The industry and media launch of the State Theatre Company’s extremely exciting 2015 Season revealed snippets of what’s-to-come. A backdrop of costumes intrigued and delighted as CEO/Producer Rob Brookman publicised STC’s impressive success statistics, and Artistic Director Geordie Brookman then introduced the “palette cleansers” for what would be the “degustation of the 2015 program”, performed by State favourites Nathan O’Keefe and Kate Cheel with Quentin Grant on keyboards.
The Adelaide Festival collaboration of Beckett Triptych, will bind the three theatrical gems Footfalls, Eh Joe and Krapp’s Last Tape starring Pamela Rabe, Paul Blackwell and Peter Carroll to create a dreamlike experience. This will be a rare opportunity for audiences to see these enduring masterpieces of theatre with three of Australia’s greatest actors.
Other highlights include Summer of the Seventeenth Doll by Ray Lawler starring Chris Pitman, the splendid looking family play, Masquerade by Kate Mulvany based on the book by Kit Williams, and with partners Belvoir, the thriller Mortido by Angela Betzien starring the incomparable Colin Friels.
Before you get too happy, Alison Bell, Nathan O’Keefe and Mark Saturno will cause Betrayal in Harold Pinter’s great work, and Paul Blackwell will become Volpone (or The Fox) in Ben Jonson’s work newly adapted by Emily Steele.
If you’re a fan of silly, Amber McMahon will have it in spades for The Popular Mechanicals by Keith Robinson, William Shakespeare and Tony Taylor, and for the teen audience, This is Where We Live by Vivienne Walshe will spotlight Matilda Bailey and James Smith (also touring regional SA).
For a taste of local history, head to the Burnside Ballroom and just add sequins for Madame – The Story of Joseph Farrugia the adult entertainment trailblazer, and in an association with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, Mendelssohn’s Dream promises to bring joy to your midsummer nights.
Not to be missed is a show by the lady who loves Adelaide as much as Glam Adelaide does, Miriam Margolyes. Her one-woman show The Importance of Being Miriam will no doubt be an unforgettable experience. State will also host the 2015 National Play Festival from 22-25 July.
The most economical way to enjoy this stellar program is with pre-purchased subscriptions (cheaper for under 30s!), and new to this season, you can now book subscriber tickets online. Continuing to make live theatre accessible are the initiatives of the Pay-What-You-Can (subject to ticket availability), Company Rush (last minute matinee and Wednesday evening performances for $31), Audio Described, Captioned and Audio Enhanced performances.
In 2015, Geordie Brookman’s hopes that the new season will “provoke, inspire and delight” are certain to be realised.
by Gordon Forester
Twitter: @GordonForester
Image: State Theatre SA’s production of “The Importance of Being Earnest” from their 2014 season
More News
