An Australian murder ballad blown up for the stage, Griffin Theatre Company’s acclaimed production of The Bleeding Tree comes to Arts Centre Melbourne for a limited season from 15 May 2018.
In a dirt-dry town in rural Australia, a shot shatters the still night. A mother and her daughters have just welcomed home the man of the house – with a crack in the shins and a bullet in the neck. The only issue now is disposing of the body.
Triggered into thrilling motion by an act of revenge, The Bleeding Tree is rude, rhythmical and irreverently funny. Imagine a murder ballad blown up for the stage, set against a deceptively deadly Aussie backdrop, with three fierce females fighting back.
A powerfully lyrical, bracingly funny and a highly original take on Australian gothic, Griffin Theatre Company Artistic Director Lee Lewis directs a stellar cast including Paula Arundell (Mr Burns, Angels in America), Sophie Ross (What Rhymes with Cars and Girls) and Brenna Harding (Puberty Blues, Black Mirror).
From the pen of Victorian playwright Angus Cerini, The Bleeding Tree premiered at Griffin Theatre Company in 2015. It immediately earned praise as ‘a great and complex production’ (The Australian), winning three Helpmann Awards: Best Play, Best Direction and Best Female Actor, as well as a 2016 NSW Premier’s Literary Award. In 2017, Sydney Theatre Company presented the original production, which completely sold out.
“…Powerful look at domestic violence… a short but potent piece, equal parts murder ballad and revenge thriller.” – Sydney Morning Herald
Director: Lee Lewis Featuring: Paula Arundell, Brenna Harding, Sophie Ross Designer: Renée Mulder Lighting Designer: Verity Hampson Composer: Steve Toulmin Playwright: Angus Cerini
The Bleeding Tree
Fairfax Studio – Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne
Season: 15 – 19 May 2018
Information and Bookings: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au
Image: Paul Arundell stars in The Bleeding Tree – photo by Brett Boardman