Sydney news

Following the critical success of its 2009 season, Griffin Theatre Company has unveiled ambitious plans for 2010 - with four major productions, including co-productions with Company B, Sydney Theatre Company, Perth Festival and Thin Ice.

Having raised nearly three quarters of a million dollars since September’s launch of a Capital Works Campaign, Griffin will also begin work on the SBW Stables Theatre renovations – and take the opportunity to further extend the company’s reach, presenting new works at other theatres during the intended refurbishments.

2010 kicks off in style, with an extraordinary collaboration between playwright Tom Holloway and director Matthew Lutton. Following the highly acclaimed Don’t Say The Words (premiered by Griffin in 2008), the pair have reunited for Love Me Tender, a bold, visceral and daring new work inspired by Euripides’ Iphigenia at Aulis. Originally commissioned by Griffin, Love Me Tender will be a co-production with Company B and Perth-based Thin Ice. It will premiere at the 2010 Perth Festival, before playing at the Belvoir St Theatre Upstairs – with a cast including Luke Hewitt, Belinda McClory, Kris McQuade and Colin Moody.

From Surry Hills to Walsh Bay, and a partnership with Sydney Theatre Company for Anthony Weigh’s Like A Fishbone. Played out against a backdrop of public memory and commemoration, Weigh’s masterful control of emotional suspense has created a compelling and profoundly moving new play, to be directed by Tim Maddock (The Serpent’s Teeth) and presented at the Wharf 1 Theatre.

With the first stage of the renovations completed, Griffin returns to the SBW Stables Theatre for Quack, a biting new satire from Ian Wilding (October) inspired by Rudd’s Australia. With evangelical zeal, one man sets out to heal a sick town - and discovers a small minority holding out against his treatment. Will they submit to the mainstream cure? A blistering comedy for our times, directed by Chris Mead (The Modern International Dead).

Ending the year with a flourish, comes Paul Capsis and Angela’s Kitchen, an intimate, affectionate and celebratory play inspired by the remarkable journey, love and life-force of Paul’s grandmother. Playing a cast of many, Capsis takes us on a voyage of his own, conjuring magic from a Surry Hills kitchen to create a unique and intensely theatrical experience. It will be directed by long-term collaborator Julian Meyrick (Doubt), with Hilary Bell (The Falls) as Associate Writer.

Of course, Griffin’s commitment to new voices across the season continues, with Graces, three short plays by some of the most exciting playwrights to emerge in recent years – Angus Cerini, Elise Hearst and the 2009 Griffin Award-winner, Lachlan Philpott.

Griffin’s Artistic Director Nick Marchand said - “It’s an incredible situation for us. Thanks to an overwhelming public response to Griffin’s fundraising campaign, not only have we been able to accelerate much-needed renovations to the SBW Stables Theatre, but working strategically with some incredible artistic partners, we have the chance in 2010 to bring Griffin’s work to a new and wider audience. We believe it is going to be a landmark year for the company.”

Visit: www.griffintheatre.com.au

Dates:
Love Me Tender
Belvoir St Theatre Upstairs
Previews: 18, 19 March
Opens: 20 March
Season: 21 March – 11 April

Like A Fishbone
Wharf 1 Theatre, Sydney Theatre Company
Previews: 16, 17, 19 July
Opens: 20 July
Season: 21 July – 7 August

Quack
SBW Stables Theatre
Previews: 27, 28, 30, 31 August
Opens: 1 September
Season: 2 September – 2 October

Angela’s Kitchen
SBW Stables Theatre
Previews: 5, 6, 8, 9 November
Opens: 10 November
Season: 11 November – 18 December

Graces
SBW Stables Theatre
Beautiful: 17 Aug (before the Griffin Award announcement)
Delight: 14 September
Blossom: 23 November

Ticket Prices: Adult $45, Senior $36, Concession/preview/matinee $32, Under 30 $26
Love Me Tender ticket prices: Adult $57, senior $47, concession /preview $35
SBW Stables Theatre, 10 Nimrod St, Kings Cross, 2011