Kevin Jackson Directs New Australian Play on PTSD, 'MUM, ME, AND THE I.E.D'

Kevin Jackson is directing this new Australian play on the complexities and ravages of PTSD on Australian soldiers and their families.

As a director, Kevin is usually associated with classical works such as The Three Sisters, which he directed for Sport For Jove in 2016. For some time he's been looking for a play about 'the relatively buried issue of PTSD in our returning soldiers' that could match the best American and British explorations of that visceral underworld. Mum, Me and the I.E.D ended his search. 'Its strong, authentic voice spoke to me culturally...urgently.'

Kevin's reputation as a director and an acting teacher − Cate Blanchett, Sarah Snook, Miranda Otto, Richard Roxborough, Essie Davis, Sam Worthington and Jacqueline McKenzie are some of his former students − has ensured a first-rate cast and a highly skilled stage team. http://www.kevinjacksonactingstudio.com/about/

The writers are a proven creative duo. In 2016 their play, A Nest of Skunks, about refugees in hiding enjoyed superb reviews and played to packed houses, achieving The Depot's best box office results for that year. http://thedepottheatre.com/a-nest-of-skunks.

James Balian has written and directed many film, stage and TV shows. Roger Vickery has won over 70 awards for stories, poetry and stage work. Having Katie Pollock, a very experienced playwright, as a dramaturg has taken their collaboration to a new level.

The play, which is based on true life events, follows the temporally disrupted journeys of a troubled army medic. Rob tries to hide behind jokes and deflections but he can't prevent his fractured mind from 'time travelling' between home and Afghanistan. His anti-war mother, weary counsellor and vulnerable brother are pulling him in different directions. And he's convinced his senior officer, another damaged soul, is tearing the 'stitches' from his wounds.

Desperate, Rob takes the biggest risk of his army career, and sets out on a journey that may be the most dangerous he's ever taken.

Mum, Me & The I.E.D, which runs for a 3 weeks season, stars Matilda Brodie, Martin Harper, Elaine Hudson, Philippe Klaus & Joshua Shediak. Design is by Rachel Scane; lighting design by Martin Kinnane; sound design by Ben Pierpoint. Lydia Kelly is the lighting and sound operator.

$5 of each ticket on Wed, Aug. 15, 22 & 29, will be gifted to recognized counselling services.

Venue: The Depot Theatre, 142 Addison Road Marrickville NSW
15 August to 1 September. 8pm Wed - Sat. & 2 pm Sat matinees
Preview: 15 & 16 August
Opening night: Fri 17 August
Tickets: $32 Full | $27 Concession | $22 Wednesdays
Bookings: http://thedepottheatre.com/mum-me-the-ied

Photo Credit: Clare Hawley

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