bAKEHOUSE Theatre Company Presents THE LADEN TABLE

"I am talking, but you don't listen. I am speaking but you don't hear me."

The independent theatre company known for taking daring risks, bAKEHOUSE Theatre Company, will kick off their 2017 season with a powerful world-premiere, The Laden Table, written and developed by a collective of Jewish, Muslim and Christian women in response to 'dinner table racism'.

Conceived in consultation with culturally diverse local communities, The Laden Table will explore heartfelt, funny and deeply moving stories that will challenge stereotypes and showcase the commonalities shared between cultures.

The Laden Table tells the story of two Australian families, one Jewish and one Muslim, both celebrating an important religious feast day - Yom Kippur and Eid respectively. With three generations gathered around the table, they talk, laugh, tell stories, argue and pray.

The grandparents have survived the Holocaust and the Nakba, the parents are moving forward in a new country while trying to honour the values of their cultures, and the children are overcoming old prejudices in the hope for a better future. By the end of the evening, a secret that both families share will be exposed, changing their lives forever.

Suzanne Millar, director of The Laden Table and artistic director of bAKEHOUSE Theatre Company said, "In today's political climate with the divisive rhetoric of Trump and Pauline Hanson in public office, it's vital that we continue to challenge with brave new pieces of writing like The Laden Table. On the night of our first reading, Trump signed the executive order banning nationals of seven Muslim-majority countries and Syrian refugees from entering the U.S. We've entered a time of madness and it's incredibly important that this play happens now."

Making up the cast of The Laden Table will be twelve of Sydney's most in-demand performers from culturally diverse backgrounds including Mansoor Noor (Beirut Adrenalin), Monroe Riemers (Coup D'Etat) and Suz Mawer (Meana). The cast also features Jessica Patterson (BLACK SWAN's Girl Shut Your Mouth)

Following in the footsteps of the 2016 critically acclaimed Black Jesus, 2015's Mt Druitt project I AM WE ARE and 2014's acclaimed His Mother's Voice (ATYP), The Laden Table will be presented as part of bAKEHOUSE Theatre Company's ongoing commitment to produce and develop works that showcase new voices and support emerging artists.

Millar said, "bAKEHOUSE invests in the risky business of new works. KXT is a small space for big ideas, and we invite our audiences to join us as we put the world on stage."

Written by Yvonne Perczuk, Nur Alam, Raya Gadir, Chris Hill, Marian Kernaham and Ruth Kliman Directed by Suzanne Millar with John Harrison Produced by bAKEHOUSE Theatre Co Stage Manager Andrew McMartin and Will Newnham Sound Design by Will Newnham Lighting Design by Benjamin Brockman Starring Mansoor Noor, Monroe Reimers, Jessica Paterson, Abi Rayment, Suz Mawer, Gigi Sawires, Geoff Sirmai, Doron Chester, Justina Ward, Donald Sword, Sarah Meacham, Alex Chalwell.

Dates: 10th - 25th March, 2017. Previews: 10th-14th. Opening 15th March

Times: 8pm on 10th-11th, 14th-18th and 21st-25th March. 5pm on 12th and 19th March

Venue: Kings Cross Theatre - Level 2, Kings Cross Hotel, Kings Cross

Tickets: Adult $35 | Concession $30 | Previews and Cheap Tuesday $25

More information and booking can be found at www.bakehousetheatrecompany.com.au.

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