Melbourne Theatre Company's RUPERT Set for WORLD STAGES Festival in Washington D.C.

Melbourne Theatre Company today announced that David Williamson's Rupert will tour to Washington D.C. to participate in The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts WORLD STAGES: INTERNATIONAL THEATER FESTIVAL in March 2014. This is Melbourne Theatre Company's first international tour and it will be the only Australian theatre company participating in this Festival.

Griffin Theatre Company's Artistic Director Lee Lewis directs Rupert's world premiere season in Melbourne (24 August to 28 September) before MTC tours Rupert to the Kennedy Center for five performances in the Eisenhower Theater between 12-15 March 2014.

'As one of Australia's premier theatre companies, MTC is thrilled to represent our country in the Kennedy Center's WORLD STAGES: INTERNATIONAL THEATER FESTIVAL with our new work, Rupert. And who better to write Rupert Murdoch's story for the stage than Australia's most eminent playwright, David Williamson. We're delighted to be participating in this Festival which offers a wealth of ideas and opportunities for cultural exchange that will enhance our own dynamic theatre practice,' MTC Artistic Director Brett Sheehy said.

'Theater reflects the cross-cultural connections that exist among people around the world,' said WORLD STAGES International Theater Festival 2014 curator Alicia Adams. 'We are proud the Festival will be a platform for some of the world's greatest actors, directors, and playwrights to share their work for American theatergoers to experience.'

This is the first international Festival at the Kennedy Center that focusses on the discipline of the arts and will feature works from every continent except Antarctica. Countries as diverse as Canada, Chile, China, England, France, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Kuwait, Mexico, Scotland, and South Africa will participate in this three week Festival which includes a Fringe program featuring local and regional US playwrights and theaters.

To help Melbourne Theatre Company make its mark on the world stage, supporters are invited to join our Associate Producers Patrons Program. By making a donation of $5000, Associate Producers will have the special opportunity to join MTC at the official opening night in Washington D.C. and post show celebrations with the cast. They'll also be invited to an exclusive reception for the Company and its supporters at the Australian Embassy hosted by Ambassador Kim Beazley.

Casting is confirmed for Rupert with Guy Edmonds and Sean O'Shea both stepping into the role of Rupert Murdoch. Playing Young Rupert, Guy made his West End debut in the original London production of Holding the Man and became a household name for his role in Underbelly Razor.

Sean O'Shea is known for his extensive work with Bell Shakespeare, Sydney Theatre Company and for his TV and film credits including McLeod's Daughters, Murder Call, Water Rats, and The Rage in Placid Lake.

David Williamson's Rupert is a timely and vivid imagining that dissects the many facets of Murdoch's life and features a talented cast including Marg Downey, Daniela Farinacci, Simon Gleeson, Bert LaBonté, HaiHa Le and Scott Sheridan.