Bell Shakespeare Season 2011 | Sydney

2011=Love+Hell+The odd uprising

THERE IS AN INHERENT DANGER THAT COMES IN GIVING UP A PART OF ONE’S SELF.

Last year was a momentous one for Bell Shakespeare. Thank you to everyone who made it such a tremendous 20th anniversary celebration.

The 2011 season marks our 21st year and the beginning of a new chapter for us. We have three great plays, each one examining the intriguing question: how do you maintain your integrity in a world that so often expects you to discard it?

There is an inherent danger that comes in giving up a part of one’s self, whether it’s in relationships or for religious or political reasons. This is one theme we’ve all enjoyed exploring in putting together this season.

I will be joining the actors on stage as Mephistophilis in Faustus, Michael Gow’s adaptation of Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus. Peter Evans will bring a contemporary political edge to Julius Caesar, and I will don the director’s hat for Much Ado About Nothing, with Toby Schmitz and Blazey Best heading a fantastic cast.

I’m delighted to announce that in addition to directing Julius Caesar this year, Peter Evans will also be joining us as our new Associate Artistic Director. Peter has a long history with Bell Shakespeare, having directed our productions of Macbeth in 1997, The Two Gentlemen Of Verona in 2005 and The Tempest in 2006. He’s a director of great passion, imagination, energy and experience, and will make a tremendous contribution to the Company and its future.

We’ve also launched a new subscriptions Box Office. As a subscriber, you’ll now deal with the Bell Shakespeare subscriptions team who can offer you advice and information on everything from the season, shows and artists to where you’re sitting, where you can park, and how to exchange your tickets.

You can also now subscribe online at bellshakespeare.com.au, which means that buying Bell Packages is even easier.

As we embark on our third decade, we are very pleased to have you with us and look forward to seeing you in the theatre soon. Enjoy the season!

John Bell AO

Toby Schmitz

Marriage

Blazey Best

I do I won’t

Much Ado About Nothing

BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE DIRECTED BY john bell DESIGNER STEPHEN CURTIS COMPOSER ALAN JOHN WITH ROBERT ALEXANDER, BLAZEY BEST, ALEXANDRA FISHER, MAX GILLIES, SEAN HAWKINS, TONY LLEWELLYN-JONES, NATHAN LOVEJOY, ARKY MICHAEL, MEGAN O’CONNELL, SEAN O’SHEA, TYRAN PARKE, LIZZIE SCHEBESTA, TOBY SCHMITZ, ANDREW TIGHE AND MATTHEW WALKER

“Each of Shakespeare’s comedies has a unique charm; to my mind Much Ado About Nothing is the most earthy and warm-hearted. Here there are no enchanted forests or amazing coincidences, just the hammer and tongs of gender politics with all their attendant rages and hilarity.

The acerbic wit and feisty intelligence of Beatrice and Benedick make them two of Shakespeare’s most irresistible characters. With a first-rate acting ensemble and creative team, I look forward to presenting to you one of the pinnacles of romantic comedy.” john bell, DIrECTOR

Claudio and Hero are deeply in love.

Beatrice and Benedick are deeply in denial.

All is well. Then Claudio humiliates Hero.

Hero has a fainting attack and pretends to die. And Beatrice and Benedick join forces with a vengeance. And that’s just up to the interval. If it sounds complicated, well, that’s love for you – a trip down the aisle is never a straight one.

John Bell directs this exuberant comedy with a lightness of touch and a fantastic cast including Blazey Best, Toby Schmitz, Max Gillies and Tony Llewellyn-Jones.

When you delve into other people’s relationships you soon learn the real cost of commitment – what we will do and what we won’t do for that capricious and often elusive state of love.

SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE, DRAMA THEATRE Subscription Season 14 April – 14 May Matinees 16, 20, 23, 27, 30 April 4, 7, 11, 14 May Post-Show Q&A Tuesday 19 April, following the 6.30pm performance Performance Times Tuesday 6.30pm Wednesday – Saturday 7.30pm Wednesday & Saturday Matinees 2.00pm Sunday Twilight 5.00pm

John Bell

hell

Ben Winspear

buy now x pay later

Faustus A BELL SHAKESPEARE AND QUEENSLAND THEATRE COMPANY CO-PRODUCTION AFTER DOCTOR FAUSTUS BY CHRISTOPHER MARLOWE ADAPTED AND DIRECTED BY MICHAEL GOW DESIGNER JONATHON OXLADE VIDEO DESIGNER CHRIS MORE LIGHTING DESIGNER JASON GLENWIGHT WITH JOHN BELL, BEN WINSPEAR AND JASON KLARWEIN

“The fascinating characters in this story have interested me for a long time, as have the many great works of art that have been inspired by them.

With a diverse and inspired creative team, as well as Ben Winspear and John Bell – who’s already dug into two of Shakespeare’s madder characters with me (Richard of Gloucester and Titus Andronicus) – this promises to be a really memorable experience.”

Michael Gow, Director

Faustus is a brilliant man. A scholar.

But there’s smart and then there’s smart.

In his insatiable thirst for knowledge, Faustus goes in search of magic. But when he summons the evil Mephistophilis, we soon learn the limits of his mortal comprehension.

Faustus tries to make Mephistophilis his servant, but Mephistophilis works only for the Devil. Blinded by greed, Faustus proposes a trade: his soul in exchange for 24 years with Mephistophilis.

The Devil says yes.

SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE, PLAYHOUSE Subscription Season 2 – 24 July Matinees 2, 6, 9, 13, 16, 20, 23 July Post-Show Q&A Tuesday 5 July, following the 6.30pm performance Performance Times Tuesday 6.30pm

The cooling-off period expires. The contract is binding. Suddenly, Faustus is headed for an eternity of horror with no clause for salvation.

Wednesday – Saturday 7.30pm

Starring John Bell as Mephistophilis and Ben Winspear as Faustus, Michael Gow’s startling adaptation of Christopher Marlowe’s play takes a closer look at temptation and the price we pay for instant gratification.

Sunday Twilight 5.00pm

Wednesday & Saturday Matinees 2.00pm

Alex Menglet

Assassination

Death+an election

julius caesar

BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE DIRECTED BY Peter Evans WITH Alex Menglet and Kate Mulvany

“I find this story constantly relevant.

We witness the original pre-emptive strike and the irony of the ‘honourable assassination’ with all the carnage that a power vacuum creates.

Julius Caesar is a play that is never out of date and even today feels relentlessly modern.”

Peter Evans, Director

To see the future one must only look to the past. Like many who came before him and after him, Julius Caesar had the support of the people but the loathing of the players.

They conspired. They persuaded.

They whispered it was for the good of

the country. All they needed to succeed was Brutus. Poor patriotic Brutus. He was like a son to Caesar and a poster boy for the republic. But not even a front-man of such unimpeachable integrity could avert the total and utter disaster their daggers set in motion.

Peter Evans, Bell Shakespeare’s new Associate Artistic Director, takes this momentous piece of Roman history and transports it to the corridors of backroom politics. This time, when Caesar gets the axe, it’s the media who roar like an angry mob.

This sharp political drama puts friendship to the test and reveals a stark contrast between our intentions and our actions.

With Alex Menglet as Caesar and Kate Mulvany as the conniving Cassius, we go behind the scenes as yet another leader is forced from office.

SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE, PLAYHOUSE Subscription Season 28 October – 26 November Matinees 29 October 2, 5, 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, 26 November Post-Show Q&A Tuesday 1 November, following the 6.30pm performance Performance Times Tuesday 6.30pm Wednesday – Saturday 7.30pm Wednesday & Saturday Matinees 2.00pm Sunday Twilight 5.00pm

SHAKESPEARE HAS INSPIRED MILLIONS. YOU CAN HELP INSPIRE MORE. Bell Shakespeare is the only Australian theatre company to consistently tour its productions, year in and year out. And not just to audiences in big cities, but also to those in outlying areas. Places like Dubbo and Bendigo and Broome. Who knows where the next generation of actors, directors and avid Shakespeare lovers will come from?

We tour our shows and Learning programmes with passion and commitment. We feel it’s our responsibility to reach out and entertain, teach and inspire audiences and students wherever they might be.

Ticket sales alone are not enough to keep us on the road. We need your support.

Please consider adding a donation to your 2011 subscription form in this brochure or online. Every donation over $2 is tax-deductible and every little bit helps.

Please also consider joining our Supporting Cast annual giving programme. For more information about supporting Bell Shakespeare, please visit bellshakespeare.com.au/support or contact our Philanthropic Fundraiser, Willa Stanton, on 02 8298 9014 or willas@bellshakespeare.com.au You can also help secure the future of Bell Shakespeare by making a bequest in your will. To receive more information about bequests, please tick the box on our booking form or contact our Philanthropy Manager, Ruth Anders, on 02 8298 9017 or rutha@bellshakespeare.com.au

Stimulating Subscription = conversation + discounts

TAKE THREE PLAYS, SAVE UP TO 30% TAKE TWO, SAVE UP TO 22% Why become a Bell Package subscriber?

– Enjoy fantastic discounts! Buy three plays and save up to 30% on full-price tickets (that’s $56), or buy two plays and save up to 22% (that’s $28) – First in, best-dressed – get the best seats in the house – Priority seating for any additional tickets purchased for friends and family – Receive one (1) free ticket exchange for each production in your Bell Package – Access discounted pre-paid programme vouchers – Receive Fanfare, Bell Shakespeare’s biannual magazine, delivered free to you twice a year, giving you a behind-the-scenes look at what we’re up to both on and off the stage

As a subscriber you can also receive the Bell Shakespeare e-newsletter, keeping you up to date on news, special offers and events throughout the year. In addition, you’re invited to join us for our new post-show Q&A sessions with the cast.

See the production pages of this brochure for the dates and times of these sessions.

Plus, there’s now service that will make you smile

Bell Shakespeare announces the launch of our new Box Office for subscribers.

As a Bell Package subscriber, you’ll now deal with the friendly Bell Shakespeare subscriptions team from the time you make your purchase to the moment the curtain rises. They’ll manage all aspects of your ticketing and answer any questions you might have about our shows, our artists, ticket exchanges, options for dinner and parking near the theatre.

You can also now subscribe online at bellshakespeare.com.au, making buying your Bell Packages quick and easy – no need for forms if you prefer the web!

2011 SUBSCRIPTION PACKAGES. In 2011, we’re pleased to offer you a wide range of Bell Packages – choose the one that suits you.

THREE-PLAY BELL PACKAGES – SAVE UP TO 30%

TWO-PLAY BELL PACKAGES – SAVE UP TO 22%

HOW TO SUBSCRIBE

Standard Three-Play Bell Package Full price $132 / concession $120

STANDARD TWO-PLAY BELL PACKAGE FULL PRICE $100 / CONCESSION $90

bellshakespeare.com.au

Choose from Sunday to Friday evening performances or any matinee. Save up to $56 off single ticket prices, with access to priority seating.

Choose two performances on a Sunday to Friday evening or any matinee and save up to $28 on full-price tickets.

2011 Season Bell Shakespeare Reply Paid 10 Millers Point NSW 2000

Saturday evening Three-Play Bell Package Full Price $174 / Concession $156

Get the best seats on Saturday nights (when our shows sell out) and enjoy savings of up to $37 off single ticket prices.

Optus Under 30 Three-Play Bell Package Standard $90 / Saturday evening $125

A special offer for patrons under the age of 30 at the time of booking, these Bell Packages give you access to the Standard and Saturday Evening Three-Play Bell Packages at Optus Under 30 prices.

SATURDAY evening TWO-PLAY BELL PACKAGE FULL PRICE $122 / CONCESSION $110

Choose two Saturday evening performances (when our shows sell out) and enjoy savings of up to $21 on full-price tickets.

OPTUS UNDER 30 TWO-PLAY BELL PACKAGE STANDARD $60 / SATURDAY evening $85

A special offer for patrons under the age of 30 at the time of booking, these Bell Packages give you access to the Standard and Saturday Evening Two-Play Bell Packages at Optus Under 30 prices.

ONLINE

POST TO

(no postage stamp required)

FAX TO

02 9241 4643 TELEPHONE

1300 305 730 (Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm) QUESTIONS?

Call the new Bell Shakespeare subscriptions team on 1300 305 730.

Remember that if you are requesting a concession or Optus Under 30 Package or additional tickets, you must supply photocopied proof of eligibility with your booking form.

Frequently asked questions.

HOW DO I SUBSCRIBE?

Complete the form overleaf and post to 2011 Season, Bell Shakespeare, Reply Paid 10, Millers Point NSW 2000 (no postage stamp required) or fax to 02 9241 4643. Alternatively, you can subscribe online. Simply visit the subscriptions booking page at bellshakespeare.com.au Do I need to fill out the companion details?

If you are buying for other people, we’d like to provide them with the same benefits as you. If there’s not enough space on the form, please provide a separate piece of paper with your companions’ details. That way they’ll receive Fanfare and have access to exclusive subscriber offers throughout the year.

Can I sit with my friends?

Of course! Simply enclose your forms in the same envelope or fax them in together.

Can I purchase additional tickets?

As a Bell Package subscriber, you can purchase additional tickets for family and friends for the same performances you have selected for your Bell Package and you’ll be seated together.

HOW DO I BUY A BELL PACKAGE OR TICKETS AS A GIFT?

Gift vouchers can be arranged by calling us on 1300 305 730 (Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm).

WHAT IS THE TRANSACTION FEE?

There is a single fee of $6 per booking form to cover postage and handling, no matter how many Bell Packages or tickets you purchase, or how you pay for them.

AM I ELIGIBLE FOR A CONCESSION?

The concession price is available to full-time students, Seniors or current holders of a means-tested Australian pension (Aged Disability, Veterans’ Affairs, Supporting Parent). Proof of eligibility must be provided with the booking form.

WHAT IS OPTUS UNDER 30?

A discount for theatregoers under 30 years of age in 2011. Proof of age must be supplied when booking. Identification may also be required on admission to the theatre. Subject to availability, with a limit of four tickets per transaction.

WHAT IF I LOSE MY TICKETS?

Please contact the Bell Shakespeare subscriptions team on 1300 305 730 and let us know. You’ll be asked to visit the Sydney Opera House Box Office on the day of your performance (from one hour before the show) and they will issue you with a missing ticket voucher.

HOW CAN I EXCHANGE MY TICKETS?

All Bell Package subscribers receive one (1) free ticket exchange per production in their Package. All other exchanges are $6 per transaction. To exchange your tickets, please return them with a note indicating your new date selection to 2011 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?

Tuesday 1 March 2011.

thank you to our partners.

LEADING PARTNERS

Producing PARTNERS

Community partners

Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation Ian Potter Foundation Scully Fund Collier Charitable Fund James N Kirby Foundation Besen Family Foundation

National Education & Youth Partner

MAJOR PARTNERS

NSW Education Partner

Perth Season Partner

government partners

SUPPORTING PARTNERS

Supporting Local Communities

Official Wellbeing Partner

Leadership Partner

Special Event Partner

Media Partner

Bell Shakespeare is assisted by the NSW Government through Arts NSW.

COMPANY PARTNERS

Special Event Partner

Community Partner

Public Affairs Advisors

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.

Legal Partner

I

Accommodation Partner Melbourne

Bell Shakespeare is assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.

Sydney Restaurant Partner

Bell Shakespeare Learning is supported by the Australian Government through the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations under the Quality Outcomes Programme.

Bell Shakespeare Learning is assisted by the NSW Government through the NSW Department of Education and Training.

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 bellshakespeare.com.au

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