2012
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Theatre is the great temporal art form, experienced by the audience from moment to moment. And it’s the moments that stay with us. Not all moments, of course; just a few special moments that catch in the mind: an image, a line, a gesture, a flash of brilliance, a thrill - glittering shards that stand for the whole. MTC spills out these bright, gem-like moments that defy the erosion of memory. Perhaps it is our fleeting tenure as programmers that got us thinking about the ephemeral nature of theatre and prompted the ‘Don’t Miss the Moment’ theme for the 2012 season. We are certainly delighted to be this beautiful
interim twinkling in MTC’s long history between the outgoing Artistic Director Simon Phillips and the incoming Brett Sheehy. As we chose this season of plays, we also found ourselves recalling our own favourite moments of past productions, and we dearly want this season, since it will be our only season, to be rich in such take-home moments.
Robyn Nevin, Pamela Rabe, Aidan Fennessy MTC Season 2012 Programming Team
So we invite you to lean forward in your seats and enjoy MTC Season 2012. You wouldn’t want to miss a single moment…
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Red
By John Logan 22 March – 5 May MTC Theatre, Sumner 2010 Tony Award for Best Play 2010 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play
In 1958, abstract expressionist Mark Rothko began painting his vast canvasses for the exclusive Four Seasons restaurant. It was to become the culmination of his art: five sublime expanses of red — landscapes to be lost in, seas to be submerged in. Yet how can such an austere vision survive the status-seeking New York art world, or even the admiring questions of his new assistant? John Logan’s Red offers a fascinating portrait of an artist who reduced his heart to essentials. Having worked closely together in film, Colin Friels is reunited with director Alkinos Tsilimodos for his multi-award-winning play.
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‘verdict: brilliant’ The Daily Mail ‘a sizzling, intellectually thrilling two-character drama’ Chicago Tribune ‘a portrait of an angry and brilliant mind’ The New York Times Cast includes: Colin Friels Director: Alkinos Tsilimidos Set Designer: Shaun Gurton Costume Designer: Jill Johanson Lighting Designer: Matt Scott Composer: Tristan Meredith
Music
The Heretic
The SEed
9 November – 22 December The Arts Centre, Fairfax Studio
12 May – 23 June MTC Theatre, Sumner
17 February – 4 April The Arts Centre, Fairfax Studio
A troubled marriage, an estranged brother, a disloyal friend — Jack has made a botch of all the important relationships in his life. It’s time for him to put his affairs in order, but his strength is waning and he has neglected crucial matters for far too long. Yet, almost without realising it, those who once laughed with him and loved him are tying up the loose ends of a ragged life. Music reverberates with sympathy and humour without a false note of sentimentality.
Although far from being a climate change sceptic, Dr Diane Cassell is nevertheless a serious scientist who likes the facts to speak for themselves. When her data contradict a key doctrine of global warming theory, her university puts pressure on her to conform. Yet she can do no other except speak her truth, even after her heresies hit the front pages. Noni Hazelhurst stars in the Australian premiere of this UK hit comedy.
Thirty years is a long time to stay away, so Danny Maloney is nervous about facing his formidable father Brian again. History scarred them both, but their open wounds are all personal. Danny’s daughter Rose, a writer, will record the reunion, meet her grandfather for the first time, and learn that in family conflicts there’s no neutral position. Australian playwright Kate Mulvany draws on her own family history to create this stinging, witty examination of how tightly ties can bind.
Cast includes: Jane Menelaus, Richard Piper
Cast includes: Noni Hazelhurst Director: Matt Scholten Set Designer: Shaun Gurton Costume Designer: Esther Marie Hayes Lighting Designer: Lisa Mibus
Cast includes: Sara Gleeson, Tony Martin Director: Anne-Louise Sarks Set and Costume Designer: Christina Smith Lighting Designer: Matt Scott
‘an absolute corker, funny, provocative and touching’ The Telegraph
‘a beautiful work from a burgeoning writer that shines a pure light on war’ The Daily
By Barry Oakley
‘Oakley has given some of the most enjoyable evenings on the Melbourne stage’ Max Gillies
By Richard Bean
By Kate Mulvany
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Top Girls By Caryl Churchill
By Nina Raine
31 August – 29 September MTC Theatre, Sumner
10 February – 14 March MTC Theatre, Sumner
Marlene is out to celebrate her big promotion at work. And she’s earned it. Nobody knows better than Marlene that today’s career woman has to be tough as nails to compete in the masculine corporate world. And if she’s had to make sacrifices along the way, then they’ve all been worth it. Caryl Churchill’s timeless, and now iconic Top Girls dances through history asking all the difficult questions about women, career and corporate culture.
Around this family’s table, conversation is a no-holds-barred struggle for attention. Father, mother, brother and sister fling opinions, arguments and insults and no one pays much attention to the damage it might cause, except the youngest son Billy who despite not hearing a word, understands the message. Nominated for the 2011 Oliver Award for Best New Play, this fiercely intelligent comedy makes its Australian premiere following a smash-hit UK season.
Cast includes: Anita Hegh, Nikki Shiels Director: Jenny Kemp Set and Costume Designer: Dale Ferguson Lighting Designer: Richard Vabre Composer: Elizabeth Drake
Cast includes: Alison Bell, Brian Lipson, Sarah Peirse Director: Julian Meyrick Set Designer: Stephen Curtis Costume Designer: Louise McCarthy Lighting Designer: Matt Scott Composer: Tim Dargaville
‘a witty celebration of female resilience’ The Guardian
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Tribes
‘fiercely intelligent, caustically funny’ The Independent
Book a Mini Subscription Package With international smash hits, classic masterpieces and riveting new Australian works, MTC’s Season 2012 will be filled with moments that move you, make you laugh and stay with you long after the curtain has fallen. Tailor a subscription package to your own taste and budget simply by choosing three or more plays from the six offered in this brochure.
Five great reasons to subscribe to MTC: 1. Great Savings Save on single ticket prices by bundling your plays together. Buy a 3-Play Package and save 20% on single ticket prices. And for under 30s, packages start from just $87 for 3 plays. 2. You’ll never miss out on our sell-out shows When our hit shows sell out, you’ll have your seats safely locked away.
4. Regular get-togethers A subscription is the perfect excuse for regular catch-ups with friends and family. 5. Heaps of other benefits You’ll receive loads of other benefits, including access to discounted tickets for friends, special briefing sessions with directors and creative teams and exclusive backstage news and offers throughout the year.
3. Ticket exchanges You can fill your diary with theatre dates, but still exchange your tickets to another time if you need to.
For more information visit mtc.com.au or call 03 8688 0800. To learn more about MTC shows join the conversation online:
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General Inquiries 252 Sturt Street, Southbank VIC 3006 Phone: 03 8688 0900 Email: info@mtc.com.au