Belvoir joins forces with legendary Melbourne company, Stuck Pigs Squealing for Lally Katz’s Back at the Dojo – a ravishing, nourishing story about the myths families live by.
A modern romance about wanderlust, love and karate, Katz (Neighbourhood Watch, The Cat) has spent the past decade turning her life into a series of hilarious and theatrically gorgeous plays. This time it’s her parents’ turn. (Though said parents want to make it very clear Katz has taken considerable creative licence!)
After nearly losing his mind in the abandon of drugs and free love that epitomised 1960s America, young Danny (Harry Greenwood, The Glass Menagerie) finds his way again with the help of an enigmatic sensei (Natsuko Mineghishi). At the sensei’s New Jersey karate dojo, he meets Jerry (Fayssel Bazzi, Ivanov), another lost soul who happens to have an interesting and attractive sister called Lois… (Catherine Davies, The Kiss).
Meanwhile, in present-day Australia, Danny (Brian Lipson) is an old man, holding vigil at Lois’ bedside, performing endless karate katas. When his long-lost grandchild reappears at the hospital, it’s clear Patti’s grappling with some demons of her own.
After two years absent, she arrives in a state of crisis, desperate, high and hurting from a relationship breakdown. She’s also undergoing gender transition. Can Danny and Patti find a way to be a family again?
Inspired by the true events that brought Dan and Lois Katz together, Back at the Dojo features a glorious and varied parade of characters, a real-life karate master, choreographed karate sequences and the incomparable Luke Mullins (Angels in America, The Glass Menagerie) as Patti.
Director: Chris Kohn Featuring: Fayssal Bazzi, Dara Clear, Catherine Davies, Harry Greenwood, Brian Lipson, Natsuko Mineghishi, Luke Mullins, Shari Sebbens Set & Costume Designer: Mel Page Lighting Designer: Richard Vabre Sound Designer: Jethro Woodward Dramaturgs: Louise Gough, Anthea Williams Karate Consultant: Natsuko Mineghishi Voice Coach: Suzanne Heywood Dialect Coach: Jennifer White Stage Manager: Mel Dyer Assistant Stage Manager: Keiren Smith Producer: Stuck Pigs Squealing / Nina Bonacci Directorial Secondment: Olivia Satchell Guest Prop Maker: Alexi Creecy
Back at the Dojo
Belvoir St. Theatre, 25 Belvoir Street, Surry Hills
Season continues to 17 July 2016
Information and Bookings: www.belvoir.com.au
Image: Back at the Dojo – photo by Brett Boardman