Redemption

La Mama Redemption Anthony CrowleyA gripping story of two Catholic priests who share a terrible secret, Anthony Crowley’s Redemption will be presented as part of La Mama’s Summer season at the Carlton Courthouse from 17 March 2016.

One night in a forgotten country parish – two priests are reunited. Ben is the new face of the Catholic Church, sent to investigate a retired Monsignor accused of sexually abusing a boy, thirty years ago. Terry is Ben’s neglected mentor; a man who believes the mercy of Christ can redeem even the most heinous of sinners. And in the darkness is God. Listening to their lies. Waiting for the truth.

Redemption has never been more relevant. The ongoing findings of the Royal Commission shed light on the abuse that was committed. With so much attention focused on the Church, how much has really changed? If the Catholic Church doesn’t change, what is to prevent the same horrors happening all over again?

Scrutinising the closeted world of Catholic priests, Crowley’s new play looks at the complicity of forgiveness and redemption in allowing a history of sexual abuse to continue.

Directed by Petra Kalive – who is making waves as a highly regarded director, actor and dramaturg around Australia, Redemption brings together two generations of theatre makers: Green Room Award winning actor Tom Considine as Terry, alongside award-winning writer and actor, Anthony Crowley as Ben. Set and Costume Design is by Casey-Scott Corless and the Lighting Designer is 2015 Green Room Award winner, Lisa Mibus.

Tom Considine’s work is extensive including roles with Melbourne Theatre Company, Playbox, Sydney Theatre Company, State Theatre Company of South Australia, Anthill, The Mill Theatre, Eureka! and La Mama. His film and television credits include Deeper than Blue, Blue Heelers, Stingers, Corelli, Man from Snowy River and The Heroes.

In 2003, Tom received a Green Room award for his performance in Stephen Sewell’s Myth, Propaganda and Disaster in Nazi Germany and Contemporary America. In 2012 he was nominated for a Green Room award for his performance of Falstaff in Henry IV (Part 1).

Anthony Crowley’s work has garnered awards including the Wal Cherry Play of the Year Award, The Sumner Locke Elliot New Dramatists Prize, The R. E. Ross Trust Award, The Pratt Prize for Musical Theatre and The Premier’s Literary Award for Best Musical Theatre Script.

Anthony’s Plays include The Frail Man (Malthouse / Playbox Theatre), which was also presented Off-Broadway as part of the ANPC/New Dramatists Award. His play Shadow Passion won the R. E. Ross Trust Script Development Award in 2007.

Petra Kalive’s acclaimed adaptation of Peter Goldsworthy’s novel Three Dog Night toured nationally. She was Dramaturg at Red Stitch from 2009 – 2012, Assistant Dramaturg at The Malthouse in 2010. At Melbourne Theatre Company she directed Beached (winner of the 2010 Patrick White Award), In the Kingdom of Cha (Cybec Electric), and was Assistant Director on Constellations. She has also assisted on STC’s Macbeth.

Petra has directed for Arena Theatre Company, Complete Works Theatre Company, St Martins Youth Arts Centre, La Trobe and Monash University Performing Arts Programs. She is currently Artistic Director of Union House Theatre at Melbourne University. Her most recent work as a Director is the much-acclaimed Taxithi – which is currently playing at fortyfivedownstairs in Melbourne.

Writer: Anthony Crowley Director: Petra Kalive Featuring: Tom Considine, Anthony Crowley Set & Costume Design: Casey-Scott Corless Lighting Design: Lisa Mibus

Redemption
La Mama Courthouse, 349 Drummond Street, Carlton
Season: 17 – 27 March 2016
Information and Bookings: www.lamama.com.au

Image: Anthony Crowley and Sarah Walker