A genre-bending trip into the heart of our history making, acclaimed theatre company ARTHUR present Bright World at Theatre Works in a world premiere from 15 April 2016.
On 6 December 1938, Aboriginal activist William Cooper led a deputation to the front door of Melbourne’s German Embassy in protest against the mounting Nazi persecution of European Jews. Almost 80 years later, two playwrights – Andrea James, a descendant of William Cooper, and Elise Hearst, the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors come together to tackle an epic legacy.
In this cross-cultural collaboration, Andrea and Elise will bring their stories together to honour the plight of their ancestors. Appearing in the play as themselves and exploring the struggles and achievements of their families, they investigate how contemporary Australians are affected by the legacy of those who came before them, and how this forms our understanding of modern Australian identity.
What makes a hero? Who can pull off the best 80’s flashback? Whose dog is smartest? Whose oppression largest?
Led by director Paige Rattray and producer Belinda Kelly, ARTHUR is an independent theatre company that makes new Australian work, both text-based and devised. The Company’s production of Cut Snake won the Melbourne Fringe Award for Best Emerging Writers as well as being nominated for Melbourne Green Room Theatre Awards for Best New Australian Work and Best Independent Ensemble. Previous productions include: The Mesh, The Myth Project: Twin and Return To Earth and The Sea Project.
Director: Paige Rattray Cast: Elise Hearst, Andrea James, Kevin Kiernan-Molloy, Shari Sebbens, Guy Simon Dramaturg: Emma Valente Set Design: Romanie Harper Sound Design & Composition: Tom Hogan Lighting Design: Ross Graham Choreographer: Kurt Phelan Assistant Director: Olivia Satchell Playwrights: Andrea James and Elise Hearst Producer: Belinda Kelly
Bright World
Theatreworks, 14 Acland Street, St. Kilda
Season: 15 – 30 April 2016 (preview: 13 & 14 April)
Bookings: (03) 9534 3388 or online at: www.theatreworks.org.au
For more information, visit: www.theatreworks.org.au or www.arthurproductions.com.au for details.
Image: Elise Hearst and Andrea James feature in Bright World – photo by Sarah Walker