The Queensland Theatre Company's (QTC) 2015 Season is bound to be stunning, with four world premieres and eight mainstage productions, it is an ambitious year full of promise and excitement.
Artistic Director at QTC, Wesley Enoch believes 2015 stands as the most ambitious and wide-ranging in terms of content, actors and delivery. “Our season draws from our nationally recognised Indigenous Programme, our showcasing of local independent theatre companies, partnerships with commercial presenters, plays commissioned from our New Works Program, the return of the musical and of course our very special DIVA program,” he says.
The years begins with David Mamet's comedy 'Boston Marriage' which follows the lives of erudite Anna and Claire who dwell on the fringes of the Boston elite. The quick wit of the production is due to Pulitzer Prize-winning writer David Mamet.
'Mother & Son' © Aaron TaitIn February, a stage adaptation of Geoffrey Atherden's 1984 classic Australian television show 'Mother & Son' will be a highlight stage experience. Fresh from its premiere at Melbourne's Comedy Theatre, the production revolves around the relationship between a son and his vague yet viscous and hilarious mother.
In April, there is the world premier of the production 'Brisbane' which tells the story of the infamous battle of Brisbane during WWII through the eyes of a young boy. This production is a coming-of-age tale drawing on true stories during war-time Brisbane.
'Brisbane' © Aaron TaitThe fourth of July sees the world premier of Indigenous work, 'Country Song', which focuses on Indigenous country and western legend Jimmy Little. 'Country Song' is set in 1973 with the opening of the Sydney Opera House, intertwining the life of Jimmy Little and true-life experiences of other Indigenous singers such as Wilma Reading, Auriel Andrew, Bobby McLeod, Vic Simms, Roger Knox and Lionel Rose.
QTC Actors Studio presents 'The Seagull' in August. This production is a bold retelling of one of Chekhov's great plays with grand themes that resonate down through the ages. Artistic Associate Todd MacDonald works with Daniel Evans to coordinate a cast of ten Brisbane actors.
'The Odd Couple' is the classic comedy from Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-winning playwright and screenwriter Daniel Evans. It tells the story of the housemates from hell, with the production adapted for an ensemble cast of ten Brisbane actors.
'Ladies In Black' © Aaron TaitA new musical called 'Ladies in Black' will premier in November after receiving funding from the Newman Government's Super Star Fund. This is an adaptation of Madeleine St John's 1993 novel, brought to life by multi-award winner Simon Philips (‘Priscilla Queen Of The Desert’). Set in Sydney during the changing of decades from 1950 to 1960, the story follows the journey of bright-eyed Lisa who joins the city's most prestigious department store.
The QTC's 2015 Season holds a special celebration of talented Queensland women in a suite of works called ‘DIVA’. These suites of work bring together five women, each taking centre stage in their own tour-de-force performances.
The five productions include 'The 7 Stage of Grieving' with Chenoa Deemal, which relays the grief of Aboriginal people and the hope of reconciliation through a one-everywoman show. The production details poignant stories of different people, touching on various emotions as it traverses the phases of Aboriginal history.
'Happy Days' © Aaron Tait'Happy Days' tells the tale of the powerful resilience of one woman's struggle to survive against the odds. Queensland theatre icon Carol Burns brings to life the role of Winnie, a brave woman just trying to make her way through life. The production shows the adaptability of the human spirit whilst exploring the meaning of life itself.
In late July, Libby Munro takes on the role as the Air Force's finest top gun in 'Grounded'. Life dramatically changes when she falls in love and has a baby, falling from a top shooter in the skies to a desk job.
'Home' with Margi Brown Ash helps to understand the importance of home through the telling of her own life story. Her life is one of constant movement and change, from travelling across various continents as an actor, therapist, schoolgirl, wife and mother.
'Rumour Has It'In 'Rumour Has It', Naomi Price portrays the life of Grammy-award winning musician Adele, focusing on the man who wronged her and who consequently became inspiration for various songs. With some of Australia's fastest-rising cabaret stars, the production will break out new songs with fresh arrangements that will surely have you singing along.
Queensland Theatre Company's 2015 Season.
