In a landmark development, State Theatre Company enters its first ever international co-production with London-based theatre company Frantic Assembly. THINGS I KNOW TO BE TRUE is a brand new commissioned work by leading Australian writer Andrew Bovell that will have its world premiere in Adelaide, before seasons in Canberra and the UK.
This major new Australian work is co-directed by Frantic Assembly's Tony and Olivier Award nominated Artistic Director Scott Graham and State Theatre Company's Artistic Director Geordie Brookman and will feature a brilliant ensemble including Georgia Adamson, direct from a season of The Secret River in the lead role as Sal; Adelaide stage icons Paul Blackwell; Nathan O'Keefe; rising star Tilda Cobham-Hervey; and Eugenia Fragos and Tim Walter. The production will feature music by Berlin-based contemporary composer Nils Frahm. It's sure to be an unmissable highlight of the 2016 Season.
Epic in existential scope while deeply human in focus, Bovell's play tells the story of the Price family, who appear to be living the Australian dream -- a loving household in a solid brick house on a quarter acre block where the passing of time is measured by the seasonal changes in working class patriarch Bob's beloved roses. The four kids have grown up and spread their wings, with only the youngest, Rosie, still at home. As the seasons turn, their story becomes darker and more difficult. But with complexity comes richness, resolution and meaning.
Andrew Bovell is regarded as one of our greatest storytellers, whether it be for works for the stage such as When The Rain Stops Falling and his adaptation of Kate Grenville's The Secret River, or for the screen such as Lantana and A Most Wanted Man.
Frantic Assembly has been hailed by the British press as 'the most innovative and progressive company around' (The Times). Its unique, highly physical style is perhaps best represented in recent work as choreographers of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time, (West End, Broadway).
Artistic Director Scott Graham is proud to have been collaborating with State Theatre Company over the last 18 months on a work from a writer of Andrew Bovell's stature. "I am so excited about continuing the collaboration with Geordie Brookman that began on Frantic Assembly's Lovesong. The prospect of what we, and this fantastic creative team can make together is absolutely thrilling."
"Like State Theatre Company, Frantic has a history of commissioning new works from writers with a track record of excellence and artistic integrity and we are delighted to return to Australia where we have previously toured Stockholm and Beautiful Burnout to Sydney, Perth, Brisbane and Parramatta. This is our first time presenting work in Adelaide and we cannot wait to be engaging audiences with this beautiful play," Scott Graham said.
Following her success in films such as 52 Tuesdays and One Eyed Girl, Adelaide actress and rising star Tilda Cobham Hervey will make her State Theatre Company debut in this new work. "Devised theatre is something I am very passionate about. The opportunity to continue exploring this with such an excellent team of makers in Geordie Brookman and Scott Graham is extremely exciting," Tilda Cobham-Hervey said.
Following its world premiere here in Adelaide, THINGS I KNOW TO BE TRUE will tour to Canberra, before being re-produced later in 2016 for a season in the UK.
IF YOU GO:
THINGS I KNOW TO BE TRUE
World Premiere Season
directed by Geordie Brookman & Scott Graham
set & lighting designer Geoff Cobham
costume designer Ailsa Paterson
sound designer Andrew Howard
featuring music by Nils Frahm
At Dunstan Playhouse, Adelaide Festival Centre
Running 13 May - 04 June
Opening Night - Tuesday 17 May 2016, 8pm
Tickets: from $28 - $72
Bookings: BASS on 131 246 or bass.net.au
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