Award-winning Mockingbird Theatre Company proudly announces the Canberra premiere of the iconic French murder mystery 8 Women by Robert Thomas & translated by Céline Oudin at the Belconnen this October.
At an isolated mansion in the snowy countryside of 1950s France, a family is gathered for the holiday season. But there will be no celebration – their beloved patriarch has been murdered!
The killer can only be one of the eight women closest to the man of the house. Part comedy, part murder-mystery, the action centres around these women who try to discover the truth.
Comedic situations arise with the revelations of dark family secrets. Eight women. Each is a suspect. One of them must be guilty. Which one is it?
Winner of the Hachette Prix du Quai des Orfevres for Best Play, Robert Thomas’ play 8 Femmes (8 Women) is one of the most popular plays in his native France.
In 2002, 8 Women was adapted into a movie musical by François Ozon starring the who’s who of French cinema including Catherine Deneuve, Isabelle Huppert, Fanny Ardant and Emmanuelle Béart.
“The passion and talent Céline brings to her translation of this massively entertaining play is so infectious,” says director Chris Baldock. “We have spent many months workshopping the play so that it not only sits well with the Australian ear but also stays true to its French origins.”
“As the dramaturg, it’s been vital for me that the wicked humour and outspoken characters of the original remain the same. For murder mystery fans, it has a shock ending that only the French could dream up! I am trusting that our audiences do not reveal the ending!”
“Our cast have soaked up Céline’s energy for the play and will be giving Canberra a great night out!”
8 Women
Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen (ACT)
Season: 10 – 19 October 2024
Bookings: www.belcoarts.com.au
For more information, visit: www.mockingbirdtheatrics.com for details.
Image: Mockingbird Theatre Company presents 8 Women (supplied)