Old Fitz to Host Fundraiser for Red Line Productions

The Old Fitz Theatre is a treasure for audiences and artists in Sydney. Red Line Productions is finding it tough to cover the costs involved with delivering independent theatre of the highest quality.

On Saturday August 22, the Old Fitz will be buzzing with exciting talent in hopes of enticing supporters along to help raise money to keep the legendary venue alive. Seven one-hour sessions of theatre will be staged back-to-back in the theatre space while canapés and drinks will be served in the upstairs bar. There'll be plenty of raffles and prizes on offer too. All entertainment on the day will be of high quality and will include many of the local community arts organisations and individuals. Every dollar raised will contribute to the future of Red Line Productions, ensuring they continue the important work they are contributing to the Australian arts scene.

Also on the day, the upstairs box office will be officially named after much-loved actor Mark Priestley who passed away after a battle with depression in 2008. Priestley began his career at the Old Fitz working onstage and in the bar before establishing a successful film and television career.

Andrew Henry, Sean Hawkins and Vanessa Wright formed Red Line Productions in 2014 with a dedication towards providing artists a space to present new and exciting productions that may not have the chance to be seen otherwise and the opportunity to showcase their artistic talents. Since taking over the management of the legendary pub theatre, Red Line Productions have provided more than 100 artists the opportunity to practice their craft across over 25 productions, many receiving critical and audience acclaim.

The Old Fitz Theatre opened in 1997 and has been the stomping ground of many artists that are now some of the country's leading lights domestically and internationally - Toby Schmitz, Ewen Leslie, Kate Mulvany, Travis Cotton, Leland Keane, Christopher Stollery, Tim Minchin, Ella Scott Lynch, Blazey Best and Brendan Cowell to name a few.

"I've said it before. I'll say it again. Red Line's running of the Old Fitz theatre has made the underground space shine like a beacon on the indie scene. The company's is consistently proving it, with almost every new production staged." - Brad Syke, Theatre Critic

Time: Sat August 22, 2pm-10pm

Ticket Price: $20 per session, $100 for Supporter's Lounge access (including canapés and drinks)

www.oldfitztheatre.com

FUNDRAISER THEATRE LINE-UP

3pm - The Wayside Chapel Drama Group

1) Cosi - By Louis Nowra - Act 1 Scene 1

2) Waiting for the Bride - By Wayside's own, Pauline Trenerry

3) And a poem/story by Wayside's own, Katherine

"We are working on Cosi because Louis has given us permission to perform the full play next February 7 & 10th at The Wayside. We meet once a week as part of Wayside's Twilight Program, and after a successful night of shorts and monologues last December, we have decided to challenge ourselves by putting on a full-length play. I also foster my actors to write their own works and so, we are performing two of their pieces. And Katherine has recently gotten her work published." Angela Blake - Wayside's drama teacher

4pm (and 9pm) - Shakespearealism

Written by Josh Lawson

Directed by Toby Schmitz

With Anthony Gooley, Benedict Hardie, Hamish Michael, James Evans

Shakespeare has an idea. It's going to revolutionise the Elizabethan stage. This is Ralph Shakespeare, of course, and from the inky cloak of his brother's long shadow he's making a last desperate play for his art: Naturalism. Ten years ago Josh Lawson's dazzling comedy Shakespearealism sold out for two seasons at the Old Fitz. It's back for only two special performances! Be one of the lucky ones to catch it.

5pm - The Iliad of Homer

Adapted and Abridged by William Zappa

William Zappa presents a reading from his adaptation of Books 1 to 8 of Homer's Iliad. The Iliad is the first great story of our 'Western' tradition. It was the start of theatre. One man standing up and telling a story filled with characters and action, ideas and passions. The futility of war, the egos of men, the meddling indulgence of 'the gods' and the vagaries of fate. Come and hear this dynamic rendering of this ancient story, The Iliad.

6pm - Traffic Street

Written by The Kvetch Set Collective

Directed by Alana Hicks

With Jacqui Robson, Seaton Kay-Smith, Dominic Witkop, Travis Spiteri, Sam Bjorndahl, Raphael Stephens, David Lynton, David Bourke

The Kvetch Set Sketch Collective present their debut live show Traffic Street - absurd, satirical and close to home! Traffic Street follows the interweaving stories of several Inner West flatmates, living in each other's pockets, pissing off the neighbours and passive aggressively stealing each other's food. That is, until one day they get the news that they are to be evicted and their house demolished to make way for the worlds largest underground road system! Take a journey with us as Traffic Street navigates the byways of disconnectedness, hoons down the freeways of isolation, and indicates incorrectly on the roundabouts of Government Infrastructure programs. However, the biggest question the show asks is... who the hell ate all the special fetta?

7pm - The Zombie Judy Talent Quest

Hosted by Sheridan Harbridge as Dead Judy Garland

Zombie Judy Garland back from the dead, hosts an all-star old fashioned talent quest with Sydney's best, and hopefully, sometimes, worst! Hear Zombie Judy sing Lady Gaga, Beyonce and more, while Sydney's greatest burlesque, cabaret, carney folk and odd-ball inbetweeners vie for your love, and the title of 'Best in Show'. Starring Sheridan Harbridge as your host Zombie Judy, come scream, holler and throw tomatoes, all in the name of our beloved Old Fitz.

8pm - Chicom

Written by Kate Mulvany

Directed by Paige Rattray

Four soldiers are in a terrifying predicament. One of them has a landmine under their foot that detonates only when pressure is released - but whose foot is it under? As the four face what could be their final moments, what will they choose to reveal about themselves and each other?

9pm - Shakespearealism (Second session)

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