National Theatre Of Parramatta Presents JESUS WANTS ME FOR A SUNBEAM

Riverside's National Theatre of Parramatta will present the world-premiere production, Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam, from 18th to 27th October.

Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam is a play that goes straight to the heart and asks how far would you go to protect your family, what promises should be made to a child and would you ultimately die for a loved one. Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam is a powerful reminder of what we do for those we love.

An evocative, haunting and moving tale, Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam is based on the novella by acclaimed Australian author Peter Goldsworthy, adapted by Steve Rodgers (King of Pigs, Food) and directed by Darren Yap (Miracle City, Diving for Pearls).

With a stellar cast of six, the story explores the world of an ideal family, The Pollards, who have boycotted society and its evils to create a cocoon for a perfect world, defining their lives through each other. When illness breaches the sanctuary, their world is flipped on its head.

Emma Jackson (Force Majeure's Food by Steve Rodgers) and Justin Smith (Sydney Theatre Company's The Long Forgotten Dream and Griffin Theatre Company's A Strategic Plan) play the parents while the children are performed by Liam Nunan (Sydney Theatre Company's Away) and 13-year-old Grace Truman (web series Amazing Grace). Valerie Bader and Mark Lee also feature.

Director Darren Yap said, "When I first read Peter Goldsworthy's novella, I was deeply moved, disturbed and enthralled. And I never guessed the ending! Steve has done an incredible job with the adaptation which is tender, confronting and thrilling. It's a uniquely Australian play but its themes are universal. It's a story full of pain and full of love, where family is everything."

Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam was the inaugural winner of the Lysicrates Prize.

Tickets: Adult $54, Concession $49 From the Box Office (02) 8839 3399 or www.riversideparramatta.com.au.

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