver, edged in Trust News. an extended Theatre-in-Education pro- Alice Springs to Edinburgh. 7

Jack Davis' latest play, will present SKY SONG at BARUNGIN, also commissioned by Melbourne's Church Theatre and Syd­ the Australian Elizabethan Theatre ney's Performance Space. SKY SONG Trust, will be presented this year in is a rich and powerful integration of Australia and overseas. Performed by movement and sound, created through the Marli Biyol Company, which is a the blending of cello, wires singing in division of the Western Australian the wind, voice, whirly instruments Theatre Company, it has Jack Davis as and dancers. It is performed by four of artistic director and his plays as its Australia's leading creative and per­ focus. This same company created the formance artists: Sarah Hopkins, Beth acclaimed Davis productions of THE Shelton, Alan Lamb and Ian Ferguson. DREAMERS and NO SUGAR, each In 1988 the Australian Content directed, as with BARUNGIN, by Department, with its Director Wendy Andrew Ross. Blacklock and staff of three full-time The Marli Biyol's production of and one part-time, will continue to BARUNGIN opened at the Festival of achieve recognition for Australian art­ Perth in February and the AETT is ists nationally and internationally touring the company both nationally while contributing to the increasing and internationally. After Adelaide diversity of Australian dance, theatre Festival and Alice Springs seasons the and music. company will take up residence in Mel­ bourne in April to begin rehearsals on BHP Award to The First Born, the trilogy presentation of Jack's outstanding plays, NO Jack Davis SUGAR, THE DREAMERS and BARUNGIN. The First Born is a endy Blacklock, Director of the co-production between the Melbourne WTrust's Australian Content Div­ Theatre Company, the Western Aus­ ision, is justifiably proud of the Trust's Arran Henry as Mickey in Jack Davis' tralian Theatre Company and the long association with Aboriginal play­ BARUNGIN Trust. wright Jack Davis, and it seemed natu­ The Australian Content Department An exciting departure for the ACD is ral for the Trust to nominate Jack for is the only arts organisation in Aus­ its association with the Australian the Bicentennial BHP Awards for the tralia to consistently commission and Chamber Orchestra and Musica Viva Pursuit of Excellence, Literature and tour work by Aboriginal artists. to present BENNELONG, based on the Arts Section. Since 1982 Jack Davis has been tragic story of the famous Aboriginal. Now the Trust is equally proud to dramatising the story of his people and Full of humour and fantasy, wit and congratulate Jack on winning his cate­ the AETT has played an integral part in irony, BENNELONG is a unique con­ gory of this prestigious award the day Jack's writing and in the presentation cept in puppet opera. It has its premiere after BARUNGIN premiered at the of his work. In 1983 the Australian in April in Holland and tours Australia Perth Festival. Content Department toured THE in October. It has been conceived by The Directors and staff of the Trust DREAMERS for 17 weeks throughout the Melbourne-based writer, Murray wish Jack every success for the future. Australia and in 1984 commissioned Copland, in collaboration with leading Jack to write two plays. Australian composer Barry The first was an adult play called NO Conyngham and the legendary painter/ SUGAR, which became Australia's muralist and doll-maker Mirka Mora, official contribution to the 1986 who has designed the puppets. The Vancouver Expo World Theatre commissioning of these artists has been Festival. supported by the Australian Bicenten­ The second was a pJ.ay called nial Authority. HONEYSPOT, a children's play writ­ The ACD's calendar of events in ten to celebrate the International Year 1988 is augmented by their acceptance of Youth. After touring in Australia, of the N.S.W. Bicentennial Council's HONEYSPOT went to the Common­ invitation to co-ordinate the Council's wealth Games Festival in Edinburgh largest touring programme, Theatre and to Glasgow in 1986. In 1988 and Dance on the Move, involving 16 HONEYSPOT's international touring companies and a regional festival in will take in performances at seven Penrith. Children's Festivals in the U.S.A. and In April ACD will present Ariette Canada. On the Company's return to Taylor's production for Handspan Australia, HONEYSPOT will be per­ Theatre of Picasso's FOUR LITTLE formed in Brisbane as part of Expo '88 GIRLS at the York Theatre, Seymour before touring regional Queensland. Centre. Also in April the Department T

I T : sure to be a winner. It's THE SENTI­ SPUR LOTION, to be directed by Pat­ Nine MENTAL BLOKE, a musical comedy rick Mitchell. Both plays explore the based on C. J. Dennis' classic poems. need for dreams in order to survive. pening on March 5 at Her Presented jointly by the Centre and the OMajesty's Theatre is the musical Q Theatre it is directed by Doreen BOOKING INFORMATION described by one critic as "better than Warburton and stars June Bronhill and Seymour Centre, Downstairs :, CATS". Based on Fellini's film 81f2, Grant Dodwell. Fri Mar 4 to Sat Apr 2 NINE stars Nancye Hayes as Liliane La Tue to Sat at 8.15 p.m. Fleur, John Diedrich, Peta Toppano, BOOKING INFORMATION Sat mats 4 p.m. Maria Mercedes, Jackie Rees, Gerda Riverside Theatre (No perf. Fri Apr 1) Nicolson and Caroline Gillmer. It is set Fri Mar 11 to Sat Apr 9 AETT $14.20, $9.00 (Mar 3) in Venice and tells the story of an Mon to Sat at 8.00 p.m. G.P. $17.20 Italian film director through his mem­ Wed at 1 p.m., Sat at 2 p.m. Pens/Stud $12.00 ories and the women he has known. AETT $25.90 (Mon to Thu) Two AETT tickets per Member $20.90 (mats) except Mar 3 G.P. $29.90 (Mon to Thu) BOOKING INFORMATION $31.90 (Fri/Sat), $24.90 (mats) Her Majesty's Theatre Pens/Stud $20.90 (Mon to Thu) Sat Mar 5 to Sat Mar 26 $15.90 (mats) Nunsense i Mon to Sat at 8 p.m. Mats Wed & Sat at 2 p.m. eturning to Sydney for a six-week AETT $30.00 (Mon to Thu), R season is NUNSENSE, surely one $23.90 (mats) Backbeat of the highlights of last year's musical G.P. $35.00 (Mon to Sat & mats) he Griffin Theatre presents, as the theatre. If you missed the first cabaret Pens/Stud $19.90 (Mon to Thu and second play in its new season, mats) T act put on by the Little Sisters of Mercy Two AETT tickets per Member BACKBEAT by Grant Fraser, whose to raise funds to bury some of their first play LOVE AND THE SINGLE number, then now's your chance. r TEENAGER also premiered at the Griffin some time ago. Ian Watson BOOKING INFORMATION directs BACKBEAT, which stars Everest Theatre, Seymour Centre Australian Made Gillian Hyde and Fiona Stewart. It's Sat Mar 5 to Sat Apr 16 the retrospective journey of four Mon to Sat at 8 p.m. ne of Australia's finest actors, women through four decades of rock 'n' Wed at 11 a.m. Sat at 2 p.m. OLeonard Teale, will present his roll, of the choices they make and the AETT $23.50, $19.50 (mats) one-man show, THE MEN WHO conseq uences of their decisions. G.P. $26.50, $22.50 (mats) MADE AUSTRALIA, at the Lennox . BACKBEA T's all about being young, Pens/Stud $17.50 (except Fri/Sat evg) Theatre Parramatta, this month. It's a $15.50 (mats) growing old and life inbetween. A saga Two AETT tickets per Member bicente~nial romp through Australian of life, perhaps? history - a light-hearted look at a sen­ sitive and serious subject. Both comic and · moving, the show captures the BOOKING INFORMATION Stables Theatre Ghosts I spirit of its various characters and the Thu Mar 10 to Sun Apr 10 nation they helped to create. Tue to Sat at 8.15 p.m. elvoir Street Theatre opens its first Sat & Sun at 5 p.m. Bsubscription season with Ibsen's AEJT $15.00, G.P. $18.00 BOOKING INFORMATION classic but controversial play, Pens/Stud $11.00 GHOSTS. Using the metaphor of Lennox Theatre Two AETT tickets per Member Tue Mar 9 to Sat Apr 2 inherited syphilis, the playwright Tue to Sat at 8.15 p.m. explores the ways in which our lives are Wed at 11 a.m., Sat at 5 p.m. closed in and perfected by ideologies Sun at 5 p.m. passed down from generation to gener­ AETT $16.90 (Tue to Thu), Face to Face ation. Directed by Neil Armfield, it will $18.90 (Sun), $13.90 (mats) star John Bell, Julia Blake, Rebecca Theatre of the Deaf, which has G.P. $19.90 (Tue to Thu) If Frith, Robert Menzies and Peter $21.90 (Fri/Sat/Sun) $16.90 (mat) Et been acclaimed for the gift of Pens/Stud $13.90 (Mon to Thu), touching both hearing and deaf Whitford. $10.90 (mats) audiences, is presenting one of their all Two AETT tickets per Member too infrequent adult theatre seasons at BOOKING INFORMATION the Seymour Theatre Centre this Tue Mar 8 to Sun Mar 20 Tue to Sat at 8 p.m. month. Carol-Lee Aquiline will direct Sat at 2 p.m. Sun at 5 p.m. and act in Moliere's SGANARELLE­ AETT $17.00 Sentimental Bloke a one-act play utilising stylised masks G.P. $20.00 to capture the com media dell'arte Pens/Stud $10.00 I he first major production at the spirit. It is paired with Tennessee Two AETT tickets per Member T new Parramatta Cultural Centre is Williams' THE LADY OF LARK- If Et An Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust presentationl ______9

EMPIRE OF THE SUN directed by Steven Spielberg Screenplay by Tom Stoppard, from the novel by J. G. Ballard Produced by Steven Spielberg, Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall Starring Christian Bale, Nigel Havers, Miranda Richardson, John Malkovich and Joe Pantoliano Opening March 10 at Hoyts

ne oftoday's top sci-fi writers, J. G. OBallard's book was based on his own experiences as an 11-year-old boy when he and his parents became pris­ oners of the Japanese in Shanghai in 1941 after the bombing of Pearl Har­ bour. The family lived in the sheltered lUxury of the International Settlement of Shanghai when the Japanese Christian Bale and TakalOro Kataoka in EMPIRE OF THE S UN invaded the city. Jim is separated from his parents in the chaos and meets up romantic triangle about a talented LACE, THE PHILADELPHIA with two American merchant seamen young producer (Holly Hunter) totally STORY and WEST SIDE STORY. who are living on their wits, selling absorbed in her work, the handsome anchorman (William Hurt) and the LA FAMIGLIA directed by Ettore scrap metal and anything they can Scola steal. Finally the three are captured and brilliant, dedicated reporter who has no interned. In camp, Jim's mixed edu­ on-camera charisma (Albert Brooks). Story and screenplay by Ruggero cation comes from the American con­ Maccari, Furio Scarpelli and Etlore men who teach him about survival, and Scola the camp physician (Nigel Havers). Orpheum Discounts Produced by Franco Committeri Knowledgeable about placating Japan­ Starring Vittorio Gassman, Stefania ese guards, drinking only boiled water e are pleased to announce that we Sandrelli, Fanny Ardant, Ottavia Pic­ and eating weevils for protein, Jim Wcan now offer our members a dis­ colo, Athina Cenci, Alessandra Panelli, finds his camp lessons in survival stand count for the Hayden Orpheum Picture Monica Scattini him in good stead when sudden free­ Palace in Cremorne for all regular Opening March 25 at the Academy dom makes him relinquish his child­ movie performances except Saturday Twin hood and face a hard adult world. night. ttore Scola has built up a reputation In addition to new releases, the Eas one of Europe's greatest film­ Hayden will, in association with makers with 20 films and more than 50 BROADCAST NEWS written, United International Pictures, be run­ screenplays behind him, including LA directed and produced by James L. ning a special season of old movies for NUIT DE VARENNES, which won the Brooks the next three months. They will be Sydney Film Critics Circle Award for Starring William Hurt, Holly Hunter shown on Sunday nights and are new Best Film in 1985. and Albert Brooks 35 mm prints of films from the late In LA FAMIGLIA, he recounts the Opening March 24 at Hoyts 'thirties to the 'sixties, including NOW history of a family through the eyes of VOYAGER, ARSENIC AND OLD one member, Carlo. The film opens in hen James L. Brooks finished BOOKING INFORMATION 1906 with his christening in the house W making TERMS OF ENDEAR­ where he was born, and from which the MENT, he decided that his next movie Concessional vouchers can be purchased from family witnessed war and revolutions would be a romantic comedy about the AETT for $6.00 (Village, Hoyts, G.U.) and as well as the wars of day-to-day life, exchanged at cinemas for tickets. The vouchers "people who were doing well", but who are open dated but some Saturday/Public Hol­ ". . . barricades between kitchen and those people were he didn't decide until iday restrictions apply to their use. See bedroom, non-agression treaties in the he was invited to the 1984 Democratic vouchers for details. hall, reconciliation toasts in the living­ Convention in San Francisco by a No handling fee applies to film vouchers and room, alliance dances, defeats, sudden journalist friend, and he knew that the members may purchase as many as they wish. successes and grievous losses ". milieu he wanted was the world of net­ Please specify which cinema chain you require. The story moves through the compli­ work TV news correspondents. Brooks Discounts are also offered at the Dendy Cin­ cated web of relationships, the giggling ema, Martin Place ($2.50), the Cremorne had begun his working life as a copyboy Orpheum ($2.50) and the Academy Twin, spinster aunts, the brother turned in a TV newsroom but the changes, not Paddington ($2.50), at all performances except fascist, marriages, births and only in journalism itself, but also in after midday Saturday. Members should pre­ romances, to end on the 80th birthday relationships and roles, amazed him. sent their membership card at the box office. of Carlo, who wonders who will come The romantic comedy became a Discount available on one ticket per member. to the celebrations. 10

here's only a short time left to catch Og Mania seems to have taken reated by the company and under T that Bicentennial special pro­ Wover Sydney with the Opera Cthe direction of founder Pierre duction, A SINGULAR VOYAGE. It House season of WOGS OUT OF Thibaudeau, Entr'acte Theatre's latest will close at the Parramatta Cultural WORK, selling out virtually as soon as work, THE LAST CIRCUS, is a dia­ Centre, Lennox Theatre, on March 5. it opened. But don't despair, a transfer logue of clowns and thinkers, of dra­ Tony Sheldon plays Lt. Ralph Clark season at the Enmore Theatre has been matic tension and explosive comic whose journal about his experiences arranged and this hilarious expose of relief. A unique company of contem­ and emotions during the First Fleet's the life of new Australians will continue porary mime its two most recent pro­ historic voyage have been adapted for throughout March. ductions - REFRACTIONS AND the stage by director Peter AETT discount $3.00 OSTRAKA - were received with criti­ Collingwood. Bookings on 51 1926 cal acclaim. Catch them before they AETT discount $3.00 close - at The Performance Space (Mon to Thu and mats) until March 5. Bookings on 6836166 "It lifts the spirit and reinforces our AETT discount $1.00 humanity" was the Daily Mail's Bookings on 699 5091 t the Drama Theatre, S.O.H., until comment about the play currently in A mid-March is Luigi Pirandello's production by Northside Theatre Com­ classic, SIX CHARACTERS IN pany. A MONTH OF SUNDAYS by SEARCH OF AN AUTHOR. It stars Bob Larbey, who wrote the TV series Kelan Angel, Jennifer Hagan, Susie "A Fine Romance", is about an elderly Lindeman and Luciano Martucci as six man (Ron Haddrick) who, to confound characters who interrupt the rehearsal his family's plans, books himself into a of a play about themselves and gradu­ nursing home where he proves to be ally take over the roles. Directed by quite a troublesome patient. Penny Rodney Fisher, it's a Sydney Theatre Cook co-stars. Company production. AETT discount $1.00 AETT discount $3.00 (except Fri/Sat evg) (except Fri/Sat evg) Bookings on 498 3166 Bookings on 250 1777 he Sydney Theatre Company is run­ ith elections looming, The T ning a season of three plays on the W Ensemble's production of THE subject of exploring different types of WARHORSE becomes a very topical love at the Wharf Theatre. The first, presentation. Described as the THE MORTAL FALCON, deals with ''funniest play since THE CL VB", it is a obsessive passion and runs till March Bob Burton in the LAST CIRCUS comedy by John Upton about Labor 12. Following it is THE GAME OF Party politics in local government and LOVE AND CHANCE which is a escribed by author David Allen as will run throughout March. It stars Jeff French version of the Italian commedia D a "bawdy piece of Grand Guignol", Ashby, Julie Herbert and Mark Lee. dell'arte and the third is the Oscar THE PROFESSOR is a play for one AETT discount $2.00 (except Sat evg) Wilde play, AN IDEAL HUSBAND, actor (Joe Gladwin) and a mass of pup­ Bookings on 929 8877 which explores the victory of tolerance pets at the Sailors Home Theatre until and loyalty over idealism and mistrust. March 19. THE PROFESSOR was Tickets for IDEAL HUSBAND are in Harold Pike, an old time Punch and short supply. Judy man and alcoholic dreamer who AETT discount $2.00 journeys through a strange Australian Bookings on 250 1777 landscape of unlikely memories, lost hopes and future imaginings. AETT discount $1.00 t will be with us for a long time yet­ Bookings on 273274 I we are talking of course about LES MISERABLES at the Theatre Royal t the New Theatre until March 19 is - but there is quite a long wait for seats Athe Australian premiere of an his­ so contact us soon if you want to see torical play, VICTORY: Choices in this internationally acclaimed show. Reaction, by Howard Barker. Set in With a fine cast led by Normie Rowe 1660, it travels through the decadent and Debbie Byrne, it's the story of the London of Charles II, showing the hunted escaped convict, Jean Valjean aftermath of Europe's first revolution with music by Claude Michel and the advent of a "democratic" Schonberg. Trust tickets are available monarchy powered by the newly estab­ specific performances only. lished Bank of England. Serge LazarefJ and Mark Lee in THE AETT discount $2.00 AETT discount $1.00 WARHORSE Bookings on 357 1200 Bookings on 519 3403 11

I ff,llt,,: •

, V....) \'I (~...»' V ,M", /l , T~e T.rust is s~eking e~ergetic, com~it~ed volunteers who enjoy II I ' bemg m the thIck of thmgs and are wIllmg to give their time and I / W effort to join our lively team of Trust volunteers.

MEMBERSHIP SERVICES interested in the theatre but ume remained fairly constant VOLUNTEER there are many theatregoers who but life isn't like that and at If you take pride in contributing haven't heard of us. Distributing times we reach crisis point. to the smooth running of an brochures to local community That's when we appreciate the organisation and can give one outlets is a good way to spread support of volunteers who are day a week, this is the volunteer the word. Are you able to be a prepared to volunteer a day of position for you. Duties include distributor in your area? Bro­ their time on an occasional basis assisting the Membership staff chures would need to be distrib­ to assist with mailing and similar with enrolment of new members, uted on a monthly basis to up to labour-intensive activities. theatre bookings, renewal ten outlets/area. mailings, etc. RESEARCH VOLUNTEER HOSPITALITY VOLUNTEER When you're providing a service BOOKING SERVICES All new members are invited to a it's important to keep in touch new members' reception where VOLUNTEER with customers to check that the they meet with Trust staff, see Three-quarters of our members services being offered are of over our fine Costume Hire value and to identify any prob­ use the telephone to make their Department and learn some­ theatre bookings and volunteers lems that might be occurring. We thing of the Trust's work. We do this by telephoning members are needed to record ticket need outgoing people who enjoy orders. If you enjoy communi­ and asking them to answer a few being a hostess to donate one simple questions. If you're avail­ cating with people by phone and afternoon-evening every two can spare one day per week able between 6 and 8 p.m., enjoy months. Duties involve prep­ talking by phone and can spare you'll be perfect to help in this aration of refreshments and vital role. one evening a month to join our guest hospitality. team at the Trust's Kings Cross offices, we'd like to hear from DISTRIBUTION CRISIS SUPPORT you. VOLUNTEER VOLUNTEER You know that Trust member­ It would be easier to handle the ship is a great service for anyone membership workload ifthe vol-

If any of these volunteer opportunities appeal to you please telephone Carole Long, Membership Manager, on 357 1200 to discuss your availability further. 12

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

THE AUSTRALIAN ELIZABETHAN THEATRE TRUST (incorporated in th e 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. I' Justice, C. J. Legoe, Dr. T. Manfordo D. A. Mortimer, K. B. Stonier AO, R. Seaborn OBE, L. G. Teale, L. D. S. Waddy, T. C. Yates Finance Director: William Cottam Australian Content Director: Wendy Blacklock Marketing Director: Trevor Brooks Orchestra Administrator: 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 Perth Representative: Pat Gibson Adelaide office: Veronica Bohm The Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust receives financial assistance for its activities from: The Music, Theatre, Literature and Aboriginal Arts boards of The Australia Council, a statutory body of the Commonwealth Government. The Department of Aboriginal Affairs. The New South Wales Government through the Office of the Minister for the Arts. The Queensland Government through the Minister for the Arts. The Victorian Ministry for the Arts.

The Government of Western Australia through the I, W.A. Arts Council. B.P. Australia. The Ian Potter Foundation. The Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust is a founder member of CAPPA. Membership enquiries should be directed to the Membership Secretary on 357 1200, 153 Dowling St., Potts Point. Postal address: P.O. Box 137, Kings Cross 2011. Registered by Australia Post - Publication No. NBH 1305 May be opened for postal inspection