A play by Irish dramatist Frank McGuinness. Based on the novel 'An Evil Cradling', by Brian Keenan, which depicts a real account of his four and a half years as a hostage.
The Play focusses on the trials and tribulations of an Irishman, an Englishman and an American (Edward, Michael and Adam) who are kidnapped and held hostage by unseen Arabs in Lebanon. As the three men struggle for survival they also strive to overcome their personal and nationalistic differences. We are made witness and accomplice to a humour based on something apparently ghastly, the loss of rationality.
13th - 28th Mar, 2010.
PACT THEATRE
Cast and Creatives:
Director: Nikola Amanovic Playwright: Frank McGuinness Cast: Rod Byrnes, James Elliot, Raymond James Producer: Johanna Mulholland Assistant Producer: Zac Jardine Designer: Nevena Mrdjenovic Lighting Designer: Sarah Kenyon Production Manager: Victor Areces Publicist: Chrissie Carras Photographer: John Ma
Critique
"With energetic, haunting and funny performances by Ray James, James Elliot and Rod Byrnes, the production is a riveting debut from Ion Nibiru, a new company founded by Byrnes and James and 'dedicated to breaking the mould'." - Penny Durham, The Australian
"This is a superb play, executed wonderfully." - Chris Hook, Daily Telegraph
"There is obvious chemistry between performers and the sparse set allows their efforts to shine." - Chris Hook, Daily Telegraph
"...And credit where credit’s due - every artistic decision made in this production shows abundant research and serves a purpose. Whether it’s designer Nevena Mrdjenovic’s blue colour scheme used to represent the illusionary state of mind, steering clear of the overused dilapidated prison cell as a stage set and instead opting for a furnished and lived in room, or even the removal of confining wall chains, it all tries to break the preconceived notion that captivity is synonymous with being confined. It also highlights the company’s ability to look beyond what is simply represented on the page – a true measure of talent." - Chrissie Carras, Street Corner
"All three actors, Ray James(Edward), Rod Byrnes (Michael) and James Elliot(Adam) were well contrasted and delivered impressively sustained performances." - Brett Casben, Australian Stage
"...delivery was excellent, movement agile and controlled and pacing formidable; they were three very fine performances." - Brett Casben, Australian Stage
"Nevena Mrdjenovic's design is both simple and playful...Such a basic stage world successfully brings out the child-like imagination of the three captives, adding a deeper sting of tragedy to their bleak situation." - Jimmy Dalton, Concrete Playground
The Birthday Boys
A play by American playwright Aaron Kozak. Set in 2006 Iraq, three U.S. Marines are captured by insurgents during an unheard-of infiltration of the Al Asad Airbase, regarded as one of the safest bases in the country.
At a remote warehouse, bound and blindfolded, the three soldiers must struggle with fear, betrayal and even boredom, leaving morale astheir only ally against an uncertain fate. The Birthday Boys offers a riveting, non-partisan look at honour and redemption.
13th - 23rd December, 2011.
NIDA - Parade Studio
Cast and Creatives:
Director: Darren Gilshenan Playwright: Aaron Kozak Assistant Director: Brenda Hartley Cast: Matt Hardie, Anthony Taufa, Chris Galletti, James Elliot Producer: Zac Jardine Designer: Owen Phillips Production Manager: Brenda Hartley Photographer: Billy Bucsko
Critique
"Modern military ruthlessness that easily checks in as one of the best plays of 2011" - Hilary Simmons, Concrete Playground
"(The) Birthday Boys is a discomforting attention-grabbing ride." - Chris Hook, Daily Telegraph
"James Elliott delivers a cool portrait of intelligent ruthlessness as ''The Leader'', an inquisitor who will use any means necessary - coercion, electric shocks, threat of imminent decapitation - to get information." - Jason Blake, Sydney Morning Herald
"Darren Gilshenan directs and demonstrates a good instinct for rhythm and an ability to exploit the comic potential of the piece." - Jason Blake, Sydney Morning Herald
"...with the arrival of the leader of the interrogating team (James Elliott), some gripping dramatic tension begins and nerve-rackingly, if narratively, slightly to familiarly, builds to a really wonderful surprise of events" - Kevin Jackson, Independent Theatre Critic
"American playwright Aaron Kozak stretches credulity to the point where it all playfully snaps in our faces" - Elissa Blake, Sydney Morning Herald
"There are impeccable moments of heartbreaking sadness and edge-of-the-seat tension." - Rebecca Saffirm, Timeout Magazine