Theatre Round Up: Eamon Flack, Tommy Murphy, Emily Sheehan and David Williamson
Tommy Murphy’s adaptation of Tim Conigrave’s memoir Holding the Man is now playing at Belvoir St Theatre. After its world premiere in 2006, the play became an instant hit and an Australian classic. This brand-new production directed by Eamon Flack (Artistic Director of Belvoir St) features a terrific ensemble cast including Tom Conroy and Danny Ball. At a Jesuit boys’ school, in 1970’s Australia, Tim’s eye falls on the footy captain, John. To their mutual incredulity, they fall in love. A love that lasts as they – and the society around them – change, mature. When they both test positive to something called HIV, dreams, liberations, boundless possibilities vanish into the ether. But Tim and John have each other, and they’ll need to hold on tight for what’s to come.
Emily Sheehan’s new gothic thriller Frame Narrative recently premiered at the Old Fitz. The play traces the evolution of gothic literature to 90s trashy horror, and asks whether you can ever truly separate a work of fiction from its author. A revered filmmaker is doing the festival circuit for her latest cinematic adaptation of a literary classic; Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein. But a young critic accuses her of the inspiration landing too close to home. There must be a traumatic backstory to explain why she would want to tell such dark stories. Meanwhile, rumours about the treatment of the actors on set reveals tension between the film’s two leading ladies; a faded 90s horror scream queen and the Gen-Z it girl of psychological thrillers.
David Williamson’s The Great Divide has just landed at the Ensemble Theatre. Featuring Georgie Parker, Kate Raison and John Wood, this darkly funny play comments on wealth, power and the great divide in our current society. Golden sands, turquoise waters and a lush green golf course — Penny Poulter leads an almost idyllic life in one of Australia’s best kept secrets, Wallis Heads. But when this hidden coastal gem is discovered by the ruthless and immensely wealthy Alex Whittle, ambitious plans to put the town firmly on the tourist map spark a bitter rivalry. Can this human bulldozer with money to burn ever be stopped?
Holding the Man is running at Belvoir St Theatre till 14 April 2024. Frame Narrative is on at the Old Fitz till 30 March 2024. The Great Divide is on at the Ensemble Theatre till 27 April 2024.
