Moth

ATYP Ruby O’Kelly and Jeremi Campese feature in Moth - photo by Kate CornishFantasy and reality intermingle with dangerous consequences in this gripping play about friendship, adolescence, mental illness and loss – as Millstone Productions present as part of ATYP’s Cameo Season, their premiere production of Declan Greene’s AWGIE award-winning play Moth in Studio 1 – The Wharf from 6 September 2017.

Sebastian is a terminally unpopular 15 year-old with an overactive imagination, and an obsession with anime and death. His only friend, Claryssa, is an emo Wiccan art-freak, barely one rung higher on the social ladder. What starts as just another night drinking down at the cricket nets, soon gives way to an ecstatic vision that leaves Sebastian unconscious, Claryssa missing without explanation and their friendship in ruins.

The next morning, Sebastian wakes up with a mysterious moth in a jar by his bed, a calling to save the souls of all humankind and a desperate need to reach Claryssa. And so begins the Passion of Sebastian…

Direct from rave reviews for her direction of The Village Bike at Sydney’s Indie hot spot, The Old Fitzroy Theatre, Rachel Chant is excited to bring Greene’s story to the stage in Walsh Bay. “Declan gives us characters we so rarely see drawn this fully and beautifully – they’re difficult, they’re not always likeable, and for some they will hit a little too close to home,” says Chant.

“I have no doubt that Moth is going to resonate with ATYP’s audience. Plus, I feel honoured and lucky to be directing one of the final works in Studio 1, a space in which I’ve seen so many great productions.”

Written with a dark wit that is ultimately after your heart, Moth features animation by award winning artist Todd Fuller, and stars Jeremi Campese (Oediupus Doesn’t Live Here Anymore – ATYP) and Ruby O’Kelly (Cleverman – ABC)

ATYP Artistic Director Fraser Corfield is pleased to offer the work to Sydney audiences. “Moth is one of Australia’s finest plays for young adults and the script that introduced me to one of the most exciting new voices in Australian Theatre in Declan Greene. This final Cameo production also provides ATYP the chance to work with one of Sydney’s finest emerging directors in Rachel Chant and some exceptional young artists.”

One of Australia’s leading young playwrights, Declan Greene has received several notable awards across his career, including the Malcolm Robertson Prize, the Max Afford Playwright’s Award, the AWGIE for Theatre for Young Audiences, and the Green Room Award for Best Original Writing.

“With its strong language, disturbing themes and imagery, this play is not for the faint-hearted, but Moth is a must-see for teenagers, parents and teachers.” – Herald Sun

Director: Rachel Chant Featuring: Jeremi Campese, Ruby O’Kelly Design: Tyler Hawkins Lighting Design: Alexander Berlage Animation: Todd Fuller Composition: Chrysoulla Markoulli Sound Design: Tom Hogan Stage Manager: Erin Shaw Production Manager: Shell McKenzie Assistant Direction: Joseph Brown

Moth
ATYP Studio 1 – The Wharf, Hickson Road, Walsh Bay
Season: 6 – 16 September 2017
Information and Bookings: www.atyp.com.au

Image: Ruby O’Kelly and Jeremi Campese feature in Moth – photo by Kate Cornish