| Ruben Guthrie | Murri fulla films & B Sharp |
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 After a bumper 2007 season that brought Sydney audiences The Seed, Anna in the Tropics and Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train, B Sharp is launching the 2008 season with a new Australian work from Sydney’s young theatre renegade, Brendan Cowell. His new play Ruben Guthrie opens downstairs at Belvoir St Theatre on April 18.
Ruben Guthrie is on fire. At 29, he is Creative Director at a cutting edge advertising agency, he is hot to trot in the Sydney bar scene and lives with his Czech, supermodel girlfriend. Ruben seems invincible until one fateful awards night when he takes a spectacular leap off a hotel roof…into a baby pool. Ruben wakes up to find his arm in plaster, his girlfriend moving back to Prague and his mother driving him to an A.A. meeting.
Ruben sets out on a journey of self discovery, desperate to locate the truth behind his binge drinking. But the further he digs, the more it hurts, and the more it hurts…the more he wants a beer! A black comedy with a big heart, Ruben Guthrie examines the modern epidemic of Australian binge drinking, in Brendan Cowell’s trademark acerbic and hilarious style.
According to Director Wayne Blair, Brendan Cowell’s newest work – that addresses how acceptable it is in our culture to drink heavily and still succeed at the top – has the potential to hit a raw nerve amongst Australian audiences.
“Ruben Guthrie is a reflection of a society that suffers an ongoing hangover with regards to the way we accept and encourage alcohol abuse. Brendan’s analysis is real and his writing offers an authentic and hilarious look at what happens when a binge drinker stops, looks around themselves and realises they’ve been living a lie,” he said.
Written by Brendan Cowell (Bed, Noise, Love my Way), Ruben Guthrie is directed by the new Company B Associate Artist Wayne Blair (Othello, Stuff Happens, The Sapphires), who directed and performed in the 2007 B Sharp hit Jesus Hopped the ‘A’ Train.
The talented cast includes Megan Drury (Home and Away, The Golden Ass, Love’s Triumph), Tracy Mann (All Saints, Embers), Lex Marinos (Ngapartji Ngapartji, Drive-in Holiday, Sticky Bricks), Torquil Neilson (Love my Way, The Secret Life of Us), Sam Reed (The Crucible (Edinburgh)) and Toby Schmitz (Self Esteem, The Emperor of Sydney, Somersault).
Ruben Guthrie is the first play in the highly-awaited 2008 B Sharp Season – a partnership program that showcases the inspiring work of independent theatre companies in a nurturing environment.
The full 2008 B Sharp Season will be announced on Monday 31st March.
"By general agreement, [Brendan is] the leading light among stage writers of his generation.” – The Sun-Herald
“.....Brendan Cowell has grander plans on his mind. He wants to take theatre to the masses, and he is just the man to do it.” – Sunday Telegraph
“Intensity leavened with lashings of unpredictability and philosophical musings pretty much sum up the rising career of Brendan Cowell. But as naturally gifted as he is as an actor…Cowell's instincts are even sharper as a writer.” – Time Magazine
"Wayne Blair is emerging as a force to be reckoned with in Australian theatre - and not a moment too soon.” – Stage Noise
Murri fulla films in association with B Sharp presents
RUBEN GUTHRIE
by Brendan Cowell
Director Wayne Blair
Designer Jacob Nash
Composer Steve Francis
Lighting Designer Luiz Pampolha
Producer Sam Hawker
With Megan Drury, Tracy Mann, Lex Marinos, Torquil Neilson, Sam Reed and Toby Schmitz
Venue: Belvoir St Downstairs Theatre, 25 Belvoir St, Surry Hills
Preview: Thursday 17th April
Season: Friday 18th April – Sunday 11th May
Times: Tues 7pm, Wed-Sat 8.15pm, Sun 5.15pm
Tickets: $29/$23 (Preview $20, Cheap Tues Pay-what-you-can, min. $10)
Bookings: 9699 3444 or www.belvoir.com.au
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