An Australian coming-of-age story set in a country town, Julia-Rose Lewis’ Samson is a completely disarming hodge-podge of unexpectedness and originality, of metaphysics and silliness, of religious faith and topless sunbathing, at Belvoir Street Theatre for a limited season until 31 May 2015.
Essie, Beth, Sid and Rabbit are growing up at the arse end of the arse end of the world. Boredom, decay and violence plague their lives. And grief for the death of a friend. Grappling with their own existence and grasping hopelessly at the future, they find themselves imagining heaven and dreaming of hell.
A co-production with Brisbane’s La Boite Theatre Company, Samson is the first full-length play by Julia-Rose Lewis – the 2014 recipient of the Philip Parsons Fellowship for Emerging Playwrights. Director Kristine Landon-Smith was the Artistic Director of Tamasha Productions in London. She’s been nominated for an Olivier Award and directed for the Royal Court and Old Vic. She has been a lecturer in acting at NIDA since 2013.
Boasting a cast of thrilling new talents, Benjamin Creek graduated from Brisbane’s Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts last year – this is his professional debut. Ashleigh Cummings is well-known and widely acclaimed for her television work in Puberty Blues and Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries – this will be her first mainstage role.
Belinda Jombwe was nominated Best Newcomer at the 2012 Sydney Theatre Awards for My Wonderful Day (Ensemble Theatre) – this will be her Belvoir debut. 2014 NIDA graduate Charles Wu also makes his Belvoir debut in Samson.
Fizzing with truth, Samson is a brutal yet gentle, funny yet sad, young yet old. At its heart is the startling idea that the death of someone important can be the start of something excellent.
Director: Kristine Landon-Smith Featuring: Benjamin Creek, Ashleigh Cummings, Belinda Jombwe, Charles Wu Set & Costume Designer: Michael Hili Lighting Designer: Ben Hughes Composer & Sound Designer: Kim Bowers Dramaturg: Anthea Williams
Samson
Belvoir Street Theatre, 25 Belvoir Street, Surry Hills
Season continues to 31 May 2015
Bookings: (02) 9699 3444 or online at: www.belvoir.com.au
For more information, visit: www.belvoir.com.au for details.
Image: Samson – photo by Lisa Tomasetti