spring & explorations 2012
SPring & explorations 2012 Newsletter 123 While I have been away feasting on theatre at the 9th Women Playwrights International Conference in Stockholm and the Helsinki Theatre Festival in Finland, La Mama too has been on the move. Helen Lucas’ Sarajevo Suite and Donna Jackson’s The Baby Show have toured extensively in regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne, and Ben Grant’s The Shrink and Swell of Knots had an extended season at The Substation in Newport. We are very excited about our growing relationship with The Substation and look forward to continuing it into the future. Creative exploration is at the heart of all works produced and presented at La Mama, yet this is particularly true of our annual EXPLORATIONS season. EXPLORATIONS is a unique series of three-night seasons in which artists are supported to challenge boundaries, experiment with process and explore new ideas. Our season this year breaks all records with almost 30 individual events, so do come and taste as many of our diverse offerings as you can.
Liz Jones, C.E.O. & Artistic Director And on behalf of Pippa Bainbridge (Company Manager & Creative Producer), Ellen Rijs (Administration Coordinator), Nedd Jones (Communications Coordinator), Lisa Höbartner & Rebecca Etchell (House Managers), Maureen Hartley (La Mama Learning Producer), Mary Helen Sassman (La Mama Community Producer), Caitlin Dullard (La Mama Mobile Producer), Fiona Wiseman (Preservation Coordinator), Ella Holmes (La Mama for Kids Curator), Annabel Warmington (La Mama Musica Curator), Matt Hetherington (La Mama Poetica Curator), Graham Downey (Script Appraiser), Laura Smith (Explorations Production Manager) and the Committee of Management: Sue Broadway, Dur-é Dara, Mark Rubbo, Caroline Lee, Tim Stitz, Rhonda Day and Liz Jones.
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
Disturbing the Piece My cunt full of ashes (This mouth is not dead) Trailers It’s About Kissing My Pet, My Love Point of Departure The Restoration of Adelaide Ristori The Award Orphanage of Animals Opera for a small mammal Pendulum A Case for Melancholia Tehran The Long Pigs Notorious Somewhere City The Brady Bunch The Book of Revelations Gravir Quiver Too Death of a Comedian The Great Game NOA Myth, Fabric + the Outline of Puppets Story Vessel Le Petite Prince?? Playreadings No One Likes Me La Mama Poetica We Were Almost Entirely Happy La Mama Musica A Story About A Dress La Mama Aesoterica Death At Intervals Melbourne Writers Theatre Ticket Information
Cover Image: Matthew Chuang Courtesy: We Were Almost Entirely Happy Explorations Logo: Lloyd Jones
23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 33 35 37 38 39 40 41 42 44
Disturbing the Piece October 16, 17, 18 “Hey I know, I’ll write for you and you write for me.” So we have. And here it is. Charlie says: “I don’t want to give anything away. I want people to be surprised and shocked as the narrative unfolds” Glynis says: “My interest is in something about fractures and bonds. Compression and tension.” Seven monologues, a minister, a basketball hoop and a shot of pethidine. Written by Charlie Laidlaw and Glynis Angell Performed by Charlie Laidlaw, Glynis Angell and others Tue, Wed, Thu 7.30pm La Mama Theatre
Trailers October 19, 20, 21 Two studies made from unlikely materials: Fifty-nine scenic fragments sampled from one nineteenth century English translation, in two versions, of Ibsen’s Pillars of Society Two English translations, made by three translators and published five years apart, of Derrida’s Signature Event Context
Made by Russell Walsh, with Greg Brown, Paul Buckley, Andrew Kelly and Simon Wilton Fri, Sat, Sun 7.30pm La Mama Theatre
5.
my pet, my love October 22, 23, 24 This is one of my favourites Favourite song? Favourite memory‌
Written and performed by Michelle France and Robert Gaetano Mon, Tue, Wed 7.30pm La Mama Theatre
The Restoration of Adelaide Ristori October 25, 26, 27 In 1875, Adelaide Ristori’s five month tour of the Australian colonies, had a significant impact on Australian theatre and culture. Like a fresco that has been forgotten and painted over, when we endeavour to restore it, what do we uncover about the great Diva and more importantly‌ ourselves? Created by Carmelina Di Guglielmo with Laurence Strangio Image and costume by Tia Evans Thu, Fri, Sat 7.30pm La Mama Theatre 7.
Orphanage of the Animals October 28, 29, 30 The characters in Orphanage of the Animals are childhoods, childhoods put out with the curbside recycling. They are orphans in their own homes. Wolf eats teddies, cows, dogs and little children. Crow knows the world’s fucked. Nikayla uses her tiger silk nipples to cadge ciggies. Dog bitey biteys hisself worthless. Survivors at any cost, the Orphans work the audience for love and attention. It’s a very, very black comedy. Written and performed by Karen Corbett Directed by Catherine Samsury Producer (and furry hat): Kerry Davies Supported by Eagles Nest Theatre Sun, Mon, Tue 7.30pm La Mama Theatre
Pendulum October 31, November 1, 2 Wednesday is 16 when time stops forever. Wednesday is 30 and haunted. She must try to forgive herself the unforgivable, but will Cuckoo cut his puppet strings? Written by Meg Courtney Dramaturgy and direction by Petra Kalive Performed by Kate Gregory and Ian Rooney Wed, Thu, Fri 7.30pm La Mama Theatre
9.
tehran November 3, 4, 5 Based on the daily experience of a crow flying above a city full of conflict and observing people’s lives below. Tehran is a collection of vignettes featuring shadow puppetry and live music. The work combines dark humour and fantasy to offset the bitterness of a reality affected by religion, politics and the internet. Devised by Elnaz Sheshgelani Directorial assistance from Pippa Bainbridge and Lloyd Jones Music by Gelareh Abdollahpour Sat, Sun, Mon 7.30pm La Mama Theatre
notorious November 6, 7, 8 Heralded as the world’s most desired ‘freaks’ at the turn of the 19th century, conjoined twins Rosa and Josepha Blažek lived and died in a world of extremes. Notorious investigates the lives and deaths of these infamous women marred by scandal, intrigue and the rise and fall of celebrity. Never alone. Not for a single moment. Created and performed by Polly Sara and Ellen Rijs Tue, Wed, Thu 7.30pm La Mama Theatre
11.
The brady bunch November 7, 8, 9 The Brady Bunch is a dynamic, living story following three generations of a rural Koori family as they face funerals, conflict, violence, isolation, exclusion, homelessness, discrimination, terminal illness, alcoholism, drug abuse, home invasions, road vehicle accidents, murder and attempted suicide.
Written by Richard J Frankland Wed, Thu, Fri 7.30pm La Mama Courthouse
Gravir November 9, 10, 11 I. Gravir translates from the French to that of “to climb” / “to ascend”; with the connotation of struggling upwards. II. Gravir can be an attempt to investigate the ramifications of the quest(ion): “what is an anything project?”. III. Gravir itself poses as an anything project. IV. Gravir is a work in 357 movements. Here are the 357 movements. Written and directed by Kevin CK Lo for four players Fri, Sat, Sun 7.30pm La Mama Theatre
13.
quiver November 10, 11, 12 Deep underground, five scientists inhabit a secret laboratory, their purpose to protect wild and threatened species of the Vegetable Kingdom. A messenger appears to warn them that their work is being leaked into the wrong hands with dire consequences. Intricate, outlandish, whimsical, desperate, Quiver travels a dark maze of will-o’-the-wisps. Written by Kit Lazaroo Direction and dramaturgy by Jane Woollard Performed by Fanny Hanusin, Tom Considine, Jane Bayly Sat, Sun, Mon 7.30pm La Mama Courthouse
Too November 12, 13, 14 Too, a short sound work for theatre. Financial currents course the globe—the globe spins on its calculable axis. Inside the thrum: counterpoint of the earth’s yield and withholding, and the age-old, familiar tasks that follow. Too wonders about the paradoxically hectic standstill of repetition, and the silence that swirls at the centre of the dream. There is a market for everything; there may be no words. Written by Cynthia Troup Performed by Carolyn Connors Composition and sound design by Ben Byrne Mon, Tue, Wed 7.30pm La Mama Theatre 15.
The Great Game November 13, 14, 15 A new work by Melbourne Fringe Festival Award winners Bernard Caleo, Charlie Laidlaw and Katherine Connolly. Charles Darwin meets the Pussycat Dolls in Wuthering Heights and together they set out for the battle of Khartoum. Written by Katherine Connolly Directed by Rosina Gannon Devised and performed by Katherine Connolly, Bernard Caleo and Charlie Laidlaw Tue, Wed, Thu 7.30pm La Mama Courthouse
Myth, Fabric + the Outline of Puppets November 15, 16, 17 Many of the stories that we were taught as children began with ‘once upon a time’. Even though these stories have been passed down through generations, growing up, these stories lose their beginnings, their simplicity and no longer apply to an adult world. Should they be forgotten? This is an exploration of light, fabric, puppetry, the origins of ancient myth and its present day application. Created and performed by Tanya Harrowell, Pippa Bainbridge, Pheonix Bade, Shae Nechwatal and Shae Remy Thu 8.30pm, Fri 6.30pm, Sat 8.30pm La Mama Theatre 17.
le petit prince?? November 15, 16, 17 A woman tries to meet Le Petit Prince from her favorite novel but instead she meets a small old man from the streets of Osaka! Travelling planets together what she found was... Performed in Rakugo style (traditional Japanese comic storytelling) with ventriloquism, puppets and bamboo art. This is a comic fantasy for older children and adults who are still children at heart. “Prepare to be enchanted!...mesmerized by her genuine excitement and the magic of storytelling and creation.� - Theatre Press, Melbourne 2012 Created and performed by Showko Shoufukutei Thu 6.30pm, Fri 8.30pm, Sat 6.30pm La Mama Theatre
No One Likes Me November 16, 17, 18 An exploration of being liked and not being liked, by people, school friends, friends, colleagues, family and society. This is a snap shot autobiographical work of growing up from childhood, teenage years to adulthood, trying to find where one fits in and belongs. This exploration tackles bullying, stigma from early childhood and the impact it has had on me. Devised by Darren Vizer Fri, Sat, Sun 7.30pm La Mama Courthouse
19.
We were almost entirely happy November 18, 19 ,20 My lover lies under the linden-tree kissing Tomorrow with his mouth that was all mine.This is the beginning of my life, or the end. Elizabeth Smart and George Barker, two poets, two fictional accounts, one real love affair. Adapted from By Grand Central Station and The Dead Seagull Created by Smiljana Glisovic and Caitlin Dullard with Olivia Wilson Image by Matthew Chuang Sun 6.30pm, Mon 8.30pm, Tue 6.30pm La Mama Theatre
a story about a dress November 18, 19, 20 Mae is a writer with severe writer’s block. She has forgotten all of the words she knew, but somehow through this confusion, numbers have kept her sane. One day she sees a beautiful woman whom she decides must be her muse and so she embarks upon a journey to reclaim her words, love and happiness. Written and performed by Verity Charlton Directed by Alice Bishop Sun 8.30pm, Mon 6.30pm, Tue 8.30pm La Mama Theatre
21.
Death at Intervals November 19, 20, 21 A country celebrates the miracle that death has been vanquished until the grim realisation that death no longer provides a merciful end to suffering. Has death taken a holiday or a permanent vacation? Puppetry elevates the magic realism of JosÊ Saramago’s vision and explores a world not unlike our own. Performed by Susan Bamford-Caleo, Colleen Burke, Dani Cresp, Andi Horvath and Gonzalo Varela Music by Rose Turtle Ertler and Robert Stephens Etching, direction and design by Colleen Burke Mon, Tue, Wed 7.30pm La Mama Courthouse
my cunt full of ashes
(this mouth is not dead) November 21, 22, 23 I should have thought about it sooner, gone through it before. Planned it. My fingers digging into his flesh, searching for the wound... A public and personal revelation of need through language and through the body. Created by Nicola Gunn and Laurence Strangio Inspired by the writing of HÊlène Cixous Wed, Thu, Fri 7.30pm La Mama Theatre 23.
It's about kissing... November 22, 23, 24
“It was good to see you today on Skype. We made Playdough and cut out stars and numbers and lots more stuff.” An unexperiment about not creating real theatre.
Devised and performed by Elisabeth Höbartner and special guests Thu, Fri, Sat 7.30pm La Mama Courthouse
point of departure November 24, 25, 26 All is not well at Greenaway Undertakers. Repossessions! Desperate cost-cutting in a dog-eat-dog marketplace! To make matters worse, Boris, that visionary undertaker, has been unsettling clients with his raptures. Worse still, today’s client has her own baggage and will show no mercy – even to an inspired undertaker. Written and directed by Peter Murphy Performed by Adam Cass, Jo-Anne Armstrong, Peter Murphy, Germaine Wattis and Howard Wilkinson Sat 8.30pm, Sun 6.30pm, Mon 8.30pm La Mama Theatre 25.
the award November 24, 25, 26 Boyd is an ex-crim who opted for happiness via family life. When his wife leaves with the kids, it looks like the old spectre of depression might overtake him again. He changes tack and harnesses the violence in his neighbour, Kim, to rob clubs full-time. A new woman, a jet setting lifestyle and a fresh liberal philosophy keep him one step ahead of the emotions that stalk him. Written by Mic Smith Performed by Kevin Summers and others Sat 6.30pm, Sun 8.30pm, Mon 6.30pm La Mama Theatre
o
pera for a small mammal November 27, 28, 29
Opera for a small mammal explores the artist’s position in society, from a rigorous and singular point of view, to create a resonant landscape of performance. Written by Margaret Cameron in creative development with Jethro Woodward and David Young Supported by R.E. Ross Trust Playwrights’ Script Development Award In association with Chamber Made Opera & Bell Shakespeare Mind’s Eye Image by Craig Rawlings Tue, Wed, Thu 7.30pm La Mama Theatre 27.
A CASE FOR MELANCHOLia Created for those who love the unexpected November 30, December 1, 2 The populist idea that a state of melancholia be regarded as a psychological illnesss is challenged. Any significant deviations from the norm (a questionable construct) has led to an endemic where practitioners opt to treat such behaviours as depression. Given humanity’s obsession to self destruct, it is reasonable to be emotionally disturbed by this. Being in a state of melancholia - precipitated by conscience - is hardly an illness. Directed and designed by Lloyd Jones in collaboration with an ensemble of 25 performers Melencolia 1 engraving by Albrecht Dßrer Fri, Sat, Sun 7.30pm La Mama Theatre
The long pigs December 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 You are asleep in the night of the long pigs. Childhood dreams are slaughtered by adult nightmares. Terrorists are eaten by cannibals, racists a mere entrée and clowns masquerade as the maître de and chef. The waiter wants to serve your nose as dessert. She has already eaten hers. It’s a very dark night. You wake up laughing to discover everything you hate is true. Devised and performed by Clare Bartholomew, Derek Ives and Nicci Wilkes Tue - Sun 7.30pm La Mama Theatre 29.
somewhere city December 17, 18, 19 Citizens of Somewhere City are vanishing. What is responsible for these disappearances? A fable about love at the end of the world. Somewhere City is devised and performed by members of Fusion Theatre, a company of performers of different abilities based in Dandenong. Directed by Tamara Searle Assistant director and sound design by Helen Rekkor Film by Ruth Perry Set design by Bridget Nathan Costume by Larissa Cardwell Support worker: Nat Anguita Mon 7pm Tue 12pm & 7pm Wed 12pm & 7pm La Mama Courthouse
The Book of Revelations December 20, 21, 22 It is the Last Days. A woman sits on top of a mountain, waiting. In the daytime she tries to stay out of the sun. In the night time, she sings to the stars. She didn’t pack enough lunch. The end is nigh... or is it? Created and performed by Alison Richards Music by Faye Bendrups Design by Peri Jenkins Digital creative associate: Christy Dena Puppetry consultant: Nancy Black Lighting consultant: Phil Lethlean Graphic design by Max Thompson Production management: Canada White Thu, Fri, Sat 7.30pm La Mama Courthouse 31.
death of a comedian November 28 - December 9 It’s the wild frontier of the green room at a comedy venue. Here it’s a game of survival: kill or be killed. Enter into the room a battered survivor of eighties Oz comedy. He wants to take on the audiences again. Has he got what it takes to stay in the game this time? Written by Fred Rowan Directed by Bruce Langdon Performed by Kevin Summers, Linden Compassi, Jeremy Kewley and Karla Silvey Wed, Sun 6.30pm, Thu, Fri, Sat 7.30pm La Mama Courthouse
33.
NOA December 12 - December 22 An expert in survival, Noa has built a sustainable ‘ark’ to protect him and his sister from impending disaster. Inspired by the biblical story of Noah’s Ark, this stirring new work re-examines questions of survival, belief and the importance of endings. Written and directed by Samara Hersch Devised and performed by Karen Sibbing and Joshua Ferenbach Sound design by Marco Cher-Gibbard Dramaturgy by David Woods Wed, Sun 6.30pm, Thu, Fri, Sat 7.30pm La Mama Theatre
35.
Story vessel December 14 - December 16 Melbourne Playback Theatre has been a theatrical vessel for the lived stories of Victorians for 31 years. This highly skilled mobile troupe uses the ritual of storytelling, the inspiration of improvisation and the alchemy of theatre to carry both the universal and the personal. This show offers theatre-lovers the chance to take a memorable ride in the ocean of stories that exist within the audience itself. Ensemble: Ian David, Danny Diesendorf, Rachael Dyson-McGregor, Andrew Gray, Petra Kalive, Allen Laverty, Mike McEvoy, Diana Nguyen, Michelle Nussey, Alexandra Sangster, Tim Stitz and Emily Taylor Musicians: Ernie Gruner, Karen Berger Lighting operator: Alan Davies Company manager: Sherridan Green Running time: 90 minutes Fri, Sat, Sun 7.30pm La Mama Courthouse 37.
PLAYREADINGS
love is my sin
tales of a city by the sea
Sonnets selected by Peter Brook
A play that explores the lives of ordinary people living in the besieged Gaza strip in the winter of 2008. Written by Samah Sabawi Creative producer: Rand Hazou Performed by Wahibe Moussa, Jomana Najem, Hanna Norris, Veronica Porcar, Osamah Sami and Majid Shokor 2pm, October 13 at La Mama Theatre
29 Shakespearean sonnets, performed by a Man and a Woman, are divided into four sections that illuminate the couple’s past love, their tender reminiscences, betrayal, jealousy and separation. Directed by Kate Herbert Read by Jenny Lovell, Geoff Wallis 2pm, December 1 at La Mama Theatre
THE PORTAGE OF LUKE RUSCHMEYER TO AH Written and directed by David Blackmann 2pm, December 8 at La Mama Courthouse
la mama poetica November 5 Featuring Grant Caldwell Jamie King-Holden Julez Anna Fern A night featuring of some of the best spoken word and poetry that Melbourne has to offer. The emphasis on not one single style, but a purposeful blending of different approaches to the beauty and wisdom of The Word. Poetica box office & bar 7.30pm Performance 8pm $12 Full / $8 Concession La Mama Theatre 39.
la mama musica Amy Tankard & Friends Percussion, voice RANTAU (West Sumatran music project) Adrian Sherriff, Steve Grant, Tom Fryer–West Sumatran instruments, wind instruments and acoustic guitars October 8 at La Mama Theatre Solos, Duos, Trio Andrea Keeble Violin and electronics Anita Hustas Double bass and percussive things Rosie Westbrook Electric guitar, double bass and other things December 10 at La Mama Courthouse Musica box office & bar 7pm | Concert 7.30pm $15 Full / $10 Concession (includes free hot drinks and nibbly treats)
la mama aesoterica December 23 The ephemeral is the collision of the past and the future‌ The final event on La Mama’s calendar is a live art experience that will bring artists from a range of practices together to explore the notion of temporality. Sun 7.30pm $15 Full / $10 Concession
La Mama Theatre
La Mama would like to thank the following for their generous support in 2012 41.
Melbourne Writers Theatre presents two productions at La Mama Courthouse For bookings visit melbwriters.org.au
the window outside October 10 - October 21 A sometimes funny, but tender story that explores sibling rivalry, parental care issues, and making hard choices; but foremost it is a love story that neither age nor illness can damper. Written by Belinda Lopez Directed by Liz Perry Performed by Rick Burchall, Carrie Moczynski, Nadia Andary and Mandie Combe Wed - Sun 8pm La Mama Courthouse
the stairs are moving October 24 - November 3 All Marjory and Dmitri want is to bury their Aunt. But to do that they must face a woman who won’t be buried, stairs that are getting up and leaving, and their Aunt’s dark history – which is determined on fighting back. An epic work of humour, poetry and pathos, exploring why bad things happen to good people. Written and directed by Neil Triffett Performed by Maurice Mammoliti, Carolyn Masson, Charlotte Nicdao and Sarah Plummer Wed - Sun 8pm La Mama Courthouse
43.
Information Phone: 03 9347 6948 Email: info@lamama.com.au Monday - Friday: 10.30am - 5.30pm Weekends: 2pm - 4pm
Venues La Mama Theatre 205 Faraday Street Carlton La Mama Courthouse 349 Drummond Street Carlton
Tickets Explorations $15 Full $25 Concession $15 Playreadings $5
Please note that parking can be difficult (try Safeway or Carlton Clocktower, both off Drummond Street, or City of Melbourne parking in Elgin Street near Lygon)
Bookings www.lamama.com.au Phone: 03 9347 6142
Both venues are just a short walk from Melbourne University tram stop at Faraday & Swanston Street
Bookings close at 4pm on the day of the performance Please collect your tickets 15 minutes prior to the starting time of the performance La Mama Theatre is registered by the Heritage Council Victoria and has recieved National Trust status
La Mama is on Wurunjeri land, part of the Kulin nation, and the Committee of Management, staff, and wider theatrical community acknowledge its traditional custodians
www.lamama.com.au