Come and engage with four exciting works over four consecutive nights, August 27-30 at The Blue Room, from both local and international writers, featuring some of Perth’s top theatre makers.
The annual Blue Room Play Reading Sessions give producers and playwrights (emerging and established), the opportunity to have scripts read in front of an audience by professional actors, in order to further develop their work towards a full production.
Your attendance and feedback is invaluable to the process. After each reading, chat to cast, directors and writers while enjoying some complimentary snacks in the Blue Room bar…
Monday August 27: The Speechwriter by Anna Bennetts
Politically apathetic Steve Hart gets a job writing speeches for the right-wing prime minister, much to the disappointment and distress of his left wing activist mum Josie, who manages a soup kitchen for the homeless and refugees. When Steve sides with the PM’s decision to de-fund the organisation Josie works for, she feels betrayed, but Steve doesn’t understand why Josie takes his job so personally. When tragedy strikes, Josie realizes she’s been as guilty of dogma as the PM, and when the PM shows his true colours, Steve decides to take a stand in a unique way. Directed by John Aitken. Featuring Ethan Tomas, Dan Luxton and others.
Anna Bennetts is a writer, director, actor and filmmaker. She wrote and directed Apart in 2004 and The Same Paige in 2005, both staged at The Swan Basement, Fremantle. Her numerous short film credits include Unlock (2006 Hope Awards Runner Up Best Drama). Anna now coordinates a monthly film night at Bar 138 (In the Can), having recently returned from Ireland where she performed in Helen Brett’s tour of Three Women. She is currently doing a PhD in Creative Writing.
‘Hearing the work read aloud, and also the audience feedback, will help me to see which elements of the play are working and which are not,’ says Bennetts. ‘It is also a good opportunity to invite producers, directors and other industry people to make connections and generate interest in the work.’
Tuesday August 28: Seatown by Stephen Faulds
Accompanied by her young daughter, Paula Crisp visits the small seaside northwest mining town of her 1960s childhood. Young Paula plays the part of her mother as past dramas are re-enacted by the town’s ghosts. Married woman Laura Manson charges Elton Crisp, the town bank manager, with sexual assault. The conflicts, tensions and secrets of the townspeople are revealed as debts of various kinds are called upon to compensate for personal weaknesses and transgressions. Seatown has magical realist elements, written for radio or stage, and will be directed in this reading by Sophia Hall, featuring an extensive cast. Stephen Faulds is a high school English and Drama teacher of many years experience. He has written six novels and published numerous poems, short stories and articles. In addition, several of his short Drama scripts have been performed by students at both primary and secondary level. Seatown is his first full length play for adults. The script was developed with dramaturgical assistance from STAGES. Stephen’s website features both his writing and photography: www.stephenfaulds.com.
‘I feel very privileged to have my script road tested in a reading by professional performers at the Blue Room, a venue with such a record of excellence in theatre,’ says Faulds.
Wednesday August 29: Jesus On My Mind by Geoffrey Winterton
In this satirical new age comedy we meet a young actor, badly beaten after losing the role of Jesus for a cable TV movie. Left to die in the Californian countryside, he awakens thinking he is Jesus, eventually finding his way to the small town of Sincerity where he turns the whole community upside down. A stretch of the imagination in two acts, directed by Helen Doig.
Born in Williams, Geoffrey travelled to Europe before returning to join the Touring Theatre Company of Sydney. In 1990 he joined the WA Actors’ Centre and was encouraged to present his scripts for readings. The first professional production of his work, Scream Cora Scream at the Effie Crump Theatre, was a commercial and critical success. The equally successful Canteen and Something Wicked followed. His television and stage credits include The Timeless Land and Sporting Chance for the ABC; Stuart Wagstaff’s My Fair Lady, and the Australian premiere of Mack and Mabel. Geoffrey has also had numerous film roles.
‘The Blue Room has always been fantastic to me,’ says Winterton. ‘Professional, kind and generous – I am very grateful.’
Thursday August 30: Little Malcolm (And His Struggle Against The Eunuchs) by David Halliwell
On New Year’s Day in Huddersfield, Malcolm Scrawdyke lies desperate in his attic pig-sty, cold as only the young, the poor, the unsuccessful and loveless can be. Recently expelled from art college, he finds a convenient outlet in hating the headmaster who expelled him and all those repressive uncreative influences he calls eunuchs. This rollocking romp through student life in the north of England could well have been the precursor to Withnail and I, with Malcolm’s bitterness at the world juxtaposed with an innocent love for a girl he dare not seduce. Directed by Matt Penny. Featuring John Robertson, Ben Russell, Sean Walsh and Miley Tunnecliffe.
Yorkshire born David Halliwell died last year aged 69. He was an actor, stage manager, dramatist and director destined to be remembered for this, his first and most successful play based on his own true life experience. Although he never repeated this initial triumph, he was a highly influential figure in the burgeoning fringe movement of the late 1960s. He pioneered the idea of lunchtime theatre and multi-viewpoint drama. In 1998 Little Malcolm played to packed houses with Ewan McGregor in the title role.
Director Matt Penny says ‘this is great story written in the sixties which is still just as funny today. It deserves an airing.’
- All Readings 7:30pm.
- Doors and bar open 7pm.
- Entry by gold coin donation.
- To reserve a seat or make further inquiries, phone 9227 7005.
