After eight years of teaching in some of New York’s toughest schools, Nilaja Sun decided to turn her experience to creating No Child…, a mesmerising solo show that, with pep and humour, depicts the battle-ground that US public education has become.
The story of a newly employed drama teacher, struggling to teach students who don’t expect much more than to drop out, get pregnant or go to jail, No Child… has blazed its way across stages in the US and Europe, flooring audiences and critics with its honesty and energy, and igniting debate with its searing portrayal of a public school system in crisis.
Nilaja Sun is a revelation: displaying uncanny comic timing and a prodigious ear for mimicry, she switches with ease between an impressive array of characters – teachers, parents, security guards, administrators and students – sketching out a quirky and dysfunctional high school ecosystem.
A brilliant revelation of the disparities that lie at the heart of America, No Child… is an incisive portrait of a broken system and a rallying cry on behalf of an entire generation.
No Child… received its World Premiere by Epic Theatre Center, New York, NY in May 2006. Originally produced Off-Broadway in New York at the Barrow Street Theatre by Scott Morfee and Tom Wirtshafter. Permission for use of Our Country’s Good by Timberlake Wertenbaker was granted by the Estate of Thomas Keneally and Timberlake Wertenbaker. First presented at the Royal Court Theatre, London on September 10, 1988
After 8 standing ovations and selling out almost every show at the 2012 Melbourne Festival season at Arts Centre, No Child… returns to Melbourne for a limited season at Theatre Works. Written and performed by Nilaja Sun. Directed by Hal Brooks.
No Child…
Theatre Works – 14 Acland St, St. Kilda
Season: 7 – 19 May 2013
Bookings: (03) 9534 3388 or online at: www.theatreworks.org.au
For more information, visit: www.theatreworks.org.au for details.
Image: Carol Rosegg
Be the first to comment