Sydney Theatre Company’s production of Blackbird by David Harrower opens this week at one of Europe’s most prestigious theatre festivals, the Rührfestspiele in Recklinghausen, Germany.
Directed by STC Co Artistic Director Cate Blanchett and featuring Paula Arundell, Danielle Catanzariti and Peter Kowitz, Blackbird was critically acclaimed during its season at STC’s Wharf 1 from December to February and at the New Zealand International Arts Festival in February 2008.
Andrew Upton and Cate Blanchett, Co Artistic Directors of STC, said: “Taking an all-Australian production of a play by a Scottish playwright to a German stage brings great opportunities for STC and many of our artists. Its terrific to open in a week when STC also has three other mainstage productions on offer in Sydney; The Year of Magical Thinking, The Serpent’s Teeth and Rock ‘n’ Roll, plus a new Romeo and Juliet at Wharf 2.”
The raw and challenging Blackbird, focusing on issues of love and abuse while tackling one of society’s most unsettling taboos, plays at the Rührfestspiele Festival from 8 to 12 May 2008. Other highlights of the festival include Speed-The-Plow from London’s Old Vic featuring Kevin Spacey and Jeff Goldblum and Sombrero from the world-renowned Compagnie Philippe Decouflé.
Sydney news
STC opens in Germany
- Details
Most read Sydney reviews
Dancing at Lughnasa | New Theatre
A gifted embroider of words, Friel combines soft lyricism and hard meaning in his play, a tragical comical historical pastoral on a spree and spoiling for a spirited spar.
Stage Kiss | New Theatre
There’s a palpable playfulness to these performances, disciplined, drilled and delightful. There’s fire, bite and fun and lots of kissing.
My Brilliant Career | Sydney Theatre Company
Based on an Australian literature classic, My Brilliant Career is destined to become an Australian theatrical classic.
The First Murder | Pinchgut Opera
In the care of Pinchgut Opera’s director, Erin Helyard, this music, formulaic as it indeed is in some respects, sprang off the page into an experience rich in emotions.
Sistren | Griffin Theatre Company
Iolanthe and Janet Anderson work in cosmic, comedic accord, characterisation charismatic, timing impeccable, delivery precise, together a tour de force that ascends the cliché.
Blind faith and rational belief are always sparring partners in dramatic conflict and so it is here with the power play tinged with superstition and salaciousness.
On the set of a big-budget Hollywood eco-thriller, the clock is ticking for an on time and under budget wrap.