Shakespeare’s work explores human experience at its limits. It was never just meant to be read. We believe the only way to truly appreciate his work is to see it brought to life through live performance. We believe Shakespeare and other great works are not stuck in the past, but that they are the key to exploring our present and imagining our future. We value the beauty of Shakespeare’s ideas, language and imagery. His work becomes our lens, helping us find modern perspectives on timeless truths. These plays are not static. They’re constantly adapting, helping us make sense of who we are, where we’ve been, and where we’re going. And we’re not static either. We’ve been travelling the country for more than 22 years, bringing classic theatre to Australia, looking for new ways to educate, collaborate and recreate. Shakespeare and the other classic plays we present challenge our beliefs and urge us to see ourselves in a new light. Their ability to discover the things that make us human inspires us to make work that challenges preconceptions and encourages new interpretations and contemporary parallels… work that speaks to every age.
There are three sides to every story. And three sides to our 2013 season, which sees our directors explore family – historically, tragically and comedically. For us, 2013 signifies a new way of looking at things. Of defining who we are, and what we stand for. We start our year with one of John’s favourite plays, Henry 4. John will take on Shakespeare’s greatest comic invention, Falstaff – the lord of misrule, the corruptor of youth – in this age-old conflict between a rebellious son and an autocratic, domineering father. This coming-of-age story promises to be big, bawdy and anarchic. John will be surrounded by seasoned collaborators, while supported in the director’s chair by Bell Shakespeare favourite, Damien Ryan. Continuing our adventure into French classical theatre, Peter will be directing one of the most important tragedies in French theatre, Jean Racine’s Phèdre. Based on the ancient Greek play by Euripides, Racine’s masterpiece is translated from the French by English poet Ted Hughes. Peter is particularly excited to be collaborating with Catherine McClements, one of this country’s most incisive and powerful actors.
We’re thrilled to welcome back our resident director from 2011, Imara Savage, to direct everybody’s favourite tale of mistaken identity, The Comedy Of Errors. Imara is fast building a reputation as a stylish director with a series of thoughtful and engaging productions already behind her. In a co-production with State Theatre Company of South Australia, Imara explores identity, madness and metamorphosis in this story of a family separated. This promises to be a fresh, fast-paced take on a Shakespearean essential. Our 23rd year delivers one of our most rich and diverse seasons yet. Spanning the full spectrum of history, tragedy and comedy, there is truly something for everyone. Enjoy the season. John Bell AO & Peter Evans Artistic Directors
Peter Evans, Imara Savage & John Bell (Left to Right)
Subscribe and see 2013’s most anticipated performances from the best seats in the house. You can save almost 30% on single ticket prices when you purchase a season package. And receive a whole lot more, too.
UP TO $58 OFF WHEN YOU BUY THREE FULL-PRICE TICKETS
UP TO $32 OFF WHEN YOU BUY TWO FULL-PRICE TICKETS
THE BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE AND PRIORITY SEATING FOR DISCOUNTED ADDITIONAL TICKETS
ONE FREE TICKET EXCHANGE FOR EACH SHOW
DISCOUNTED PLAY PROGRAMMES
SUBSCRIPTION TO FANFARE FOR A BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT WHAT WE’RE UP TO
We’re always here to help, from the moment you buy your tickets until the curtains close. And we’re more than happy to answer questions about our shows, artists and ticket exchanges, as well as the best places to go for a pre-show drink or dinner and the best places to park. Call us on 1300 305 730 (9am – 5pm, Mon – Fri). And if you sign up to our e-newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Twitter you’ll be up to date on all the latest special offers and events throughout the year.
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Purchasing Your Package
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Online bellshakespeare.com.au
STANDARD Full price $150 / Concession $138 Choose from Sunday to Friday evening performances or any matinee, and save up to $58 on full-price tickets.
STANDARD Full price $108 / Concession $98 Choose two performances on a Sunday to Friday evening or any matinee and save up to $32 on full-price tickets.
SATURDAY EVENING Full price $186 / Concession $165 Our Saturday night shows sell out fast, but this season package gives you access to the best seats as well as savings of up to $37 on full-price tickets.
SATURDAY EVENING Full price $130 / Concession $118 Our Saturday night shows sell out fast, but this season package gives you access to the best seats as well as savings of up to $21 on full-price tickets.
UNDER 30 Standard $90 / Saturday Evening $135 If you’re under 30 when you book, this season package is for you.
UNDER 30 Standard $60 / Saturday Evening $90 If you’re under 30 when you book, this season package is for you. Actual magnet may not match image. In fact, it definitely won’t.
Post (Use attached form) 2013 Season Bell Shakespeare Reply Paid 10 Millers Point NSW 2000 (no postage stamp required) Fax to 02 9241 4643 Telephone 1300 305 730 (9am – 5pm, Mon – Fri) Remember that if you are requesting a concession or Under 30 Package or additional tickets, you must supply photocopied proof of eligibility with your booking form. Questions? Call us on 1300 305 730
King Henry IV risked everything for the crown. But his son doesn’t seem to share the same ambition. Instead, he’d rather hang around with petty criminals and lowlife drunkards. But when the King’s former supporters stage a rebellion against him, we’re drawn into a sprawling tale of adventure, ambition and political intrigue. John Bell directs this new production and stars as Shakespeare’s greatest comic creation, Falstaff. Lord of misrule, life of the party, corrupter of youth. And his Australian take on English history, with its monarchy, class system and civil unrest teeters on the edge of anarchy. This age-old story of a rebellious son and a domineering father is bursting with dramatic tension interspersed with riotous, bawdy comedy, music and violence set to recapture the boisterous atmosphere of Shakespeare’s Globe for a modern audience. BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE DIRECTOR JOHN BELL WITH DAMIEN RYAN DESIGNER STEPHEN CURTIS LIGHTING DESIGNER MATT SCOTT TEXT CAPTAIN TONY LLEWELLYN-JONES WITH JOHN BELL, MATTHEW MOORE & SEAN TAYLOR
HENRY 4 is supported by the Centenary of Canberra, an initiative of the ACT Government, and by the NSW Government through Arts NSW.
CANBERRA THEATRE CENTRE THE PLAYHOUSE Subscription Season 27 Feb – 9 Mar Matinees 2, 9 Mar ARTS CENTRE MELBOURNE PLAYHOUSE Subscription Season 16 – 30 Mar Matinees 16, 23, 30 Mar SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE DRAMA THEATRE Subscription Season 24 April – 26 May Matinees 27 April 1, 4, 8, 11, 18, 25 May
Phèdre is married to the notorious demigod, King Theseus, who has been missing – thought to be lost in the underworld. When rumours of his death reach her, forbidden desire erupts in a confession of devastating love for her stepson. But when the King returns, this mythic tale of erotic obsession explodes with wild accusations, chilling curses and violent deaths. Peter Evans directs Racine’s tragic love story from Ted Hughes’ passionately wrought translation of love, betrayal, humiliation, despair and death. And takes a fresh look at one of the most important tragedies in French theatre. Starring Catherine McClements as Phèdre, this elegant, suspense-filled tragedy explores the power of human emotion. Of what it can create and what it can destroy. BY JEAN RACINE TRANSLATED BY TED HUGHES DIRECTOR PETER EVANS DESIGNER ANNA CORDINGLEY LIGHTING DESIGNER PAUL JACKSON COMPOSER KELLY RYALL WITH MARCO CHIAPPI, JULIE FORSYTH & CATHERINE MCCLEMENTS
THE MALTHOUSE MERLYN THEATRE Subscription Season 23 May – 2 June Matinees 25, 29 May 1 June SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE PLAYHOUSE Subscription Season 8 – 29 June Matinees 8, 12, 15, 19, 22, 26, 29 June
Two sets of identical twins are separated at birth when they’re rescued from a shipwreck. And when they end up in the same shifty, transitory port-town of Ephesus fully grown, we join them on their bizarre journey of reconciliation. As they collide unknowingly with each other’s friends and family, it’s not long before this absurd tale of mistaken identity and far-fetched coincidence unfolds in chaotic hilarity. Imara Savage takes on one of Shakespeare’s earliest comedies with style. Sharp banter and comical word-play lure us into a contemporary world where characters are reinvented, individuality is fluid, and bigger themes lie just below the surface. Over the course of this fast-paced comedy, truths are increasingly unstable, accidents more unfortunate and the boundary between what’s real and what isn’t becomes even more tenuous. BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE DIRECTOR BY IMARA SAVAGE DESIGNER PIP RUNCIMAN LIGHTING DESIGNER MARK PENNINGTON WITH ELENA CARAPETIS, JUDE HENSHALL, NATHAN O’KEEFE & HAZEM SHAMMAS
ARTS CENTRE MELBOURNE FAIRFAX STUDIO Subscription Season 22 – 31 Aug Matinees 24, 28, 31 Aug CANBERRA THEATRE CENTRE THE PLAYHOUSE Subscription Season 31 Oct – 9 Nov Matinees 2, 6, 9 Nov SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE PLAYHOUSE Subscription Season 15 Nov – 7 Dec Matinees 16, 20, 23, 27, 30 Nov 4, 7 Dec
Shakespeare isn’t just meant to be read. It’s meant to be experienced. And not just by people in big cities, but by everyone. That’s why we’ve been touring our productions around the country for more than 22 years. We don’t just perform. We educate. Year in, year out, we share the world’s greatest plays with those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience them. We foster a new generation of actors, directors and designers; and create Learning programmes and opportunities for students and teachers across Australia.
Sadly, ticket sales aren’t enough to keep the show on the road. The full cost of all our productions far outweighs our box office receipts. Please help us bridge that gap by making a tax-deductible donation when you purchase a season package. With your help, we can continue to share our passion for Shakespeare and classical theatre, and inspire more people all over Australia. To find out more, please contact us on 1300 305 730 or visit bellshakespeare.com.au/support Thank you.
If you’ve got questions, we’ve got the answers. And if you can’t find the answer you need here, call us on 1300 305 730 any time between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. HOW DO I BOOK? Book online at bellshakespeare.com.au or use the attached form. HOW DO I BUY A SEASON PACKAGE OR TICKETS AS A GIFT? We can arrange a gift voucher for you. Just give us a call any time between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. DO I NEED TO FILL OUT THE COMPANION DETAILS? If you’re buying for other people, we’d love to be able to give them the same benefits as you. If there’s not enough space on the form, you can attach a separate piece of paper with each of your companions’ details. That way they’ll receive Fanfare and have access to exclusive offers throughout the year too. CAN I PURCHASE ADDITIONAL TICKETS? You can purchase additional tickets at a discounted rate for family and friends for the same performances you’ve selected for your season package, and you’ll be seated together.
CAN I SIT WITH MY FRIENDS? Of course! Just put your forms in the same envelope, or fax them in together. AM I ELIGIBLE FOR A CONCESSION? The concession price is available to Australian full-time students, seniors or current holders of a means-tested Australian pension (Aged Disability, Veterans’ Affairs, Supporting Parent). You’ll just need to provide proof of eligibility with your booking form. WHAT IS THE TRANSACTION FEE? There is a single fee of $6 per booking form to cover postage and handling, no matter how many season packages or tickets you purchase, or how you pay for them. WHAT IS THE UNDER 30 PACKAGE? If you’re under 30 when you book, and can prove it, we can give you a discount. Identification may also be required on admission to the theatre. Please note that Under 30 packages are subject to availability, and a limit of four additional tickets per transaction. WHAT IF I LOSE MY TICKET? You can contact the Bell Shakespeare Box Office on 1300 305 730 and let us know. You’ll be asked to visit your venue Box Office on the day of your performance (from one hour before the show) and they’ll issue you with a lost ticket voucher.
HOW WILL I RECEIVE MY TOTE BAG OR MAGNET? Your tote bag(s) and magnet(s) will be mailed to you along with your season package tickets. And don’t forget, you can order additional tote bags with your season packages for just $15. HOW CAN I EXCHANGE MY TICKETS? You receive one (1) free ticket exchange per production with your season package. All other exchanges are $6 per transaction. To exchange your tickets, please return them with a note indicating your new date selection to: 2013 Season, Bell Shakespeare PO Box 10, Millers Point NSW 2000. Tickets must be received by Bell Shakespeare at least two (2) working days before the original performance date. Any exchange is subject to availability. WHEN WILL SINGLE TICKETS GO ON SALE? Canberra: Monday, 26 November 2012 Melbourne: February 2013 Sydney: February 2013
MAJOR PARTNERS
NSW Education Partner
Wellbeing Partner
Leadership Partner
Automotive Partner
Special Projects Partner
Canberra Season Partner
Stage For Life
Accommodation Partner
Sydney Catering Partner
Legal Partner
Public Affairs Advisors
Community Partner
Printing Partner
SUPPORTING PARTNERS
WA Season Partner Henry 4
COMPANY PARTNERS
PRODUCTION PARTNERS
The Comedy Of Errors
COMMUNITY PARTNERS The following organisations, trusts and foundations are supporting our national education and creative programmes: VINCENT FAIRFAX FAMILY FOUNDATION PRATT FOUNDATION IAN POTTER FOUNDATION J S LOVE TRUST IOOF FOUNDATION
SCULLY FUND THE TRUST COMPANY atf E T A BASAN CHARITABLE TRUST JAMES N KIRBY FOUNDATION COLLIER CHARITABLE FUND
GOVERNMENT PARTNERS
Bell Shakespeare is assisted by the NSW Government through Arts NSW.
Bell Shakespeare is assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.
The Australian Government is proud to be associated with Bell Shakespeare through the national performing arts touring programme, Playing Australia, which gives Australians across the country the opportunity to see some of our best performing arts. Bell Shakespeare Learning Initiatives 2012 to 2015 are supported by the Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.
Henry 4 is supported by the Centenary of Canberra, an initiative of the ACT Government and by the NSW Government through Arts NSW.
Designed by Interbrand. Photography by Pierre Toussaint.
Level 1, 33 Playfair Street, The Rocks Sydney, Australia PO Box 10, Millers Point NSW 2000 Telephone +61 2 8298 9000 Facsimile +61 2 9241 4643