A sharp social observation about friends, relationships and the complexities of navigating through the everyday upheavals of life, Melbourne Theatre Company presents the world premiere season of Joanna Murray-Smith’s brand new razor-edged comedy, Three Little Words at the Southbank Theatre from 22 April 2017.
Bonnie and Annie and their best friends, Tess and Curtis, have both been together for twenty years. The cosy world of coupledom has insulated them all from the challenges of a complicated world. They’ve shared lunches, brunches, art exhibitions and trips to Kakadu. Their perfect cosmopolitan bubble seems hermetically sealed, until one couple casually drops a bombshell – they have decided to split up. There’s no way to predict or control the devastation that follows.
With a track record of staging stellar new Australian works and the recent success of her production of Joanna Murray-Smith’s play, Switzerland, MTC Associate Director Sarah Goodes is perfectly placed to direct to this sophisticated, acerbic comedy featuring Kate Atkinson (Wentworth), Catherine McClements (The Events, The Other Place), Peter Houghton (Howzat) and Katherine Tonkin (The Cherry Orchard).
“Joanna Murray-Smith’s Three Little Words highlights her brilliant ability to focus on the complex dynamics of human relationships through wit, depth and the power of social commentary,” says Director Sarah Goodes. “In this new work she dives inside the interdependence of friends and their relationships – how we build our identities around those closest to us and how the breakdown of romantic relationships can be equally traumatic for those we spend the most time with.”
Joanna Murray-Smith is one of Australia’s most nationally and internationally acclaimed playwrights. Her work has been nominated for many awards including the Olivier Award for Best Comedy for The Female of the Species. Her other plays include Switzerland; Pennsylvania Avenue; Fury; True Minds; Day One, A Hotel, Evening; The Gift; Rockabye; Ninety; Bombshells; Honour; Redemption; Love Child; and the smash-hit, Songs for Nobodies.
In 2016, Murray-Smith was the inaugural winner of the Mona Brand writing award. She has previously been awarded two Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards for Drama, the Braille Book of the Year Award, Edinburgh Fringe First Award and the London Theatregoers Choice Award. She was also a finalist for the 2006 Miles Franklin Award and was nominated for the 2004 International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award.
Director: Sarah Goodes Featuring: Kate Atkinson, Peter Houghton, Catherine McClements, Katherine Tonkin Set & Costume Designer: Michael Hankin Lighting Designer: Paul Jackson Composer & Sound Designer: Kelly Ryall Assistant Director: Elsie Edgerton-Till
Three Little Words
The Sumner – Southbank Theatre, 140 Southbank Boulevard, Southbank
Season: 22 April – 27 May 2017
Information and Bookings: www.mtc.com.au
Image: Catherine McClements stars in Three Little Words – photo courtesy of MTC