Perth Theatre Co. to Stage World Premiere of Lachlan Philpott New Play ALIENATION, 6/28-7/31

ALIENATION is a brand new Contemporary Theatre production from Perth Theatre Company, co- produced with Sydney-based Q Theatre Company which will be performed in the Studio Underground, State Theatre Centre of WA from 28 June to 13 July, followed by the Q Theatre Company season from 13 - 27 July, 2013.

E.T. might have stolen our hearts, but something else happened when he phoned home...

In this world premiere from award-winning writer Lachlan Philpott (Truckstop, Silent Disco - AWGIE Award Best Stage Play 2011) relationships are tested and beliefs are questioned when three everyday Australians are contacted by an otherworldly force.

"We're interested in how people are expected to carry on with a normal life after they've experienced the unexplainable, and how we define normality in a world where so much remains unknown and undiscovered. How do you finish baking a roast, or studying for an exam when you are being beamed into a spaceship, and what do you tell your boyfriend when he comes home? This production will offer audiences a new perspective on an age-old question... are we really alone? " said Director, Melissa Cantwell.

This is ALIE?ATION; a brave new production directed by Melissa Cantwell and inspired by interviews with Australian alien abductees. Whether you are a skeptic, a believer or somewhere in between, ALIE?ATION presents us with an ultimately human story of how we adapt to life changing events.

With a soundtrack of rock ballads that shaped a generation and featuring a stunning cast of West Australian performers Naomi Hanbury, Luke Hewitt, Natalie Holmwood and Robert Jago, ALIE?ATION is a witty, thought-provoking and bitingly funny play that dares to ask the question, 'are we really alone in the universe?'

ALIE?ATION has been informed in part by the research of Mary Rodwell, subject of the 2010 SBS documentary My Mum Talks to Aliens.

Mary Rodwell is one of the world's most respected experts on UFO phenomena and is affectionately known as Australia's 'alien lady.' A former nurse and grief counselor, Mary founded ACERN (Australian Close Encounter Resource Network) in 1997 and the organisation has now grown to be the largest of its kind, specialising in helping alien abductees deal with their traumas. Many of Mary's clients are the interview subjects of this project. Mary's work has affected her personal life to the extent of a marriage break down, and is the cause of ongoing tension in her relationship with her son, a self-confessed alien skeptic.

"Perth Theatre Company's commitment to new ideas is fresh and exciting. ALIE?ATION will be a brave and inventive piece of theatre." said Jonathan Holloway, Artistic Director, Perth International Arts Festival

Tickets to the Perth Theatre Company season of ALIE?ATION are on sale now from Ticketek.

ALIE?ATION

A Devised Work
Written by Lachlan Philpott
Directed by Melissa Cantwell
A Co-production with Q Theatre Company
Starring Naomi Hanbury, Luke Hewitt, Natalie Holmwood and Robert Jago
Set & Costume Designer Bruce McKinven
Lighting Designer Benjamin Cistrene
Sound Designer Peter Dawson
Venue Studio Underground, State Theatre Centre of WA
Perth Theatre Company Season 28 June - 13 July 2013
Previews Friday 28 June 8.00pm, Saturday 29 June 8.00pm, Monday 1 July 8.00pm
Opening Night Tuesday 2 July 8.00pm
Times Monday - Friday, 8.00pm / Saturday matinee 4.00pm and evening performance 8.30pm Prices $28 (Student), $44 (Preview) $49 (Season) and $59 (Opening Night)

Photo by: Richard Jefferson