A darkly comic tale of creativity, ageing and finding grace as we’re replaced by the next generation, Melbourne Writers’ Theatre presents The World Without Birds: a musical fable at La Mama Courthouse from 26 October 2016.
When the Queen of the Birds meets two young cocktails at the theatre she realises she’s about to fall from her perch. Together with her younger self, a chirpy songbird and notorious party girl, she embarks on a wild musical ride from disco to Weimar style cabaret and back again.
Written by Christine Croyden, with original songs by Ella Filar, The World Without Birds: a musical fable will be directed by Elizabeth Walley and featuring Margot Knight as the Queen. The production also features Charlotte Fox, Rhys James and Nathaniel Schneider.
Christine Croyden is a Melbourne-based playwright, author, lyricist and screenwriter whose plays have been produced throughout Australia and most recently off Broadway in New York. They include The Cat’s Paw, The Snail Killer, Love Your Poison, A Stranger in Town: A Musical Fable, The Fallen Tree, Lovesick, Departures and How To Survive An Earthquake. She is currently working on the new Australian musical The White Mouse – a musical inspired by the life of World War II hero, Nancy Wake.
In 2011 Christine was awarded the Inaugural Stage and Screen Residency at Varuna, and in 2012 she was the recipient of a Copyright Agency Ltd (CAL) Scholarship. Christine is the author of two novels for young adults and many short stories and articles. She is a graduate of The University of Melbourne and particularly enjoys creating strong female characters for the stage and screen.
Director: Elizabeth Walley Featuring: Charlotte Fox, Rhys James, Margot Knight, Nathaniel Schneider Original Songs: Ella Filar Set and Costume Design: Dagmara Gieysztor Lighting Design: Matthew Barber
The World Without Birds: A musical fable
La Mama Courthouse, 349 Drummond Street, Carlton
Season: 27 October – 6 November 2016 (preview: 26 October)
Information and Bookings: www.melbournewriterstheatre.org.au
Image: The World Without Birds: A musical fable – courtesy of Melbourne Writers’ Theatre