Written in 1999, and pre-empting the current discussion on reality TV and public obsession with manufactured celebrity, Darlinghurst Theatre Company presents Nick Enright’s final major play, A Man with Five Children at the Eternity Playhouse until 26 June 2016.
Inspired by the popular documentary 7-Up and the effect it had on its participants, A Man with Five Children chronicles the lives of five diverse Australians, who become celebrities via reality TV, and are held in the public eye from childhood through to adulthood.
Gerry is a documentary maker who sets out to capture the lives of five children on film. One day a year, every year, until they turn 21. As the children’s hopes and heartaches are played out on national television for the public’s entertainment, questions are raised. Is Gerry an observer or is the camera distorting their lives? Are the participants his subjects, his children or his creations? But as long as it makes for good television and the public still want it, Gerry just keeps on filming.
Short-listed for the NSW Premier’s Literary Award Play Award in 2003, A Man With Five Children invites the audience into a world of fractured celebrity, distorted vision and audience complicity. With numerous reality shows currently dominating TV airtime, Nick Enright’s insightful drama about the power of the media and the cult of celebrity is more relevant now than ever.
“I’m fascinated by the manner in which the five characters whose lives are being documented, attempt to reclaim their own narratives and move beyond the descriptors set-up by Gerry,” said director, Anthony Skuse. “I’m curious to discover what’s beneath the surface of the script in those unspoken spaces. It’s both terrifying and exciting.”
Director: Anthony Skuse Featuring: Jemwel Danao, Chenoa Deemal, Charlotte Hazzard, Jody Kennedy, Ildiko Susany, Anthony Taufa, Aaron Tsindos, Jeremy Waters, Taylor Wiese Production Designer: Georgia Hopkins Lighting Designer: Chris Page Audio Visual Designer: Tim Hope Sound Designer: Katelyn Shaw Assistant Director: Suzanne Pereira Assistant Costume Designer: Caitlin Hodder Stage Manager: Derbail Kinsella
A Man With Five Children
Eternity Playhouse, 39 Burton Street, Darlinghurst
Season continues to 26 June 2016
Bookings: (02) 8356 9987 or online at: www.darlinghursttheatre.com
For more information, visit: www.darlinghursttheatre.com for details.
Image: A Man With Five Children – photo by Helen White