Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre presents Desert, 6:29pm by Morgan Rose in a world premiere season from 22 November 2017.
We’re in a town in the middle of nowhere. It’s dinnertime. A family sits down to dinner. This family, like many, are simultaneously incredible close and complete strangers. They don’t know how to express what they really think, what they really need.
At the centre of the story is Xan, a closeted gay kid in a tiny town. Over chicken her mother delivers the latest gossip: “that girl Jo jumped off the overpass today, she didn’t leave a note.” Xan stops eating and starts pretending. She has a secret to keep from her family and she is good at keeping secrets.
Developed over the last 3 years through the Red Stitch INK writing program, Desert, 6:29pm by Morgan Rose deftly explores the political through the deeply personal. The production features ensemble members Ella Caldwell, Joe Petruzzi, Eva Seymour and Sarah Sutherland, joined by guest actor Darcy Kent in his Red Stitch debut. Director Bridget Balodis returns to the company following her award winning production of Dan Giovannoni’s Jurassica.
Morgan Rose is one of the most exciting emerging playwrights in Australia, bringing her unique humour and attention to detail to this heart-breaking, finely wrought new work. Morgan has worked with Riot Stage Youth Theatre, MKA and Motherboard Productions in Australia. Her recent work includes MKA’s Lord Willing and the Creek Don’t Rise as part of MTC’s 2015 Neon Festival and Virgins and Cowboys at Theatre Works.
Director: Bridget Balodis Featuring: Ella Caldwell, Darcy Kent, Joe Petruzzi, Eva Seymour, Sarah Sutherland Set and Costume Design: Romanie Harper Lighting Design: Amelia Lever-Davidson Composition and Sound Design: Ian Moorhead Dramaturge: Tom Healey Stage Manager: Genevieve Davidson
Desert, 6:29pm
Red Stitch Theatre, Rear 2 Chapel St, St Kilda
Season: 22 November – 14 December 2017 (previewing until 21 November)
Information and Bookings: www.redstitch.net
Image: Ella Caldwell, Darcy Kent, Sarah Sutherland, Joe Petruzzi, and Eva Seymour feature in Desert, 6.29pm (supplied)