Oresteia program

3rd year Bachelor of Acting students present

22-26 August 2023

Burke Street Studio Theatre

ORESTEIA

in a new version by

Michael Futcher

VOICE AND DIALECT COACH

Elise Greig

Please note: this performance contains explicit language, intense adult themes, smoke effects, strobe lighting, use of prop blood and weapons, simulated violence, mentions of suicide, and child sacrifice, which some patrons may find triggering. Audience discretion is advised.

This performance runs for 2 hours including a 15 minute interval

ROBERT ICKE

PRODUCER Professor Paul Sabey

DIRECTOR

WELCOME

As the Program Director of the Bachelor of Acting, I am immensely proud of this cohort of students. They have worked incredibly hard throughout the last three years in class, with in-house and previous public performances. I have had the good fortune to direct them in The Three Sisters and the school's tour of Shakespeare's As You Like It. They also performed in Ash Girl, directed by Andrew Cory and the Australian theatre project, Pash, directed by Claire Christian. Over the last few weeks they have worked tirelessly on this challenging, exciting and bold version of a primal Greek tragedy.

The Oresteia won Aeschylus first prize at the City Dionysia festival in 458 BCE. Robert Icke has transformed it into Oresteia for a more postmodern audience. The play leaves us to draw our own conclusions about the shaky premises on which political leaders go to war. This production marks the Australian premiere of this translation.

I would like to thank Michael Futcher for his detail and dedication in crafting such a thrilling evening of theatre, the students have gained so much agency and skill in working with him on this epic production.

It is wonderful, once again, to have QCGU student Zachary Miezio compose music for this production. This is a continuing and welcomed collaboration under the guidance of Dr Gerardo Dirié, Head of Composition.

I would also like to thank Elise Greig (voice and dialect coach), Aaron Jeffery (stage manager) and the QCGU technical team in realising the vision of this production. Thanks also to those actors who worked in specific production roles to assist in bringing the creative elements of this production to fruition.

Like our alumni, I'm certain it won't be long before you'll be able to catch these graduates in future projects such as festivals, Stan original series, commercials, animation, voice overs, and numerous theatre productions in Queensland and across the country.

Jacqui Somerville Program Director, Bachelor of Acting

FROM THE DIRECTOR

Robert Icke’s Oresteia is a fascinating reimagining of Aeschylus’s trilogy of plays The Oresteia, plucked out of its original context of the Trojan War and placed, firmly, into a thoroughly modern setting.

Central to the story is an agonising and tragic dilemma faced by Agamemnon, the leader of a country mired in war: a divine prophecy states he will win the war – but only if he kills his child as a sacrifice. What ensues is a harrowing and bloody tale of revenge and murder – in turns horrific and heart-rending in true ancient Greek tragic fashion.

The play explores the terrible cycle of blood and revenge which springs from the initial “crime” and how this cycle can be judged and justice applied. It also examines the complexity of how to assess “the truth” in such cases, where the “facts” relayed to the court are often dependent on memory and recollection. How can true justice be served? Who do we believe and what processes exist to ensure “the guilty” are adequately punished? Icke’s version of the story is multi-layered, gripping and often surprising, and presents the cast with enormous creative challenges and opportunities to explore the depths of the human psyche and its multifarious nuances along the way.

It has been a great pleasure to work with this talented group of graduating acting students over the past weeks. I have been particularly impressed by their imagination, professionalism and perspicacity in navigating their way through this complex text and I wish them all well for their entry into the profession later this year. I would also like to thank Jacqui Somerville for her wonderfully positive support throughout the process as well as to Aaron Jeffery and the production team for their generous assistance.

Michael Futcher DIRECTOR

MICHAEL FUTCHER DIRECTOR

Michael is a freelance director, writer, actor, dramaturg, screen acting coach, and is also the co-Artistic Director, with Helen Howard, of the acclaimed Matrix Theatre.

Over the last 35 years Michael has worked on more than 100 professional stage productions in various capacities, and has appeared on screen in a variety of roles. He has been the recipient of numerous Queensland and national awards and nominations including a Green Room Award and an AWGIE Nomination for his play A Beautiful Life, a Playlab Award for his outstanding contribution to Queensland writing, two APACA Drover’s Awards for touring productions, numerous Matilda Awards, and a Helpmann Award Nomination for The Kursk.

Most recently, audiences will know Michael’s work from his 2023 sellout production of The Mystery of the Valkyrie at the Playhouse with Woodward Productions, and through his close association with Shake and Stir Theatre Company for whom he has directed seven productions and five national tours, including: Jane Eyre, A Christmas Carol (five seasons), Endgame, Dracula, Tequila Mockingbird, 1984 and Animal Farm. Other directing credits include: Queensland Theatre: 1001 Nights (with Zen Zen Zo/ QMF), Treasure Island (with Matrix), Grimm’s Tales, Rabbit Hole, The Glass Menagerie and Oz Shorts; La Boite: Pale Blue Dot, Walking By Apple Tree Creek, The Wishing Well (with Matrix), The Drowning Bride, James and Johnno, Salt , and A Beautiful Life (with Matrix and Bris Fest); Matrix Theatre: Diary of a Madman, Piano Lessons, The Kursk and The King and the Corpse!

On screen, Michael’s acting credits include: Fire and Steel (Channel 4, UK), Medivac, Fire 11, The Day of the Roses, Green Sails, Paradise Found, Hey Sista, Fat Cow Motel, The Sleepover Club, Monarch Cove and The End. As an acting coach for screen Michael’s credits include: The Sleepover Club, Answered by Fire, Grace Beside Me and The Family Law 1,2 and 3.

THE CAST

3rd Year Bachelor of Acting Students

ATHENE – Tuesday 22 August @ 7.30pm

Calchas ...........................................................................................................Seth Bell

Agamemnon ......................................................Patrick Bateman and Lewis Ziebarth

Orestes ................................................................................................... Hunter Smith

Doctor .................................................................................................. Gemma Keliher

Iphigenia ............................................................................................... Abigail Waugh

Young Orestes .......................................................................................... Zac Hinkins

Klytemnestra ................ Rosa Woodrow Kyle, Janice Devarakonda and Hayley Stein

Talthybius / Questioner 1 ..................................................................Matthew Cieslar

Cilissa / Fury ........................................................................................... Bianca Rapp

Electra ........................................................................................................ Mia Lierich

Menelaus ................................................................................................ Chris Nguyen

Cassandra / Athene / Woman ............................................................. Charlie Morris

Aegisthus ................................................................................................... Joseph Poli

Questioner 2 ........................................................................................Hannah Sisson

Questioner 3 .............................................................................................Emme Skye

Questioner 4 ............................................................................................ Koen Brown

Front row (from left): Zac Hinkins, Abigail Waugh, Rosa Woodrow Kyle, Chris Nguyen, Charlie Morris, Janice Devarakonda, Hannah Sisson

Middle row: Gemma Keliher, Emme Skye, Hayley Stein, Hunter Smith, Mia Lierich, Bianca Rapp

Back row: Joseph Poli, Seth Bell, Koen Brown, Lewis Ziebarth, Patrick Bateman, Matthew Cieslar

ZEUS – Wednesday 23 August @ 7.30pm

Calchas ...............................................................................................Matthew Cieslar

Agamemnon .................................................................. Koen Brown and Joseph Poli

Orestes ...................................................................................................... Zac Hinkins

Doctor ....................................................................................................... Hayley Stein

Iphigenia ................................................................................................ Charlie Morris

Young Orestes ....................................................................................... Hunter Smith

Klytemnestra ............................. Emme Skye, Rosa Woodrow Kyle and Bianca Rapp

Talthybius / Questioner 1 ..............................................................................Seth Bell

Cilissa / Fury ....................................................................................... Gemma Keliher

Electra ..................................................................................................Hannah Sisson Menelaus .............................................................................................. Lewis Ziebarth

Cassandra / Athene / Woman ............................................................ Abigail Waugh

Aegisthus ............................................................................................... Chris Nguyen

Questioner 2 .............................................................................................. Mia Lierich

Questioner 3 ................................................................................Janice Devarakonda

Questioner 4 ..................................................................................... Patrick Bateman

ARTEMIS – Thursday 24 August @ 7.30pm

Calchas ...........................................................................................................Seth Bell

Agamemnon ....................................................... Patrick Bateman and Chris Nguyen

Orestes ................................................................................................... Hunter Smith

Doctor ...................................................................................................... Bianca Rapp

Iphigenia ............................................................................................... Abigail Waugh

Young Orestes .......................................................................................... Zac Hinkins

Klytemnestra ......................... Janice Devarakonda, Emme Skye and Gemma Keliher

Talthybius / Questioner 1 ..................................................................Matthew Cieslar

Cilissa / Fury ............................................................................................ Hayley Stein

Electra ........................................................................................................ Mia Lierich

Menelaus .................................................................................................... Joseph Poli

Cassandra / Athene / Woman ............................................................. Charlie Morris

Aegisthus ............................................................................................. Lewis Ziebarth

Questioner 2 ........................................................................................Hannah Sisson

Questioner 3 ............................................................................... Rosa Woodrow Kyle

Questioner 4 ............................................................................................ Koen Brown

CRONUS – Friday 25 August @ 7.30pm

HERA – Saturday 26 August @ 2.30pm

POSEIDON – Saturday 26 August @ 7.30pm

Calchas ...............................................................................................Matthew Cieslar

Agamemnon .............................................................. Koen Brown and Chris Nguyen

Orestes ...................................................................................................... Zac Hinkins

Doctor ...................................................................................................... Bianca Rapp

Iphigenia ................................................................................................ Charlie Morris

Young Orestes ....................................................................................... Hunter Smith

Klytemnestra ......................... Janice Devarakonda, Emme Skye and Gemma Keliher

Talthybius / Questioner 1 ..............................................................................Seth Bell

Cilissa / Fury ............................................................................................ Hayley Stein

Electra ..................................................................................................Hannah Sisson

Menelaus .................................................................................................... Joseph Poli

Cassandra / Athene / Woman ............................................................ Abigail Waugh

Aegisthus ............................................................................................. Lewis Ziebarth

Questioner 2 .............................................................................................. Mia Lierich

Questioner 3 ............................................................................... Rosa Woodrow Kyle

Questioner 4 ..................................................................................... Patrick Bateman

WITH THANKS

QUEENSLAND THEATRE

HELEN HILLMAN

NAT RYNER

BARB KERR

GERARDO DIRIÉ

CHAD TERRY

PATRICK BATEMAN

Patrick is a highly trained actor from Melbourne, who has been acting for 10 years and realised the potential for a career in the field after receiving a Theatre/Performing Arts scholarship at Caulfield Grammar School. At Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, he has grown professionally and personally, playing roles such as: Christian in Festen, Spencer in Pash, Touchstone in As You Like It, Kulygin in Three Sisters and Angerbird in Ash Girl. Patrick is passionate about bringing truth to every performance and exploring all forms of theatre. He thrives on the challenge of finding specificity and complexity in every role he plays.

SETH BELL

Seth comes from the small rural town of Wingham in NSW. With very little exposure to theatre in his area he found his passion of acting through watching VHS tapes of films like Bedknobs and Broomsticks. As a student at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, Seth has portrayed the roles of Captain Solyony in Three Sisters, Duke Frederick in As You Like It and Helge in Festen. Seth wants to explore who he is as a person through his performances, to grow as both a performer and person, and to become the best of both.

KOEN BROWN

As a neurodivergent actor, Koen approaches storytelling with a unique perspective. Hailing from Sydney (Eora), he worked extensively in his teenage years as an actor, before traveling to Brisbane (Meanjin) to complete a Bachelor of Acting. He hopes to bring meaningful change to the world and believes clever, passionate, and diverse storytelling is the way to do this. At Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, Koen has portrayed the roles of Agamemnon in Oresteia, Michael in Festen, Lucas/ Benny in Pash, Oliver in As You Like It, Vershinin in Three Sisters, and Slothworm in Ash Girl

MATTHEW CIESLAR

Matthew Cieslar is a highly trained actor based in Brisbane, who is currently completing a Bachelor of Acting at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University. He is Australian born with Argentinian parents and speaks fluent Spanish. During his studies, Michael has performed in the plays Ash Girl, Three Sisters, As You Like It, Pash, Festen, Oresteia, and Polyamorous, an episodic content short series produced in collaboration with Griffith Film School.

JANICE DEVARAKONDA

Originally from India, but having grown up in Australia, Janice provides a unique perspective in her work. Her love for performance started with singing lessons which naturally evolved into a passion for acting. During her time at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, Janice has had the pleasure of portraying Natasha in Three Sisters, Celia in As You Like It, Ruby/Ishani in Pash and Mette in Festen. In 2022, Janice also played the lead role of Mackenzie in Polyamorous, the web series. Recently, she played the fiery and passionate, Dr Anne Aly in Underground Theatre’s, I’m With Her and Klytemnestra in Oresteia.

ZAC HINKINS

As is often the case, Zac’s fascination for storytelling began from a young age when he performed in ‘at home concerts.’ While studying a Bachelor of Acting at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, Zac has portrayed Orestes/Young Orestes in Oresteia, Grandfather in Festen, Touchstone in As You Like It and Fedotik in Three Sisters. Prior to this Zac completed a Diploma of Musical Theatre and Commercial dance at ADPI. Zac seeks new challenges and opportunities to hone his craft, and he is driven to add his voice and skills to the performing arts.

GEMMA KELIHER

A storyteller on and off stage, for the last 10 years Gemma has explored the world of theatre and film as an actor, producer, and writer. While completing her Bachelor of Acting at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, Gemma performed various roles including Rosalind in As You Like It, Olga in Three Sisters, and Helene in Festen. Supporting her formal training, Gemma has previous experience in amateur theatre, student films, and various acting courses. Gemma is committed to exploring projects that showcase complex women and detail the human condition and looks forward to continuing her creative journey.

MIA LIERICH

Mia is a Brisbane-based actor who’s had a big appreciation for the performing arts her whole life. Seeing her first ever major musical solidified her dreams and ambitions to turn this passion into a career. While furthering her training at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, Mia has been committed to achieving her best, and has been fortunate enough to play Irina in Three Sisters, Phoebe in As You Like It, and Electra in Oresteia. Mia works hard to be the inspiration she saw once onstage for the next generation of theatre lovers to come.

CHARLIE MORRIS

Charlie is a thriving young performer based in both Brisbane (Meanjin) and Melbourne (Naarm). She started her performance journey with years of classical ballet training before shifting her focus towards acting. She trained at The Australian Conservatoire of Ballet, VCA Secondary School and 16th St Actors Studio in Melbourne before moving to Brisbane to complete a Bachelor of Acting at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, graduating in 2023. Through her career, she strives to use her craft to assist change in society and bring light to lost and left behind stories through storytelling.

CHRIS NGUYEN

Chris is an emerging Vietnamese-Australian Brisbane-based actor and playwright, set to graduate with a Bachelor of Acting from Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University in 2023. During the course, he has performed in As You Like It, Pash, and Festen. With a passion for film, Chris has performed in student film productions such as Otter and Fox and Polyamorous. In 2023, Chris starred in the award-winning show, The Human Centipede: A Parody Musical! in its debut at the Anywhere Theatre Festival. Chris also works as an acting coach to young Brisbane artists whom he believes are the future of the industry.

JOSEPH POLI

After watching his sister in a community musical and thinking ‘I want to do that’, Joseph’s passion for acting was unknowingly ignited. Throughout high school he performed in seven stage productions and was awarded the TRW Rural Actors’ Scholarship. He is currently completing a Bachelor of Acting at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University. During his studies, he has performed the roles of Poul in Festen, Silvius in As You Like It, Tuzenbach in Three Sisters and completed a certification in Fundamental Stage Combat with SAFDI. Not forgetting his roots in live stage performance, Joseph plans to steer down the film pathway.

BIANCA RAPP

Bianca’s interest in performing arts began with musical theatre, travelling to New York and admiring the performers. She obtained an Advanced Diploma of Art (Musical Theatre and Commercial Dance) at the Australian Dance Performance Institute. With a desire to satiate her passion for acting, Bianca commenced a Bachelor of Acting at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University. Roles such as Chebutykina in Three Sisters, Duke Senior in As You Like It, and being in the SLUT ensemble in Pash has led her to performing in Crazy Fucking Bitches with A Little Life Theatre, exploring feminist, physical theatre, something she is passionate about.

HANNAH SISSON

Hannah is a contemporary screen and stage actress based in Brisbane, Australia. She is a vibrant young performer who thrives in collaborative spaces and is continually commended for her ambitious and motivated nature. She is a four time nationallyrecognised scholarship recipient; all of which she has been awarded for her diligence and dedication. Hannah plans to further her artistic abilities by becoming a qualified intimacy coordinator in hopes to balance the safety of performers whilst enhancing the creative team’s vision.

EMME SKYE

Emme is a Meanjin-based performer who has developed a passion for storytelling through acting in programs such as Queensland Theatre’s Young Artists Ensembles, NIDA’s Young Artists Ensemble, Zen Zen Zo’s Stomping Ground and Physical Theatre Masterclass and Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University’s Bachelor of Acting. She has grown fond of narratives that strongly convey the dynamics of imbalances in class and gender, and the relationships that are derived from them. Emme is eager to embrace and explore works both old and new, her own and others as she delves into her passions within the creative industry.

HUNTER SMITH

Born in Armidale and raised on the Sunshine Coast, Hunter has always strived to be the best performer he can be. He discovered his love for storytelling through the magic of film and local theatre, where he realised the possibility of a career in the performing arts, as he could recite entire scripts by listening to them just a few times. Hunter is undertaking a Bachelor of Acting at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, where he is completing his final year. Since commencing his studies, Hunter has performed roles such as Amiens in As You Like It and Michael in Festen.

HAYLEY STEIN

Hayley found her passion for theatre and comedy as a teenager when she performed in Annie the Musical in the role of Miss Hannigan, and an 80s musical adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream as Francis Flute. She went on to complete a Certificate IV in Musical Theatre at the Brisbane Academy of Musical Theatre, and is currently completing a Bachelor of Acting at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University. Her notable credits include the roles of Rosalind in As You Like It and Natasha in Three Sisters. Hayley is also a Short + Sweet Festival Cabaret Finalist.

ABIGAIL WAUGH

Abigail is what some might stereotypically call the proverbial actor and singer. Her aspiration and passion for the performing arts began at a young age. During her Bachelor of Acting training at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, Abigail has performed the roles of Helene in Festen, numerous roles in Pash, Jaques in As You Like It and Irina in Three Sisters. Abigail desires to further develop and widen her skills through all aspects of stage and screen. She thrives in a new challenge and is ready to make her mark in the world no matter the obstacle.

ROSA WOODROW KYLE

Rosa is a Meanjin-based actor, writer and director currently studying at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University. With a background in poetry, her work merges experimental writing with performance, and has been included in publications such as Griffith University's Talent Implied. Rosa is interested particularly in directing and is excited by the community-strengthening potential of theatre. She plans to one day found a Brisbane-based theatre company of her own, to bring work by new Australian playwrights to the stage.

LEWIS ZIEBARTH

Lewis discovered his passion for acting while undergoing his Chef apprenticeship,

PRODUCTION CREDITS

FOR THE PRODUCTION

Producer

Professor Paul Sabey

Director

Michael Futcher

Voice and Dialect Coach

Elise Greig

Intimacy Coordinator

Jacqui Somerville

Fight Director

NJ Price

Lighting Designer

Keith Clark

Production Managers

Keith Clark, Amy Hauser

Stage Manager & Lighting Operator

Aaron Jeffery

Sound & AV Operator

Brooklyn Pace

Poster Design

Andre Martin

Program

Dominique Fegan

MUSIC

Composer

Zachary Miezio

QCGU Head of Composition

Dr Gerardo Dirié

STUDENT PRODUCTION ROLES

Assistant Directors

Patrick Bateman, Rosa Woodrow Kyle, Charlie Morris

ASMs

Emme Skye, Bianca Rapp

Props

Seth Bell, Chris Nguyen, Hayley Stein, Zac Hinkins

Set

Abigail Waugh, Patrick Bateman, Matthew Cieslar, Seth Bell

Costume / Hair / Makeup

Lewis Ziebarth, Mia Lierich, Hannah Sisson

Music / AV Hunter Smith

Video

Matthew Cieslar, Gemma Keliher

Social Media & Marketing

Hannah Sisson, Abigail Waugh

Movement / Fight Choreo

Joseph Poli, Charlie Morris

Assistant Intimacy Coordinator

Charlie Morris

Voice Captains

Janice Devarakonda, Koen Brown

FOR THE CONSERVATORIUM

Director

Professor Bernard Lanskey

Deputy Director (Engagement)

Professor Peter Morris

Business Manager

Stuart Jones

Program DirectorBachelor of Acting

Jacqui Somerville

Front of House Manager

Michael Hibbard

Technical Team Leader

Cameron Hipwell

Technical Officers

Keith Clark

Amy Hauser

Len McPherson

DirectorQueensland Academy of Excellence in Musical Theatre

Professor Paul Sabey

Lecturer in Musical Direction

Heidi Loveland

Lecturer in Performance (Musical Theatre)

Megan Shorey

Acting and Musical Theatre Administration

Dominique Fegan

Cathy Healy

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Tel: +61 (7) 3735 0006

Email: acting@griffith.edu.au

Location: 8 Burke Street, Woolloongabba QLD 4101

Correct at time of print CRICOS: 00233E | TEQSA: PRV12076