| The War of the Roses | Sydney Theatre Company |
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A landmark theatrical event as part of both Sydney Festival and Perth International Arts Festival, Sydney Theatre Company’s The War of the Roses spans almost 100 turbulent years of English history by condensing and distilling eight of Shakespeare’s interrelated history plays. From the elegance and melancholy of Richard II through to the barbarity and catastrophe of Richard III, The War of the Roses is adapted by Sydney Theatre Company Associate Director Tom Wright and internationally lauded director Benedict Andrews. The production features the STC Actors Company in their final production as a culmination of three years working together, joined on stage by the Company’s Co Artistic Director Cate Blanchett and the renowned actor Robert Menzies.
Presented as four distinct acts and performed in two separate parts, this incisive realisation features some of Shakespeare’s greatest characters including Richard II, Hotspur, Henry V, Queen Margaret, Richard III and many more, illuminating the journey of the boy-failure who becomes a war hero in Henry V, the tormented world of a child-king in Henry VI, the nightmare slide of the diabolical Richard III and much more.
Lasting more than seven hours, this theatrical journey can be enjoyed throughout one afternoon and evening (including meal break) or in two parts spread across two separate visits.
Renowned for his distinctly bold interpretations of classic texts, The War of the Roses follows Benedict Andrews’ collaboration with the STC Actors Company for one of its most successful productions, the award-winning 2007 production of Patrick White’s The Season At Sarsaparilla. He collaborates again with the designers Robert Cousins (set), Alice Babidge (costume) and Nick Schlieper (lighting) and composer/sound designer Max Lyandvert.
A testament to the virtuoso acting skills and ensemble approach to theatre making that has characterised the work of the STC Actors Company, the performers take on multiple roles, with most appearing in both parts including; John Gaden as John of Gaunt, Edmund of York and Falstaff; Ewen Leslie taking on Prince Hal and Clarence; Pamela Rabe as the Duchess of Gloucester and Richard III; Cate Blanchett portraying Richard II and Lady Anne; Robert Menzies as Henry IV and Buckingham; and Luke Mullins playing Hotspur, Katherine and Richmond.
Sydney Theatre Company, Sydney Festival and Perth International Arts Festival present the STC Actors Company in
THE WAR OF THE ROSES
By William Shakespeare
Adapted by Tom Wright and Benedict Andrews
Directed by Benedict Andrews
Set Designer Robert Cousins
Costume Designer Alice Babidge
Lighting Designer Nick Schlieper
Composer and Sound Designer Max Lyandvert
Assistant Director Tanya Goldberg
With Cate Blanchett, Brandon Burke, Peter Carroll, Marta Dusseldorp, Eden Falk, John Gaden, Ewen Leslie, Steve Le Marquand, Hayley McElhinney, Amber McMahon, Robert Menzies, Luke Mullins, Pamela Rabe, Emily Russell
Sydney Festival
Sydney Theatre at Walsh Bay
5 January – 14 February 14 2009 (Opening 14 January)
Bookings: Sydney Theatre Company 02 9250 1777 or Ticketek 1300 888 412
sydneyfestival.org.au
Perth International Arts Festival
His Majesty’s Theatre
27 February – 8 March 2009 (Opening: 27 February)
Bookings: 08 9484 1133 perthfestival.com.au
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Saturday, 10 January 2009
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