STC's THE WHITE GUARD To Be Transmitted live Into Select Cinemas July 7

Sydney Theatre Company has announced that it will transmit via satellite the 7 July
performance of its acclaimed production The White Guard to selected regional cinemas.
A lively, robust family saga set in Kiev in 1918, The White Guard introduces us to the chaotic
household of the Turbin family presided over by Lena (Miranda Otto). As the Bolshevik army
advances relentlessly on the city, the Turbins remain loyal to the old Russia and the rag-tag
forces of the White Guard who have sworn to defend it.

Family dynamics, the futility of war, the foibles of the heart and the great advantages of vodka
are all boisterously examined in this large-scale production that is funny and moving in turn.
The production was adapted by STC's Co Artistic Director Andrew Upton from the original
play by the acclaimed 20th century Russian author Mikhail Bulgakov.

Nominated for five AFI Awards, Miranda Otto's film work has included the acclaimed Doing
Time for Patsy Cline, Love Serenade, The Well, The Lord of the Rings, Blessed and South
Solitary. Her theatre career began in 1986 with the Sydney Theatre Company production of
The Bitter Tears of Petra Von Kant; later roles for STC included 2002's A Doll's House and
2005's Boy Gets Girl.

As part of a pilot program to explore satellite transmission, this performance of The White
Guard will be enjoyed by cinema audiences in Byron Bay (NSW), Brisbane (Queensland), Port
August (South Australia) and Devonport (Tasmania).

Sydney Theatre Company's General Manager Patrick McIntyre said: "The White Guard is the
perfect vehicle for us to pilot transmitting a live performance of one of our productions into
selected cinemas. Not only will it provide a wonderful opportunity to reach people who would
find it impossible to see the show, it also allows STC to explore the artistic issues involved in
translating a live theatrical performance onto the big screen, while gaining more experience in
the technical aspects of digital distribution on this scale.

"Digital distribution opens up massive possibilities for the Australian theatre industry,
especially in terms of providing immediate access to the best in performing arts to regional
areas. As cinemas increasingly gear up for satellite and hard drive distribution, we can reach
thousands more people around the country. "It's already been demonstrated that the appetite is there. It's now up to the local industry to find appropriate models - artistic, technical and financial - that are sustainable. The potential returns in terms of audience development, regional access and the ongoing strength of the industry in the digital age make this something we must actively pursue", McIntyre said. 

Sydney Theatre Company's move follows the successes of international companies such as New York's The Metropolitan Opera and London's National Theatre which have established solid international followings for their work via cinema presentation. 

Sydney Theatre Company is one of Australia's leading arts organisations. Andrew Upton and
Cate Blanchett have been Artistic Directors since 2008, credited with re-connecting the
Company with Australian audiences while positioning it firmly on the international stage.
Recent highlights include a hugely successful Uncle Vanya, adapted by Upton and featuring
Blanchett alongside Richard Roxburgh, Hugo Weaving and Jacki Weaver; an award-winning
touring production of A Streetcar Named Desire; and the transformation of the Company's
historic, heritage-listed home into a green technology and best-practice showcase.
The project is funded via donations received by the Sydney Theatre Company Foundation and
an individual gift from David and Claire Paradice.

Director: Andrew Upton. Designer: Alice Babidge. Lighting Designer: Nick Schlieper. Sound
Designer: Steve Francis. Composer and Musical Director Alan John.
Cast: Jonathan Biggins, Patrick Brammall, Yure Covich, Alan Dukes, Darren Gilshenan,
Cameron Goodall, Alan John, Ashley Lyons, John Leary, Dale March, Miranda Otto, Richard
Pyros, Tahki Saul, Aaron Tsindos.
The White Guard runs at Sydney Theatre until 10 July 2011.

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