David Williamson’s classic ‘twilight love affair’ Travelling North pairs Bryan Brown and Greta Scacchi in Sydney Theatre Company’s opening production for 2014.
Set in the early 1970s, the play tells the story of Frank, a grumpy old bugger for whom Frances has inexplicably fallen. He spirits her away up North from chilly Melbourne, seeking warmer climes and a change in lifestyle, to the horror and inconvenience of their children.
Before long, Frank is beset with a failing heart, while Frances’ daughters demand her return, if only to care for their ever-growing broods.
Bryan Brown returns to STC following ZEBRA! (2011) as charming rogue Frank, while Greta Scacchi – not seen on STC stages since her star turn in Simpatico in 1996 – returns as the delightful younger Frances.
The cast also includes Harriet Dyer (STC’s Machinal, 2013); Russell Kiefel (STC’s Our Town, 2010); Emily Russell (former member of the STC Actors Company and last seen at STC in Long Day’s Journey into Night, 2010); Andrew Tighe (STC’s Uncle Vanya, 2010); and Sara West, making her STC debut.
First staged at the Nimrod Theatre in 1979 with John Bell directing Frank Wilson and Carol Raye, Travelling North was later adapted into a film of the same name in 1987, cementing its place as a seminal text in the Australian canon.
Andrew Upton’s work as Director for STC includes Waiting For Godot and Fury (2013), The White Guard (2011), Long Day’s Journey into Night (2010), part two of The Mysteries (2009) and Reunion (2006).
The creative team behind Fury (Designer – David Fleischer, Lighting Designer – Nick Schlieper and Director – Andrew Upton) are joined by Sound Designer Steve Francis to bring this deeply moving comedy to life with insightful ruminations on youth, vigour, aging and death.
Director: Andrew Upton Cast: Bryan Brown, Harriet Dyer, Russell Kiefel, Emily Russell, Greta Scacchi, Andrew Tighe, Sara West Designer: David Fleischer Lighting Designer: Nick Schlieper Sound Designer: Steve Francis
Travelling North
Wharf 1 – Sydney Theatre Company, Pier 4/5, Hickson Road, Walsh Bay
Season continues to 22 March 2014
Boookings: (02) 9250 1777 or online at: www.sydneytheatre.com.au
For more information, visit: www.sydneytheatre.com.au for details.
Image: Bryan Brown and Greta Scacchi