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Showing posts with label Shakespeare. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shakespeare. Show all posts

Othello at the New Fortune Theatre - December 2023 - book now


Book now!

https://www.ticketswa.com/event/othello-shakespeares-classic-tragedy

6-9 & 14-16 December 2023

New Fortune Theatre, University of Western Australia

Othello is a Moorish military commander, serving as a Venetian general who has just married his love, Desdemona, in secret and against the wishes of her mother. They have been posted to Cyprus, with the recently promoted Cassio. However, Iago, ensign to Othello, is furious about being overlooked for promotion, jealous of Othello’s position and is determined to change his fortunes, no matter who gets caught up in the process. A play about passion and jealousy, this will be the first time GRADS has produced this tragedy.

Due to its enduring themes of passion, jealousy, and race, Othello is still topical and popular and is widely performed, with numerous adaptations.

GRADS is proud to be performing this classic tragedy in the open-air of the New Fortune Theatre




Richard III - March 8-18, 2023 - Reviews & Photos

REVIEWS


"The Graduate Dramatic Society presents Western Australia’s first performance of Shakespeare’s Richard III in many years. This tragedy is well presented and performed in the atmospheric venue of the New Fortune Theatre, an outdoor venue with similar dimensions to Shakespeare’s own theatre..." See full review


"NEW Fortune Theatre’s production of William Shakespeare’s Richard III is a dark yet entertaining tour de force that yokes the great bard into a contemporary context. The production assembles a talented cast from The Graduate Dramatic Society of WA to deliver a contemporary take on Shakespeare’s most reviled villain, Richard III of Gloucester..." See full review


PHOTOS
















Comedy of Errors - Opening Soon!

Book now! We open on Wednesday 10 March. We're busy rehearsing in the beautiful New Fortune Theatre, and even the peacocks are getting excited...

https://www.ticketswa.com/event/comedy-errors

The Comedy of Errors is a magical, mystical romantic comedy of mistaken identity! 

Enjoy a  warm March night under the stars with the peacocks and owls at Perth’s renowned New Fortune Theatre, University of Western Australia, as this riotous rollercoaster of a comedy keeps you guessing and laughing until its joyous conclusion...

Rehearsal Photos: Arnold Wong






















Shakespeare's Comedy of Errors, March 10-20, 2021 at the New Fortune Theatre - Book Now!


The Comedy of Errors is a magical, mystical romantic comedy of mistaken identity! 

Enjoy a  warm March night under the stars with the peacocks and owls at Perth’s renowned New Fortune Theatre, University of Western Australia, as this riotous rollercoaster of a comedy keeps you guessing and laughing until its joyous conclusion...


David Cotgreave brings the crazy world of The Comedy of Errors to life in his hilarious, furiously fast-paced production of one of Shakespeare's greatest farces...



Auditions - The Comedy of Errors, March 2021




Audition Notice - The Comedy of Errors by William Shakespeare.

NEW AUDITION SLOTS ADDED: Saturday 7th November, from 1pm to 5pm, at the Bradley Studio, behind the Octagon Theatre, University of Western Australia.

AUDITIONS: Sunday 8th November 2020 and Monday 9th November 2020, at the New Fortune Theatre, University of Western Australia.

PERFORMANCES: March 10-20, 2021

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The Comedy of Errors is one of Shakespeare’s early plays, it is also his shortest. It is one of his most farcical comedies containing slapstick humour, mistaken identity, puns and word play.
The Comedy of Errors is set in the Greek city of Ephesus and tells the story of two sets of identical twins who were accidentally separated at birth.
Antipholus of Syracuse and his servant, Dromio of Syracuse, arrive in Ephesus, which is also the home of their twin brothers, Antipholus of Ephesus and his servant, Dromio of Ephesus. When the Syracusans encounter the friends and families of their twins, a series of wild mishaps based on mistaken identities lead to wrongful beatings, a near seduction, the arrest of Antipholus of Ephesus, and false accusations of infidelity, theft, madness, and demonic possession.

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Cast of Characters

Solina – Duchess of Ephesus
Egeon – A merchant of Syracuse – father of the Antipholus twins
Emilia – Antipholus' lost mother – wife to Egeon
Antipholus of Ephesus and Antipholus of Syracuse – twin brothers, sons of Egeon and Emilia
Dromio of Ephesus and Dromio of Syracuse – twin brothers, bondmen, each serving his respective Antipholus
Adriana – wife of Antipholus of Ephesus
Luciana – Adriana's sister
Nell/Luce – kitchen wench/maid to Adriana
Balthazar – a merchant
Angelo – a Goldsmith
Courtesan
First merchant – friend to Antipholus of Syracuse
Second merchant – to whom Angelo is in debt
Doctor Pinch – a conjuring schoolmaster
Gaoler, Headsman, Officers, and other Attendants

I see the Dromios as genderless so anyone may audition for these roles (they do have the lion’s share of the laughs in the play).

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AUDITIONS: Saturday 7th, Sunday 8th and Monday 9th November 2020

Audition venue: The Bradley Studio, behind the Octagon Theatre, on Saturday, and The New Fortune Theatre, Arts Building University of Western Australia, on Sunday and Monday. The New Fortune is an outdoor venue, so wear a hat and/or sunscreen if you book a daytime slot.

For an audition on Saturday 7th at the Bradley Studio, behind the Octagon Theatre, book an audition at:

For an audition on Sunday 8 November at the New Fortune Theatre, book an audition at:

For an audition on Monday 9 November at the New Fortune Theatre, book an audition at:

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Please prepare the following:

A Shakespeare monologue from your repertoire. It can be anything but you’ll need to deliver it fast AND make it funny at the same time.

OR

A prepared reading of one of the following:

Antipholus’ speech
Adriana’s speech
Dromio’s scene

These are available at the following link:


If you choose to do a reading I need to see that you can handle the language so please DON’T try to sight read it on the day.
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Depending on availability rehearsals will be on Monday and Wednesday evenings, and Saturday afternoons, commencing on Monday 30 November. Sundays may be added in the February 2020 due to a shorter rehearsal period than normal.

This is unpaid community theatre

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About the author:
A guy named William Shakespeare, you may have heard of him.

About the director:
David Cotgreave is a versatile professional of the highest calibre boasting a career spanning thirty years across every artform.
David is a very experienced performer having created over sixty-two roles. Highlights have been Alfieri (A View from the Bridge), Malcolm (Macbeth) and Bassario (Merchant of Venice) for GRADS, Jake (Jake’s Women) for the Old Mill Theatre, Uncle Louis (Lost in Yonkers) for Playlovers, Presley Stray (The Pitchfork Disney) for The Gordian Theatre Company, Tom Hackford (The Accrington Pals) @ WAAPA and Derek (Derek) for the Hayman Theatre Company. David has also received two performance awards, best actor in a play (Lost in Yonkers) and best actor in a short film (The Pacifist).
David’s passion extends to all aspects of his arts and events career having been the Production Manager at the highest level in the Arts industry. His credits include: the Sydney Theatre Company; WA Academy of Performing Arts; the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games; Festival of Perth, the West Australian Symphony Orchestra and more recently the West Australian Ballet.


The Comedy of Errors will be David’s Shakespearian debut as a director.

Merry Wives of Windsor - Audience Reactions!




"The opening night of The Merry Wives of Windsor was an absolute joy. Full disclosure: two-thirds of the cast are friends of mine, but I was interested regardless. I've seen The Scottish Play and "Everybody Dies" several times, but I'd never seen this Shakespearean comedy.

"It was hilarious. There were scenes where the audience was literally roaring with laughter. I am far from an authority but Will peppers his plays with diverse characters, and ordinary situations which, although written 500 years ago, are instantly recognisable today. We relate, and therefore we laugh. Today's soap operas, sitcoms, and farces had their origins half a millennium ago.

"ALL the cast were having enormous fun. Robert Jackson and Kaitlin Okely balanced each other wonderfully. Cameron Leese strutted befittingly, whilst Jason Dohle bumbled comically. Nigel Goodwin brought his Monty Python and the Holy Grail A-Game to the table, and for the Hogwarts fans Barry Potter was in fine form.

"Publicity and word of mouth have suggested that Grant Malcolm is channeling Brian Blessed. Grant does not disappoint. It's a fine and generous actor who can alternately propel a scene, and then relinquish control as the script requires.

"But if your production intends to live up to its title, then you'd better damn well cast a couple of strong female leads. And in Anna Head and Meredith Hunter, The Merry Wives of Windsor showcases two of Perth's most accomplished actresses. They owned that stage, ran rings around poor Grant's character, and had the audience in hysterics. And did so with an almost casual effortlessness, as though Shakespearean comedy was the most natural thing in the world. Their chemistry was undeniable and their stage presence indisputable.

"Congratulations to director Thomas Dimmick, and all involved, for a fantastic piece of theatre and a marvelous evening's entertainment."

JARROD BUTTERY, FACEBOOK


The Merry Wives of Windsor - OPENS THIS THURSDAY!

Only five days to go! 

Grads presents Shakespeare's colourful and charming comedy The Merry Wives of Windsor, exuberantly directed by Thomas Dimmick, at the historic and beautiful New Fortune Theatre, starting on Thursday March 5 at 7:30pm, for two weeks only. 

Enjoy all of the jealousy, lust and buffoonery on a balmy March night under the stars with added peacocks. Book now!


The Merry Wives of Windsor was written at the request of Queen Elizabeth, who wanted to see her favourite character, Sir John Falstaff, "in love". It is the only play Shakespeare wrote which is completely original, not based on an earlier plays, tales or historical chronicles. 

The fact that the only play that came entirely from Shakespeare's imagination is a comedy about middle-class characters in a small country town doesn't quite sit with the idea that the author could not possibly have come from a humble background. Or does it?

Discuss...

Shakespeare's The Merry Wives of Windsor - 5-14 March at the New Fortune. Book now!



Grads presents William Shakespeare’s most purely comic play, The Merry Wives of Windsor, at the historic and beautiful New Fortune Theatre at the University of Western Australia, Perth’s original Shakespeare venue. Peacocks will be provided.

Book now!

5 - 8 and 11 - 14 March, 7:30pm
Duration: 2h 15m including one interval of 15m
$30 standard, $20 concession, $15 standing

For wheelchair accessible seats please call 6488 2440 Monday to Friday, 12pm to 4pm.



Sir John Falstaff is in financial difficulties. He has no money and his men are accused of conning some of the locals out of their money. He decides to fix his financial woes by seducing the wives of two wealthy merchants...

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Shakespeare’s The Merry Wives of Windsor is a raucous comedy filled with some of The Bard’s most famous characters. Performed in the New Fortune Theatre, this show promises to be a fun time for everyone. The outdoor setting and large open stage means you will get to experience Shakespeare similar to how it was originally conceived, with the space around the stage being standing room only.

For two weeks only! Make sure you don’t miss out on seeing what the Mistresses Ford and Page are able to concoct in their revenge on the tricky John Falstaff.

Reviews - The Merchant of Venice

Kimberley Shaw, Stage Whispers

The Merchant of Venice, by William Shakespeare
Directed by Lucy Eyre

New Fortune Theatre, University of Western Australia. March 7-16, 2019



The Merchant of Venice is perhaps one of the less frequently performed Shakespeare plays, mostly because of the obvious anti-Semitic feeling. This production is set in Venice, but in 1938, and is set alongside anti-Jewish policies in Mussolini’s Italy, the visit of Hitler to Italy and the looming shadow of the Second World War. Played in the beautiful outdoor New Fortune Theatre, which mimics the dimensions of the 1600 Fortune Theatre, on a warm Mediterranean-like evening, it is the perfect setting for some good Shakespearean Theatre.

Judd Milner (R) as Shylock, with Eddie Stowers as Tubal
Lucy Eyre is an intelligent and thoughtful director, and she has chosen a cast that are strong and effective, many of whom might be termed Shakespeare Specialists. Leading the cast are Barry Park, as the complex, likeable but flawed, Antonio, an excellent rival to the conniving but very sympathetic Judd Millner as Shylock - in a very strong performance. Catalyst character Bassanio is given Latin charm and lovely depth by (a largely unrecognisable) Thomas Dimmick in an impressive Shakespearean debut.

Grace Edwatds (R) as Portia, with Melissa Merchant as Nerissa
Particularly impressive are Grace Edwards, as a very clever and admirable Portia and Melissa Merchant as her maid and companion Nerissa. Lovely comedic work from this pair, with expertly layered performances. The other women, especially Abbey McCaughan’s beautifully poignant Jessica, and Solange Burns’ - in a fascinating interpretation of Launcelot, also deliver strong performances.

Barry Park (L) as Antonio and Thomas Dimmick as Bassanio
Steven Hounsome (L) as Lorenzo with Abby McCaughan (centre) as Jessica
Other standouts include Steven Hounsome’s earnest and genuine Lorenzo, Eddie Stowers’ delightfully obnoxious Prince of Arragon, and Neale Paterson’s excellent doubling of Old Gobbo and The Duke. Strong support from Patrick Downes as Salarino, Malek Domkoc - a stunning Prince of Morocco, Sarah Thillagaratnam, dancers and members of the entourage.

Solonje Burns (L) as Launcelot with Neale Paterson as Old Gobbo
Eddie Stowers (R) as the Prince of Arragon
Malek Domkoc (centre) as the Prince of Morocco

Patrick Downes (L) and Mark Fitzpatrick as Solanio and Salarino
Gary Wetherilt’s set design complements the venue well, and Mark Nicholson’s lighting is impressive in a temporary rig. Costumes, by Merri Ford, are thoughtfully created, are true to the era and are instrumental in setting the scene.





A must-see for Shakespeare lovers, but Grads’ The Merchant of Venice is a great choice for anyone who loves intelligent, thought-provoking theatre. The lovely setting is a great bonus.

Kimberley Shaw

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Jarrod Buttery (from Facebook)

Every so often you see a play that punches you in the guts and takes your breath away.  The Merchant of Venice (Graduate Dramatic Society) is masterfully put together but still a dark, confronting story.  Judd Millner is superbly sympathetic as Shylock, who, after a lifetime of being vilified, sees an opportunity for retribution -- and is crushed in the attempt.  The ferocity of the forces arrayed against him is heartbreaking.

Another surprise is that the nicest man in Perth Theatre, Barry Park, so chillingly portrays one of Shakespeare's nastiest characters -- a diametric opposite to his good self -- effortlessly done with Barry's innate skill of delivering difficult text as if it was day-to-day language.  He is well supported by an authoritative Thomas Dimmick as Bassanio.

But if the play belongs to anyone it is Grace Edwards as Portia.  One disadvantage of the outdoor New Fortune Theatre is the occasional echo, but Grace's powerful delivery and commanding stage presence dominated every scene.  Again, Grace was intimately supported (in more ways than one) by the voluptuous Dr Melissa Merchant as handmaid Nerissa, who also provided much of the meagre comedy in this very dark play.

Everyone was fabulous!  I believe there was a cast of 23!  I counted 14 men alone in the courtroom scene!  Quick mentions to the delightfully wicked Eddie Stowers as a cheeky suitor, and Solonje Burns in one of Shakespeare's trademark eccentric roles perfectly suited to her compelling voice and physicality.

Yes, it's a dark play, but it's a subject that should not be ignored or forgotten.  And if you make it along to this exceptional production -- it won't be.  Congratulations to director Lucy Eyre and everyone involved.

Jarrod Buttery