| All My Sleep And Waking |
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Maybe it is better to be like a goldfish and forget than be human and remember.
A not entirely black comedy which shows that like fish, families, are thrown together into the same tank to swim around together, even ones that don’t like each other…
Award winning director Kelly Somes, returns to La Mama in 2008 to direct All My Sleep and Waking after two sellout seasons, Still a Hero (La Mama, 2006) and Lloyd Beckman, Beekeeper (Explorations Season, La Mama 2007).
In All My Sleep and Waking, writer Mary Rachel Brown depicts the human struggles and foibles of an Australian family unit, pulled together in the days before their father dies. This production captures the complexity and muckiness of the experience of loss and its baggage with grace and comedy.
Maria, has been caring for her father for the last five years with no assistance from her brother and sister. Maria hopes for forgiveness for her father from Anne and Peter who are averse to showing care for someone who seemed unable to care for them as children. Feelings of guilt for not assisting with the care of their father are mixed with resentment and forgiveness for past deeds unobtainable.
Our current political and social climate has drawn attention to the experience of carers in Australia. This production highlights how the responsibility of being the primary carer can be left to one person and brings to light its impacts domestically and within the broader community. Whilst, the caring experience is not uniquely Australian, this new work gives life to the caring identity in an Australian context.
“Having been a carer for my grandmother, the themes in the play really resonate with me”, remarks director Kelly Somes. “Much of my work uses theatre to provoke discussion around certain ideas; theatre can make people talk and share their stories. It is important to share the caring experience, especially now as the Australian Government is conducting an Inquiry to find out how to better meet the needs of family carers.”
With assistance from Carers Victoria the performance season of this work will raise community awareness about the experience of carers, encourage discussion amongst audiences and promote access to carer support initiatives and services.
“Mary Rachel Brown, a writer definitely at the top of her game…” George Huitker, Huitker Movement Theatre, GH Speaks 2007
“…modern theatre you cannot afford to miss.” Frank McKone, The Canberra Times 1998
“Pathos and humour cloak the play’s tender compassion for private grief and public admission of human frailty.” Peter Wilkins, The Canberra Times 2001
a Soulart Production
All My Sleep And Waking
by Mary Rachel Brown
directed by Kelly Somes
performed by Andrew Gray, Andrea Close, Sharon Davis, Patrick Wingrove
La Mama, 205 Faraday Street, Carlton
July 9 – July 20, 2008
Wednesdays at 8.30pm, Thursdays to Saturdays at 6.00pm, Sundays at 4.30pm
Tickets: $25 (full) / $12 (concession)
Duration: 60 minutes approx.
Bookings: 9347 6142
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Saturday, 22 November 2008
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