The Longest Minute by Queensland Theatre

Queensland Theatre, debase productions and JUTE Theatre Company co-production

Written by Robert Kronk and Nadine McDonald-Dowd

The Longest Minute is finally open in Brisbane – the fourth show of our line-up of eight for Season 2018 means it's half-time already! But there are still plenty of theatrical adventures in store. In the second half of the year, you can experience a poignant yet comic twist on a migrant story, a contemporary Australian classic that smashed box office records for the Melbourne Theatre Company, a play about the legendary Isaac Newton by the legendary David Williamson, and a uniquely Queensland take on one of drama’s greatest heroines. Do you have your season ticket sorted yet?

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26 May — 23 Jun

12 Jul — 4 Aug

One football club, one family, and one unforgettable NRL grand final

An irreverent but tender memoir of a father, a son and a question of faith

Queenslander

Take the team

Not PC

Quarter-life Crisis

True Story

28 Jul — 18 Aug

6 Oct — 3 Nov

The smash-hit stage adaptation of the classic Australian coming-of-age mystery

David Williamson meets Isaac Newton on the verge of his greatest scientific discovery

Australiana

Normie Rowe

Whodunnit

10 Nov — 8 Dec Ibsen’s fiercest leading lady lands poolside on the Gold Coast

Egos

Legends

Alchemy

Ways to book Call us Order by calling us 9:30am-5pm, Mon to Fri Freecall 1800 355 528

Jump online Book online at queenslandtheatre.com.au Or email us mail@queenslandtheatre.com.au

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Glitter Strip

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Drop in Queensland Theatre Administration 78 Montague Road, South Brisbane

Mail us Queensland Theatre Season Ticketing Team PO Box 3310, South Brisbane, QLD 4101

Synopsis One football club, one family, and one unforgettable NRL grand final Where were you the night of the 2015 NRL Grand Final? The night when long-time underdogs the North Queensland Cowboys won in an all-Queensland nail-biter that changed the game, and the state, forever. For one family of Cowboys diehards, their whole lives have led up to this moment. Jessica Wright has footy in her blood. She was born into a family of Rugby League fanatics. Living in Townsville, her dad, mum and brother all barrack for underdogs, the North Queensland Cowboys. Determined to pursue her passion for playing Rugby League, we watch Jess grow up, in parallel with the trials and tribulations of the NQ Cowboys until their (21 years in the waiting) win of the 2015 NRL Grand Final.

Queenslander

Fans Night Out

World Premiere

Take the Team

Cowboys

The Longest Minute

Written by Robert Kronk and Nadine McDonald-Dowd Directed by Bridget Boyle

VENUE

CAST

2 – 12 May Centre of Contemporary Arts, Cairns

Jeremy Ambrum .........................Laurie Wright/Ensemble Louise Brehmer .....................Margaret Wright/Ensemble Lafe Charlton .............................Uncle Gordon/Ensemble Chenoa Deemal .......................................... Jessica Wright Mark Sheppard ............................Frank Wright/Ensemble David Terry ...........................................................Ensemble

17 – 19 May Dancenorth, Townsville 26 May – 23 June Cremorne Theatre, QPAC

CREATIVES Bridget Boyle ........................................................ Director Simona Cosentini ................................................. Designer Simone Tesorieri .................................................. Designer Jason Glenwright ................................ Lighting Designer Kim Busty Beatz Bowers …. Composer/Sound Designer Peta Cooke ............................................ Assistant Director Natasha Marich ....................................... Stage Manager Erin Handford .... Assistant Stage Manager (Rehearsals) CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS Anna Daniels ......................................... Responding Artist NJ Price ............................................. Fight Choreography

28 June Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton ATTENDANCE INFORMATION The Longest Minute will run for approximately 85 minutes with no interval.

WARNINGS This production contains strong coarse language, haze and strobe. The use of photographic or recording equipment is not permitted inside the theatre. Cover Photo: Tim Jones ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

Co-production with debase productions and JUTE Theatre Company

Queensland Theatre would like to acknowledge the Jagera and Turrbal people who are the Traditional Custodians of this land. We would like to pay our respects to their Elders both past and present, and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. RECYCLE THIS PROGRAM

Townsville dates co-presented with Dancenorth

Production sponsor

Support Greening Queensland Theatre and recycle this program after the performance in the recycling bins provided in the foyer. Read the program before the show at queenslandtheatre.com.au

Queensland Theatre 78 Montague Road, South Brisbane, Queensland, 4101 Tel: 07 3010 7600 Fax: 07 3010 7699 Ticketing: 1800 355 528 mail@queenslandtheatre.com.au

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Biggest audience ever - 188,450 20 year subscriber high Highest selling show ever 55 theatres around world 12 regional QLD venues First Torres Strait Island show Gender parity writers directors 9631 young people 50 young actors in Logan 53% increase in donations 24,268 paid hours for actors

Welcome Sport and theatre have so much in common. There’s a world-famous theatre in Sheffield in the UK, The Crucible, which – when it’s not running musicals or dramas – hosts rapt, reverent audiences at the World Snooker Championships. Sport and theatre. The two are inseparable. Sam Strong Artistic Director

They both have an ingrained sense of drama and spectacle. Both love to elevate their heroes and damn their villains (as well as allowing villains to be redeemed into heroes!). Both feature moving tales of heartbreak, triumph against the odds, and eleventh hour reversals. And both have even amicably agreed to share the word 'play'. George Orwell famously called sport "war minus the shooting", and theatre, too, taps into a similarly high-stakes conflict. And for many Queenslanders, the stakes don’t get any higher than Rugby League. The Longest Minute is set around the 2015 NRL Grand Final, which in itself is almost the perfect piece of storytelling, with a fairytale ending written by Johnathan Thurston and his billiondollar boot. But the real meat of this poignant play doesn’t happen on the field – it happens on the sidelines and beyond. The Longest Minute will linger with you because of the quality of its human drama as much as the intensity of its sporting story. This play has a powerful connection to Cowboys country, and I‘m thrilled that before it arrvied in Brisbane, it opened for a season at JUTE Theatre Company in Cairns and played in Townsville and will wind up in Rockhampton. Telling the stories of regional Queensland in regional Queensland is as

Queenslander

Fans Night Out

important to us as entertaining audiences in the Broncos heartland. The writers both hail from Queensland’s regions – Robert Kronk from Bundaberg and Nadine McDonald-Dowd from Mackay – and we are proud to be co-producing with JUTE and local indepedent powerhouse debase productions. This play has been driven to the stage by the passion of its writers and its director Bridget Boyle. I’m grateful that they love theatre as much as Rugby League and that we can share their infectious joy with you. On the topic of being grateful, can I extend a special thank you to our producion sponsor Energex and Ergon Energy as part of the Energy Queensland group. Our partnership has enabled us to take this production to more people in our great state. This is a story for everyone who’s ever chased after something they want with all their heart, for anyone who’s faced near-insurmountable odds and surged to victory. Even if you‘re not a sports fan, even if your blood doesn’t run maroon, I suspect you’ll be up out of your seat and cheering at the end. Enjoy, Sam

World Premiere

Take the Team

Cowboys

Message from our Sponsor Energex and Ergon Energy, as part of Energy Queensland, power communities from Tweed Heads up to the Torres Strait.

Our association with Queensland Theatre supports the telling of powerful and unique Queensland stories that reflect and celebrate the diverse and inclusive community within which we operate. We are proud to support Queensland Theatre’s production of The Longest Minute, a universal story about family, community and sport told through a Queensland lens which celebrates our regional spirit and the power of ‘positive energy’.

Louise Brehmer, Mark Sheppard, Jeremy Ambrum

Jeremy Ambrum, Chenoa Deemal

David Terry, Mark Sheppard, Chenoa Deemal, Louise Brehmer, Jeremy Ambrum, Lafe Charlton

Playwrights’ Note I was hugging a stranger, my voice was gone, I was crying; North Queensland had just won the 2015 Grand Final. Robert Kronk Playwright

Nadine McDonald-Dowd Playwright

So many people shared stories with us about family, about what football means to them, and about passion. To the uninitiated this passion can sometimes seem strange, but when you sit on the sideline, when you look around and see the hope and desperation, the grief and joy, you become part of something bigger and – if the football gods will it – you can become part of one of the most heart-wrenching, tense and joyful, experiences you can put yourself through. Football and the stage belong together. Thanks to all those fellow leaguers (and a few non-fans) who collaborated to bring these stories to life. We are as a creative team at the last minutes of the grand final. Hours of blood, sweat and tears come down to this moment – where we get to share with you why this world keeps making us stronger and teaches us to never give up. It’s been great… But ultimately we just really wanted to meet JT.

I was hugging a stranger, my voice was gone, I was crying; North Queensland had just won the 2015 Grand Final.

I have a confession to make. My name is Nadine McDonald-Dowd and the Broncos are my team… but the Cowboys are my second!

I’ve watched that game countless times and still get teary. For me, this play has been about exploring how we use football to talk about family and life – and about trying to understand why it can make you cry and hug strangers in suburban leagues clubs.

Football has always been a part of my life. My earliest memories of growing up in Mackay involve a footy ground, sliced oranges, one-eyed refs, salt and vinegar chips, family cheerleader groups, and endless hours watching the ball up and down the field. I love football, but more than that I love how football makes you feel part of something bigger.

Robert Kronk

Nadine McDonald-Dowd

Director’s Note The Longest Minute is a rare beast. It’s a show for sports-loving people who think that theatre is not for them. It’s also a show for theatre-loving people who think that sport is not for them. Basically – there’s something in this joyful, exuberant and deeply moving story for everyone. Bridget Boyle Director

It’s the story of a girl – Jessica Wright - who wants to make her dad proud and succeed in the male-dominated sport of Rugby League, set against the background of the true story of the North Queensland Cowboys and their historic premiership victory in 2015. Jess’ family could be any one of the real families turning up on the hill in Townsville week in, week out to watch their beloved Cowboys play, to eat bad food and drink warm beer from plastic cups and say, when it’s all over “there’s always next week”. Like the disparate community of North Queensland, Jessica’s family is divided – her dad’s Murri, her mum’s Anglo-Australian. From their sacred spot on the hill at the Cowboys’ home ground, Jessica’s mob cheer, jeer, laugh and cry their way through 20 years of hit-ups, break-ups, triumphs and heartbreak, on and off the field. The idea for this uniquely Queensland story was born on an unusually hot night in Sydney in October 2015, at the NRL Grand Final contested by the Cowboys and the Brisbane Broncos. I was there at the ground (Disclaimer: I’m a diehard Cowboys supporter). I was in the pits of despair when with one minute to go – the longest minute of my life, the Cowboys were going to lose the match when …. as the full time siren sounded a try was scored to even the game and send it into extra time - where there were more last-minute plot twists, more suspense, and after 20 years of heartbreak, a Cowboys' victory. As a friend texted me at the time – who did the dramaturgy on that game?

On my return from the Grand Final, my dear friend and wonderful dramaturg Kath Kelly suggested “why don’t you stop telling me how great it was and write a play about it?” And so, in collaboration with the playwrights and with the help of the Cowboys club, I set off to understand what this victory meant to the North Queensland community who’ve supported the team through good times and truly terrible times ... The Longest Minute is 85 minutes of highenergy theatricality that spans joyful highs and some tragic lows. With the high-profile success of Australian women in sport – from the AFLWL to the giant-beating Matildas, the show is a timely story that celebrates the power of determination in the face of prejudice. It’s been a privilege to work with a wonderful ensemble of actors, extraordinary creatives and world-beating technical teams to bring this story to life. I’d like to thank them all for their belief and hard work, and thank my family for their patience and support. Of course, special acknowledgement must also go to the Cowboys, not just for their help in connecting with their community of diehard fans, but for winning in such style and making the story possible. In the end, The Longest Minute doesn’t shy away from League’s dark side but it celebrates what League, in fact what all good sporting contests can teach us. No matter how bad things seem, you never give up, you keep rucking the ball forward and you turn up for your family. And if it all goes terribly wrong… there’s always next week.

Jeremy Ambrum, Mark Sheppard, Bridget Boyle, David Terry

“… please, be tolerant of those who describe a sporting moment as their best ever. We do not lack imagination, nor have we had sad and barren lives; it is just that real life is paler, duller, and contains less potential for unexpected delirium.” – Nick Hornby, Fever Pitch, 1992

“QUEENSLANDER! QUEENSLANDER!” – Billy Moore, State of Origin, 1995

Lafe Charlton

Responding Artist’s note ‘Rugby League’ll break your heart, always has, always will.’

Anna Daniels Responding Artist

Can you remember where you were when Johnathan Thurston kicked that winning field goal, sending Cowboys’ fans whooping into the air, fists pumping and screaming? Like Kieren Perkins’ win from Lane 8, or Cathy Freeman rounding the final bend at the Sydney Olympics, the Cowboys’ victory of 2015 is a moment burnt into our nation’s sporting soul. It was a triumph preceded by a sixty-second white-knuckle ride, when our hearts were in our hoarse throats, and Queenslanders’ loyalties were torn between the boys from the bush and the buccaneers from Brisbane. I remember watching the Cowboys’ win at my brother’s house in the Rugby League stronghold of Rockhampton. We were up off the couch, hollering at the TV; clutching our heads in despair as JT’s attempted conversion rebounded off the post, and then jumping for joy and hugging in pure jubilation as his magic boot kicked the golden point in extra time. We were not alone. As Ray Warren’s voice belted from the box, the Cowboys players’ joy contrasted starkly with the Broncos’ agony as they sank to their knees. Meanwhile cries of both devastation and ecstasy could be heard chorusing from other brightly lit lounge rooms in the dimly lit suburban streets.

Queenslander

Fans Night Out

The Longest Minute is a play that bleeds maroon, cutting right to the heart of our Queensland tendency to champion the underdog; back the battler, and bunker down against the taunts from those ‘down south’ who write us off as sun-drenched dreamers. After the esky lids slam down, and we descend into darkness in the opening scene, we first hear the catch-cry of our fiery protagonist, Jess, as she declares, ‘Rugby League’ll break your heart, always has, always will.’ As the tragedies and triumphs of the football-fanatic Wright family unfold amongst the highs and lows of their beloved Cowboys, we from the sidelines feel the truth of her words, and witness how brilliantly The Longest Minute captures the pain and joy of both the game of Rugby League, and the game of life.

World Premiere

Take the Team

Cowboys

Robert Kronk

Bridget Boyle

PLAYWRIGHT

DIRECTOR

Robert is the creative producer and CEO of Flipside Circus. He has worked extensively as a director, writer, dramaturge, and producer for companies including; La Boite, Brisbane Festival, HotHouse Theatre, and Queensland Performing Arts Centre. He is a co-founder and director of debase productions and was director of programming and director of operations at Metro Arts until 2008.

Queensland Theatre: As Director: Rice (QPDA Finalists Readings), The Landmine is Me, Hurry up and Wait. As Actor: The Works, The Estimator, Lily Can’t Sleep (with QPAC’s Out of the Box), The Venetian Twins, Scapin, Backseat Drivers. Other Credits: As Director: Little Match Productions: The Owl and the Pussycat (with Festival 2018 and Flowstate); debase productions: The Furze Family Variety Hour (with Brisbane Festival), Popping Lead Balloons (with Queensland Arts Council), The Clown from Snowy River, The Look (with Queensland Arts Council), Lovejunk (with QPAC); Queensland University of Technology: Dead Man’s Cellphone, Little Revolution, Top Girls and Little Hitler’s Ode to an Austrian Bentwood. As Actor: Brisbane Festival: Are We There Yet?; La Boite Theatre Company: He Died with a Felafel in His Hand (with someone productions); debase productions: Warmwaters (with Brisbane Cabaret Festival), Frocking Fantastic (with Brisbane Powerhouse). Positions: Co-founder, debase productions. Training: Doctor of Philosophy, Queensland University of Technology. Awards: Helpmann Award Nomination – Best Female Actor in a Musical The Venetian Twins.

Robert has written a number of plays including; All Other Places (2000); Lovejunk (2001); Snagged (published by Playlab Press in 2009); Ithaca Road (nominated for an AWGIE Award and published by Playlab Press in 2011); FlyIn Fly-Out (2012 – shortlisted for the 2012 Rodney Seaborn Award and published by Playlab Press in 2014); and We That Are Left (nominated for an AWGIE Award in 2016). In collaboration with Bridget Boyle and Liz Skitch, he has written The Loud Room series of revues (2002–04); Big Things (2007); and Popping Lead Balloons (2009). He coordinated The Tunnel – a Brisbane-based satirical writing team, and was head writer on the Tunnel’s Uncle Tony’s Oats (co-produced with Queensland Theatre in 2010).

Nadine McDonald-Dowd PLAYWRIGHT

Nadine McDonald Dowd was the Artistic Director of Kooemba Jdarra Indigenous Performing Arts Company from 2001 to 2004 after first joining the company in 1996 as the Education Officer. Nadine was a Senior Producer with Major Brisbane Festivals in 2010, was the Manager of the kuril dhagun, State Library of Queensland from 2006 – 2015, Creative Producer for the Commonwealth Games Arts and Cultural Festival 2018 and is currently a Producer with Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Nadine has mainly worked as a director, dramaturg and producer in numerous works and projects for companies including Kooemba Jdarra, La Boite Theatre, Brisbane Festival, Circa, QPAC, JUTE and Debase. Having co-written Binnis Backyard with Therese Collie (Kooemba Jdarra, QPAC 2000), The Longest Minute is her second collaboration as co-writer.

Simona Cosentini DESIGNER

Queensland Theatre: My Name is Jimi. Other Credits: As Set and Costume Designer: Jute Theatre Company: BuKal, Mr. Takahashi (with Brown’s Mart and Corrugated Iron), Paradise is Singing, Is My Lipstick On Straight?, Stewed, Delirium, Proppa Solid, Sentinel Chickens, Half & Half. As Costume and Prop Designer: Cairns Regional Gallery: Blood Red. As Prop Designer: The Grin and Tonic Theatre Troupe; OperaOvunque and Teatro Colli, Italy. As Costume Designer and AV, Scenic Painter & Prop Designer Decorator; Ababo and Museo Civico Bologna. As Costume Design: Vaga Vestis; As Milinery Designer: Biddigal Deaming Arts. As Costume Design Mentor: Tropical Arts: Macbeth. Film: On Stage. Positions: Commonwealth Games (with Cairns Council and Tanks); Float and Costume Design Mentor, Cairns Council & Tanks Centre; Training: Degree of Fine Arts (Scenography and Costume Design), Accademia Belle Arti Bologna (Ababo); Set Design, School of Melodrama Cesena; Costume Design, Ababo; Graphic Design and Communication, ILAS.

Simone Tesorieri DESIGNER

Queensland Theatre: My Name is Jimi. Other Credits: As Designer: Jute Theatre Company: BuKal, Mr. Takahashi (with Brown’s Mart and Corrugated Iron), Paradise Singing, Is My Lipstick On Straight?, Stewed, Delirium, Proppa Solid, Sentinel Chickens, Propelled, Half & Half. As Prop Designer: The Grin and Tonic Theatre Troupe. As Scenic Artist, Prop Artist, Decorator, Set Designer: Teatro Comunale Bologna. As Set Design and Scenic Painter: OperaOvunque and Teatro Colli. As Prop Artist and Scenic Painter: Regio Di Parma, Piccolo Teatro – Milano, Teatro Bonci, Cersaie. As Exhibit Designer: Ababo Interim for Cersaie Bologna. As Set Prop Design Mentor: Tropical Arts: Macbeth. Film: On Stage. Positions: Commonwealth Games (with Cairns Council and Tanks); Float and Props and Masks Mentor, Cairns Council & Tanks Centre. Training: Degree in Fine Arts Acadmeny, Ababo Bologna, Italy; Production Design, Melodrama School; Conservation and Art, Bologna.

Jason Glenwright LIGHTING DESIGNER

Queensland Theatre: As Lighting Designer: Rice (with Griffin Theatre Company), Rumour Has It (with The Little Red Company), Country Song, Argus (with Dead Puppet Society), I Want to Know What Love Is (with The Good Room), A Tribute of Sorts (with Monsters Appear), The Removalists, Faustus (with Bell Shakespeare), Water Falling Down, The Little Dog Laughed, Thom Pain (based on nothing). Other Credits: JUTE Theatre Company: Joh for PM, Paradise is Singing, The Salt Remains, Is My Lipstick on Straight, Stewed, Delirium, Soph and the Real World, At Sea Staring Up, The Shining Path, Cake; debase productions: Concerto for Harmony & Presto, Chasing The Lollyman; Griffin Theatre Company: A Hoax (with La Boite Theatre Company); Opera Queensland: Kiss Me, Kate; La Boite Theatre Company: Lady Beatle (with The Little Red Company), The Tragedy of King Richard III, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Pale Blue Dot, Ruben Guthrie, Julius Caesar, The Kursk; shake & stir theatre co: George’s Marvellous Medicine, Endgame, Dracula, Romeo and Juliet, Wuthering Heights, The Tempest, Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes and Dirty Beasts, Tequila Mockingbird, Out Damn Snot, 1984, Animal Farm; Harvest Rain Theatre Company: Cats (Arena Spectacular), Guys and Dolls, Blood Brothers, Oklahoma!, The Wizard of Oz, Hairspray, Grease, Jesus Christ Superstar, Songs For A New World, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat; The Little Red Company: Wrecking Ball, How to Make Snow; Expressions Dance Company: While Others Sleep; Belloo Creative: Hanako; Brisbane Powerhouse/ TAM Productions: True West, Sex with Strangers; Zen Zen Zo: Therese Raquin, The Tempest; Queensland Conservatorium: Val Machin Opera Scenes 2017, Hansel

& Gretel the Opera, Rent, Working the Musical, Into the Woods, Hair, Miss Saigon, Carousel, Elegies for Angels Punks and Raging Queens, Fiddler on the Roof; Queensland Music Festival: Drag QueensLand; Goat Track Theatre: The Moth & The Moon, Aletheia, The Icarus Chronicles, Crash; Oscar Theatre Company: Boy & Girl (1,2&3), Next to Normal, [title of show], The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Awards: Gold Matilda – Body of Work (Lighting Designer) – 2013, Matilda Award 2015 (Best Technical Design), Matilda Award 2016 (Best Lighting Design). Groundling Awards - Best Lighting Design 2010, 2012 and 2013. Del Arte Awards – Best Lighting 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. Training: Bachelor of Fine Arts (Technical Production), Queensland University of Technology.

Kim Busty Beatz Bowers COMPOSER & SOUND DESIGNER

Queensland Theatre: The Mountaintop, Twelve. Other Credits: La Boite: One the Bear. Music: Collaborator with: Bone Thugs N Harmony, Screamfeeder, Def Poetry Jam, Ben Lee, Powderfinger, Sista She. As Musical Director: Briefs. As Co-Writer/Musical Director Hot Brown Honey: DJ Queen Koala and MC Platypus. As Writer: Peace, Love and Brown Rice (featured writer), Women Who Rock. Film: Fresh Air, Eleven, Love and Other Catastrophes, The Well. Positions: Co-Artistic Director, Black Honey Company. Awards: 2017 Helpmann Award – Best Cabaret Performer; 2017 Helpmann Nominee – Best Australian New Work; 2016 UK Total Theatre Award – Innovation, Experimentation and Playing With Form; 2016 Green Room Award – Best Design – Cabaret; 2016 Green Room Award – Best Production – Cabaret.

Peta Cooke ASSISTANT DIRECTOR

Queensland Theatre: Debut. Other Credits: As Director: JUTE Theatre Company: Stewed. As Actor: JUTE Theatre Company: Like a Fishbone, Intimacy; Culturcated Productions: Henry V, Picnic; Bush Theatre Co.: Two Lips Indifferent Red; Charing Cross Theatre: The Cabinet Minister; Playhouse Theatre London: Dark of the Moon. Positions: Creative Producer / Marketing Sales, JUTE Theatre Company; Director, Dynamic Conversations. Awards: Short and Sweet Play Festival Sydney Best Play – People’s Choice Award. Training: Director’s Open Program, NIDA; London Drama School, Rose Bruford College.

Natasha Marich STAGE MANAGER

Queensland Theatre: Debut. Other Credits: As Stage Manager: Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre: Incognito; Pinchgut Opera: Castor et Pollux; Folsom Prison Productions: Johnny Cash - The Man in Black; Keene/Taylor Theatre Project: Half and Half; Griffin Theatre Company: Silent Disco, Ship of Fools, Clark in Sarajevo; Company Skylark: Inside Dry Water (including National and International Tour), Mum’s The Word, Wake Baby; Handspan Theatre: Miss Tanaka, Raised by Wolves; Malthouse/Playbox Theatre: View of Concrete, The Ishmael Club, Inside 2000, Inside 01, Blak Inside, Redemption. As Stage Manager/Touring Manager: Bell Shakespeare: The Taming of the Shrew; Griffin Theatre Company: Speaking in Tongues; Terrapin Theatre: The Big Friendly Giant; Malthouse/ Playbox Theatre: The Big Con (including National Tour). As Stage Manager/Production Manager: Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre: The Realistic Joneses, The Shape of Things (including National Tour); Critical Stages: The Pitch (including National Tour); Keene/Taylor Theatre Project: Scissors, Paper, Rock (including Regional Tour); Malthouse/Playbox Theatre: Drink Pepsi, Bitch! (includingNational Tour). As Tour Manager: The Flying Fruit Fly Circus: Circus Girl. As Production Manager/ Lighting Designer: Mainstreet Theatre: The Lightkeeper, The Butcher’s Wife. As Production Coordinator: Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre: The Moors, Incognito, The Way Out. As Assistant Stage Manager: Australian Opera: Madama Butterfly. Independent Credits: David Field: Shadowboxing; Angus Cerini: SIKFUK; James Brennan: PIGLET; Anna Broinowski: The Gap. Positions: Associate Producer, Contemporary Asian Australian Performance. Training: Diploma of Events Management, William Blue College of Management; Bachelor of Dramatic Arts – Technical Production, NIDA; Bachelor of Arts (Sculpture), Newcastle College of Advanced Education.

Erin Handford ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER (REHEARSALS)

Queensland Theatre: Debut. Other Credits: As Stage Manager: Supercell Dance Festival; QPAC: An Evening with Liz Callaway; Metro Arts: ENGLAND; Ballet Theatre of Queensland: Cinderella. As Assistant Stage Manager Swing/Props Swing: Mamma Mia! The Musical (Brisbane Season); As Assistant Stage Manager: La Boite Theatre Company: Blackrock; Shake & Stir Theatre Company: American Idiot. Positions: QPAC Technical Coordinator, Brisbane Festival 2017. Training: Bachelor of Fine Arts (Technical Production), Queensland University of Technology.

Jeremy Ambrum Yidinji LAURIE WRIGHT/ENSEMBLE

Queensland Theatre: Debut. Events: eXcelsior Arts: NRL All Stars, Clancestry, Bluesfest Byron Bay, Asia Football Cup Draw at the Sydney Opera House, Sydney Homeground Festival, Brisbane G20 Opening. Film: Blackbuster. Television: Cleverman, The Secret Daughter, The Leftovers, Mabo, Film Mystery Road. Positions: Founding member and performer, eXcelsior Arts. Training: Advanced Diploma Performing Arts, Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts (ACPA).

Louise Brehmer MARGARET WRIGHT/ENSEMBLE

Queensland Theatre: Riley Valentine and the Occupation of Fort Svalbard, The Fledglings, Australia Day, The Lost Property Rules (including tour), An Oak Tree, The Works, Private Fears in Public Places (including tour), Cooking with Elvis (including tour), MODD Romeo & Juliet. Other Credits: debase productions: Popping Lead Balloons (including tour), LoveJunk; JUTE Theatre Company: What are the Odds?; La Boîte Theatre Company: The Bitterling (with Pentimento Productions), Summer Wonderland, Creche and Burn (including tour), He Died With A Felafel In His Hand (with Someone Productions); 4MBS Classic Arts: Julius Caesar, The Comedy Of Errors, Cribbie; Queensland Shakespeare Ensemble: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Richard lll, The Comedy of Errors; Now Look Here Theatre: The Seagull; Crossbow Productions: The Miracle Worker, Mrs Klein, Anne of the Thousand Days; Real TV: Children of the Black Skirt (including tour), Tall Man; White Rabbit Theatre Ensemble: Pocketful of Pebbles (with Gold Coast Arts Centre); Seeing Place Productions: All Aboard! (with Bleach Festival); Elbow Room: After All This (with Brisbane Festival); Zen Zen Zo Physical Theatre: Therese Raquin, The Man Who Sold The World (including tour); Homunculus Theatre: The Spirit of the Mask (including tour), Thoughts have feelings too (including tour); Mixed Company: Secret Bridesmaids’ Business; Oscar Theatre Company: Spring Awakening; … and moor theatre: The Ghost Writer; Metro Arts: New Royal, Micro trip 2; Creative Regions: Tales of the Underground (including tour); The Restaged Histories Project: The Greater Plague; Rolling Jaffa productions: Sexual Perversity in Chicago, The Duck Variations; Forte Theatre: Chicago (including tour), Amadeus, Witness for the Prosecution. Film: A Heartbeat Away, Hildegarde. Short Film: Too Soon, Turtle, Buds and Thorns, The Empty Room. Television: Harrow, Hoges, Mabo, SLiDE, FarmKids, Code 1114. Awards: Matilda Award - Best Female Actor in a Supporting Role Therese Raquin, Matilda Award - Best Female Actor in a Supporting Role A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Matilda Award Nomination - Best Female Actor in a Lead Role The Miracle Worker. Training: Bachelor of Arts - Drama (Acting), QUT; Shakespeare and Company USA.

Chenoa Deemal

Lafe Charlton

Mark Sheppard

Goenpul people of Stradbroke Island

Muluridgi, Mbarbarram (Atherton Tablelands)

(Minjerribah)

FRANK WRIGHT/ENSEMBLE

UNCLE GORDON/ENSEMBLE

Queensland Theatre: Debut. Other Credits: debase productions: The Clown from Snowy River; Chasing the Lollyman; Kooemba Jdarra Theatre Company: Nunjul the Sun, Binni’s Backyard (Kite Theatre); JUTE Theatre Company: Proppa Solid; Circus Oz: Ringmaster Clown. Training: West Australian Academy of Performing Arts.

Queensland Theatre: Fountains Beyond, Chilling and Killing My Annabelle Lee, Julius Caesar. Other Credits: As Actor: Kooemba Jdarra Theatre: Stand Up Benny Straight, Bit’in Back, Goin’ to the Island, Dreamers, Murri Love; Sydney Theatre: A Midsummer Night’s Dream; Rainbow Serpent Theatre: World Expo 88 Aust Pavillion. As Director: ACPA: Up the Road, Which Way. As Writer: Stand Up Benny Straight. Film: Aunty Margie and the Woomba Wagun, Deadline, Djan, Djan, The Dreaming, Dead Heart, Mercy Mission, Shanghai Sling. Television: Straight From the Yarraman’s Mouth, Lift Off, Butterfly Island. Positions: Artistic Director, Kooemba Jdarra (2007, 1997-1999); Artistic Director, ACPA (2001-2006); Artistic Director/Project Manager, Guyum Dungi Dha, A Centenary of Federations Queensland Project; Artistic Director, DAR the Indigenous Arts and Cultural Festival (1999, 2000); Co-Director, Woodford Folk Festival (Murri Program). Awards: 2004 Recipient of the Sidney Meyers Award for contribution towards the development of Indigenous Theatre in Queensland; Matilda Award nomination – Best Actor Bitin’ Back.

Chenoa Deemal Thitharr Warra (Guugu Yimithirr)/Kaanju woman JESSICA WRIGHT

Queensland Theatre: An Octoroon, The 7 Stages of Grieving (with Grin and Tonic Theatre Troupe), St Mary’s in Exile, Mother Courage and Her Children. Other Credits: Ensemble Theatre: Sorting out Rachel; Corrugated Iron Youth Arts: Mr Takahashi & Other Falling Secrets (with JUTE Theatre Company); Darlinghurst Theatre: A Man with Five Children; Imaginary Theatre: The Voice in the Walls; Riverside Theatre Company: Rainbow’s End; Centre Stage: The Works of William Shakespeare by Chicks; Metro Arts: Red Sanctuary. Events: As Narrator: Stradbroke Island Chamber Music Festival. Short Film: Love Song Dedication, Transit. Television: Splatalot. Training: Advanced Diploma of Acting, ACPA; Bachelor of Fine Arts (Acting), Queensland University of Technology.

David Terry ENSEMBLE

Queensland Theatre: Debut. Other Credits: Box Jelly Theatre: A Cairns Christmas Carol, The Night Before Christmas; Ensemble Theatre: The ANZAC Project, Camp; Albedo Productions: Edmond (with B Sharp), Dealer's Choice (Old Fitz and national tour with Critical Stages); Company B Belvoir: The Pillowman; The Working Group and B Sharp: Knives in Hens; JUTE Theatre Company: The Impossible Dream; Splinter Productions and Darlinghurst Theatre: The Unscrupulous Murderer Hasse Karlsson Reveals The Gruesome Truth About The Woman Who Froze To Death On A Railway Bridge; Fishy Productions and Darlinghurst Theatre: Fuddy Meers, Dinner with Friends, 66 Minutes; Brand X: The Last of the Knucklemen; The New Theatre: Don's Party; Dirty Bird Productions: After Dinner and Europe (with Edinburgh Fringe Festival). Television: At Home With Julia, Blood Brothers, Being Carl Williams (Short), Water Rats, CNNN, Big Sky, The Strip, The Jesters, Roar, Young Lions, All Saints, Backberner, The Kangaroo Gang, Tough Nuts, White Collar Blue, Outriders and Jackson's Wharf. Training: Bachelor of Dramatic Arts - Acting, NIDA.

Thanks to our Sponsors & Partners GOVERNMENT PARTNERS

MAJOR PROGRAM PARTNER

BUILDING ENHANCEMENT PARTNER

FOUNDATION PARTNERS

PRODUCTION SPONSORS

SEASON SPONSORS

MEDIA SUPPORTERS

INTERNATIONAL AIRLINE PARTNER

PRODUCTION SUPPORTER

SEASON SUPPORTERS

Jeremy Ambrum, Louise Brehmer, Chenoa Deemal, Mark Sheppard, David Terry

Queensland Theatre wishes to extend its heartfelt thanks to all our donors. Each gift, large or small, makes a difference to our work. FOUNDATIONS FOR THE FUTURE CAMPAIGN DIRECTOR $100,000+

KEYSTONE $15,000+

CORNERSTONE $10,000+

FRAMEWORK $5,000+

Doug Hall Foundation

3 Anonymous

Anonymous

Sarah Bradley

Ian & Cass George

Roslyn Atkinson

Michael & Anne-Maree Byrne

Stephen & Terry Leach

Bruce & Sue Shepherd

Thomas Bradley QC

Dr John H Casey

Karl & Louise Morris

Rachel Crowley

The Nicklin Family

PILLAR $25,000+

Australian Communities Foundation Keith & Jeannette Ince Fund

Sue Donnelly

Trevor & Judith St Baker

Gambling Community Benefit Fund EM Jameson & AL Anderson

Ian & Ruth Gough

Dr Geoffrey Hirst AM & Susan Learmonth & Bernard Curran Dr Sally Wilde Dr Joan M. Lawrence AM Andrew & Kate Lister Morgans Foundation Nigel and Liz Prior David Williamson AO

Louise M Gourlay John & Gay Hull

SUPPORT $1,000+

Amanda Jolly & Peter Knights

Noela Bartlett

Martin & Andrea Kriewaldt

Alan Galwey

Pamela Marx

Claire Glasson

John Reid AO & Lynn Rainbow-Reid AM

Colin & Noela Kratzing

Dr Marie Siganto AM

In Memory of Jann McCabe

Sam Strong & Katherine Slattery

B Lloyd Bruce & Jocelyn Wolfe

The Foundations for the Future campaign has been supported by the Queensland Government

ANNUAL DONORS

TRUSTS AND FOUNDATIONS Australian Communities Foundation Davie Family Fund

Queensland Community Foundation

Vita Foundation

Tim Fairfax Family Foundation

John T Reid Charitable Trusts

Donations over $250 are acknowledged for 12 months from the date of donation.

ANNUAL DONORS 16 Anonymous

Margaret & Michael Clancy

Tempe Keune

Tim & Kym Reid

Melissa Agnew

Bob Cleland

David & Katrina King

John Richardson & Kirsty Taylor

Anne & Peter Allen

Ralph Collins

Ross & Sophia Lamont

Lorri Russell

J M Alroe

Tony Costantini

Ray & Audrey Lawrence

Gary Sawyer

William Ash & Margi Brown Ash

June Craw

Fred & Margaret Leditschke

Peter and Kathy Sawyer

Leanne Austin

Lisa Davidson

Bill & Maria Lindsay

Lyn & Joanne Scott

Warren & Anne Ballantyne

Dianne J Dickson

Ian Mackay

Marianna Serghi

Noela Bartlett

Judi Ewings

Carolyn McIlvenny

Bronwyn Springer

Geoffrey Beames

Cass & Ian George

Philip & Margaret McMurdo

Jill Standfield

Cheryl Beaton

Sharyn Ghidella

Angie & Peter McPhee

Cecily Stevenson

Barbara Bedwell

Peter & Gay Gibson

Mark Menhinnitt

Kaye Stevenson

Melissa Bennett

Robert Ginns

Cathryn Mittelheuser AM

Cynthia Tait

Louisa Bewley & Geoff Harris

Sue & Mike Gowan

Andrea Moor

Virginia Bishop

Sophia Hall

Philip & Fran Morrison

Damien Thomson & Glenise C. Berry

Robert Bond

Malcolm & Andrea Hall-Brown

Bruce & Irene Moy

Team Brown & Dr Lindsay

Ruth Hamlyn-Harris

Jim Murphy PSM

Ethna Brown

Daryl & Patricia Hanly

R & B Murray

Lisa & William Bruce

David Hardidge

Denise O'Boyle

In Memory of Sue Busfield

Fotina & Roger Hardy

Kartini Oei

Michelle Cameron

Juanita Hartkopf

Greg & Wendy O'Meara

John Campbell & Catherine Scheikowski

Karen Heel

Donal & Una O'Sullivan

M Cannon & J McCarthy

Paul & Kathie Hendon

Diane & Robert Parcell

Stephen & Yvonne Henry

Liz Pidgeon

Jodie Hoff

Blayne & Helen Pitts

Marc James

Tina Previtera

Michael & Karlie Keating

Angela Ramsay

Anonymous

Lee Clark

Kevin & Joanne Holyoak

Barbara Houlihan & Jeff Rolls

Michael & Anne Back

Sheryl Cornack

Fleur Kingham

Peter G Williams

Jennifer Batts

Ralph & Frances Devlin

John & Janice Logan

Gadens Lawyers

Michelle & Victor Borzillo

Jane FitzGerald

Stephen & Hana Mackie

Herbert Smith Freehills

Sarah Bradley

Trent Forno

Richard & Denise Morton

King & Wood Mallesons

Peter Bridgman & Susan Booth

H G Fryberg

Debra & Patrick Mullins

Michael & Anne-Maree Byrne

John & Lois Griffin

James & Anne Noble

Kate Cahill & Jay Leary

K & M Hodge

Leanne O'Shea & Peter Gilroy

Judith Carrey John & Lynnly Chalk Rodd & Wendy Chignell

Brent Thomson Wendy Tonks Kevin Vedelago & Karen Renton Greg & ESally Vickery Sandy Vigar Pearson Margaret & Norman Wicks Margaret Williams Vicki Williams Frederick N. Winter Doug & Jenny Woodward Ian Yeo & Sylvia Alexander

LEGAL CHAPTER

Take your seat before the shows begin… Announcing Brisbane’s newest venue – the Bille Brown Theatre. Dedicate a chair to secure your place in Queensland Theatre history and leave a legacy that will support the cultural life of Queensland.

Visit queenslandtheatre.com.au/dedication to choose your chairs today.

Queenslander

Fans Night Out

World Premiere

Take the Team

Cowboys

Image Bille Brown Theatre Photo Conrad Gargett

PATRON His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC, Governor of Queensland MEMBERS OF THE BOARD Elizabeth Jameson (Chair) Rachel Crowley (Deputy Chair) Prof Richard Fotheringham Simon Gallaher Peter Hudson Susan Learmonth Dr Andrea Moor David Williamson ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Sam Strong EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Amanda Jolly RESIDENT DRAMATURG Isaac Drandic EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Tammy Sleeth DEVELOPMENT CORPORATE PARTNERSHIPS MANAGER Nikki Porter PHILANTHROPY MANAGER Liz Prior CAMPAIGN COORDINATOR Georgia Lynas DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR Felicity Clifford GRANTS OFFICER Hannah Barr FINANCE & OPERATIONS CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Valerie Cole ASSISTANT ACCOUNTANT Georgia Knight FINANCE OFFICER Sarra Lamb VENUE & OPERATIONS SUPERVISOR Julian Messer

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Rehearsal Photography: Stephen Henry Production Photography: Veronica Sagrado

MARKETING & TICKETING MARKETING & AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Tracey Webster HEAD OF CAMPAIGNS Jane Hunterland MARKETING COORDINATOR Louisa Sankey DIGITAL CONTENT COORDINATOR David D’Arcy MARKETING ASSISTANT (DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT) Thomas Manton–Williams GRAPHIC DESIGNER Aleesha Cuffe PUBLICIST Kath Rose and Associates DATABASE TRAINER / SUPERVISOR Rory Killen ASSISTANT TICKETING SUPERVISOR Madison Bell SENIOR TICKETING OFFICER Donna Fields-Brown TICKETING OFFICER Rosie Hazell BOX OFFICE Chantelle Giles, Ashley Webster, Tim Woods PRODUCTION PRODUCTION MANAGER Toni Glynn TECHNICAL COORDINATOR Daniel Maddison TECHNICAL COORDINATOR Lachlan Cross PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Pip Loth TOURING PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Candice Schmidt HEAD OF WORKSHOP Peter Sands COMPANY CARPENTER/HEAD MECHANIST John Pierce COSTUME SUPERVISOR Nathalie Ryner WARDROBE COORDINATOR Barbara Kerr

Chair Professor Peter Coaldrake AO Deputy Chair Leigh Tabrett PSM Chief Executive John Kotzas Trust Members Charles Berry, Dare Power, QUEENSLAND PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE PO Box 3567, South Bank, Queensland 4101 T: (07) 3840 7444 W: qpac.com.au The Queensland Performing Arts Trust is a statutory body of the State of Queensland and is partially funded by the Queensland Government

Susan Rix AM, Professor Chris Sarra, Leanne de Souza, Leigh Tabrett PSM The Honourable Leeanne Enoch MP, Minister for Environment and the Great Barrier Reef, Minister for Science and Minister for the Arts Director-General, Department of Environment and Science Jamie Merrick

PROGRAMMING SENIOR PRODUCER Sophia Hall ARTISTIC COORDINATOR Samantha French PRODUCER, NEW WORK Shari Irwin ARTISTIC ADMINISTRATOR Hana Tow YOUTH, EDUCATION AND REGIONAL ENGAGEMENT ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR Travis Dowling PRODUCER, YOUTH AND REGIONAL ENGAGEMENT Laurel Collins EDUCATION COORDINATOR Naomi Murphy INDIGENOUS GROUP Nathan Jarro (Chair), Jimi Bani, Dr Valerie Cooms, Isaac Drandic. FOUNDING DIRECTOR AIan Edwards, AM, MBE (1925-2003) QUEENSLAND THEATRE PRODUCTION STAFF QUEENSLAND THEATRE TECHNICIAN Peter Rhoades PRODUCTION ELECTRICIAN Mat Allan CARPENTERS Jamie Bowman, Alex Waaralinna SCENIC ARTIST Leo Herreygers SOUND CONSULTANT Matt Erskine TECHNICAL COORDINATOR Jon Niehaus QPAC VENUE LX Andrew Haden COSTUME MAKERS Louisa Bannah, Savanah Mojida, Laura Cummins WARDROBE MAINTENANCE Savannah Mojidi WIGS AND HAIR Epic Hair

Queensland Theatre is a member of the Australian Major Performing Arts Group.

Information correct at time of printing

QPAC respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Lands across Queensland and pays respect to their ancestors who came before them and to Elders past, present and emerging. Patrons are advised that the Performing Arts Centre has EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURES, a FIRE ALARM system and EXIT passageways. In case of an alert, patrons should remain calm, look for the closest EXIT sign in GREEN, listen to and comply with directions given by the inhouse trained attendants and move in an orderly fashion to the open spaces outside the Centre.

Proud sponsors of Queensland Arts

The performing arts expands your mind. Let Datacom set the scene and look at new ways IT can provide stellar performance for your business.

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Shari Sebbens, Luke Caroll, Melodie Reynolds-Diarra, Tony Briggs and Tom Stokes