It’s a farce about two pairs of parents, one of whose child has hurt the other in a park, who meet to discuss the matter in a civilized way. As the evening goes on, the comedy of manners continues, minus the manners, and the civilized discussion leads to chaos. Reza shows what happens when the thin layer of polite society is stripped away.
Now it’s The Mount Players’ turn, and director Natasha Boyd promises a theatrical experience unlike any seen in the lush Macedon region.
“We are very lucky to be the first amateur theatre group to be granted rights to perform this play in Victoria,” Boyd said.
After directing 13 productions from full-scale musicals to one-act plays, Boyd is excited by the opportunity to bring a fresh show to the community theatre scene in Melbourne.
“What a bonus to be the first community group (to get the rights) because it means we could be free to do our own take on it. I really like being innovative and creative and fresh, and so this has been a super project to take on. At the end of the day, we don’t want to be a replica of the MTC or Broadway productions. We can only be ourselves and bring our own creative interpretation to this production.”
Boyd first saw the play on the MTC stage in 2009, and loved the way the action unfolded in real time, with characters descending into chaos over 90 minutes.
“The premise is so simple, yet so compelling. Having been a teacher for 11 years, the idea of parents defending their children, and getting worked up when other people criticize their parenting style resonated with me,” she said.
“It was also just damn hilarious to be sitting in the front row seeing all the characters initial impressions crumble as things got more out of control. Achieving this kind of humour and character arc in real time over 90 minutes was a challenge I wanted to set myself.”
With opening night just a few weeks away, Boyd and her cast of four are energized by the show they’re creating. All four actors met in Macedon as strangers, bringing with them different levels of experience and approaches to acting, not to mention a variety of work and life commitments. As with a professional theatre company, all four actors have to reach an exacting standard at the right time. Boyd is confident her cast will compare favorably with many of those currently on the professional circuit.
“All of us have said time and time again how special and magical this show has felt during the entire process because we’ve always been clear about the vision and what we need to do to get there. This cast is amazingly committed,” she said.
Theatre-goers who love that first glimpse of an intriguing set before the show begins will not be disappointed. Boyd worked with production designer Alison Dudon, producers Kaye Mills and Sue Cerminara, and lighting designer Scott Hasse to create a striking, artful set.
“I really wanted a wow factor when the audience walks in, and to think that this set could be placed in any professional space like the MTC, Red Stitch or the Malthouse. To be honest, I think this set stands up extremely well. It is just hot!”
...
God of Carnage by Yasmina Reza
Directed by Natasha Boyd
The Mount Players, Macedon
August 26 to September 11
Tickets are $25 adult $22 concession.
No comments:
Post a Comment