A moving and provocative look at parenting in today’s fractured society, Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre present the Australian premiere of Joanna Murray-Smith’s American Song for a limited season from 3 October 2017.
As Andy heads off to work to give the biggest presentation of his career, he wishes his teenage son Robbie goodbye. Eight hours later, everything has changed. American Song is an intimate exploration of parenting, love, and the question: What could I have done differently?
“…one night when he was nine or 10 and I went into his bedroom to kiss him goodnight and I lay down and gave him a hug and I said: What was the best thing that happened today and he said: This. And I did love him.”
Andy’s experience is common to many of us; the slow accumulation of a good life: love, work, friendship and family. But unforeseen events lead him to places he never imagined. Can we ever know the exact moment when a good life turns irredeemably wrong?
Commissioned in the United States by Milwaukee Repertory Theater and receiving its world premiere at the Quadracci Powerhouse in March 2016, American Song is a provocative and profound tour-de-force for one actor that reaches beyond national or cultural borders.
Directed by Tom Healey, American Song will be performed by Red Stitch ensemble member Joe Petruzzi in its Australian premiere season. This will be the second of Murray-Smith’s works to be produced by the company, following the critically acclaimed, sell-out season of Day One. A Hotel. Evening in 2011.
Joanna Murray-Smith is one of Australia’s most prolific playwrights. With more than 20 plays to her name, they have been performed by some of the world’s greatest leading actors including: Annette Bening, Meryl Streep, Laura Linney, Dame Eileen Atkins, Dame Diana Rigg, Corin Redgrave, Sam Waterston, Iain Glen and John Slattery.
Murray-Smith’s plays include, Switzerland, Pennsylvania Avenue, Fury, True Minds, Songs for Nobodies, Day One. A Hotel. Evening, The Gift, Rockabye, The Female of the Species, Ninety, Bombshells, Rapture, Nightfall, Redemption, Flame, Love Child, Atlanta, Honour, and Angry Young Penguins.
Director: Tom Healey Featuring: Joe Petruzzi Set and Costume Design: Darryl Cordell Lighting Design: Bronwyn Pringle Sound Design: Patrick Cronin Dialect Coach: Anna McCrossin-Owen Stage Manager: Alyssa Hall Assistant Stage Manager: Kelly Ziccone
American Song
Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre, Rear 2 Chapel Street, St Kilda East
Season: 7 October – 5 November 2017 (previews: 3 – 6 October)
Information and Bookings: www.redstitch.net
Image: Joe Petruzzi features in American Song – photo by Rob Blackburn Photography and Work Art Life