With such an inflammatory title, you could be forgiven for thinking that La Boite's latest production 'Cock' should have a warning label. But it isn't about what you think it is.
After rave reviews from London and New York, the Australian premiere production of 'Cock' by Mike Bartlett has landed at La Boite and is a razor sharp comedy which tells the story of frustrated John and his needy long term boyfriend. John is dissatisfied with his relationship and wants out, unexpectedly he falls in love with a girl, and is faced with a three-way theatrical cockfight.
The story was inspired by the intimate and vicious nature of cockfights in Mexico and audiences will get to relive this atmosphere as 'Cock' will take place in the round. With an original score by ARIA Award-winning singer-songwriter Missy Higgins and starring Tom Conroy, Eamon Flack, Tony Rickards and Sophie Ross, the production is directed by Melbourne Theatre Company Associate Director Leticia Cáceres, an ex-brisbanite and QUT graduate.
Describe the show in five words?
Sexy, funny, infuriating, fresh, heart-breaking aka 'Queer as Folk' meets 'Girls'.
What is your role and how did it all come about?
I’m the director of the show and associate director at MTC. As MTC plans its up coming seasons, the artistic team get together a group of actors and read the best plays from around the world. From there we choose what will make it into a season. 'Cock' was one of the plays we read last year and as soon as I heard it I told my boss (Artistic Director Brett Sheehy), “I have to direct this play!”.
What is it like talking about the show to people – do you get reactions about the title?
I look people dead in the eye and tell them, “I’m directing Mike Bartlett’s ‘Cock’” and I try to keep a straight face. I love watching their eyes widen as soon as they hear the title. The jokes and innuendos flow from there.
The main message in this story is...?
Labels (gay, straight) have very little to do with love.
Fav line in the play and why?
In reference to the conundrum of being in a relationship with both a man and a woman, a character says:
“Yes, John, it’s absolutely ok, absolutely ok to like both. But not at the same time!”. It sums up the play, really.
What should audiences expect?
A really fun evening at the theatre, where you will laugh, you will want to scream and you will probably want to have a little cry. There has been A LOT of discussion about the play on Twitter after each show. People seem to side with different characters and get into heated arguments about the ending.
Best advice you've ever received about being creative or being a director.
My colleague Sam Strong (Associate Artistic Director at MTC) gave me some great advice recently, he said it’s “it’s ok to say ‘I don’t know’ so long as you add 'yet' at the end of your sentence". I draw on this advice a lot when I’m on a project. It buys me time and gives me a chance to make more considered decisions without loosing the confidence of the team I’m leading.
Anything else readers should know?
Missy Higgins came on board to compose the music for 'Cock'. She brought her usual heartfelt, earthy, and insightful touch to the work. The lyrics of the theme song ‘Somewhere’ are killer. If you don’t get moved by the play, Missy’s song is sure to bring you to your knees. You can download the music of the show for free on the Melbourne Theatre Company website.
'Cock' will be performed at La Boite from March 27 – April 12.
