Audiences will be able to experience powerful Australian drama live this week when Blackrock by Nick Enright is performed at the Playhouse Theatre.
Directors Phil and Barb Fresta said it was a wonderful opportunity for Bundaberg’s young actors to take on strong dramatic roles.
“Our actors are relishing the chance to create these real to life characters,” Phil said.
“We have a mix of some of our most experienced adult actors working alongside our very talented younger actors – a true theatre collaboration.
“The play only runs for 1 hour and 20-ish minutes but ‘Wow!’ author Nick Enright has brilliantly filled it with amazing depth and emotion.
“We were impressed when we first read this play but now that our talented cast are putting flesh and bone to his characters, we are in awe of his talent as a writer.”
Nick Enright originally wrote it as a ‘Theatre in Education’ piece for high schools but it is relevant to people of all ages.
Set in 1993, Blackrock is a work of fiction based around a real event on an island just off the Australian mainland, in the beach town of Blackrock.
The story revolves around the rape and murder of teenager Tracey Warner but this is not Tracey’s story.
“In fact we never see Tracey and we do not witness the violence that takes her life,” Phil said.
“This is the story of the people around her, of the community she lived in.
“It is the story of the events leading up to her rape and murder, plus the aftermath to those involved and those who knew her.”
The play contains some violence, very coarse language and strong sexual references.
Blackrock is on for three performances from this Thursday, 31 October to Saturday 2 November.
The show starts 7.30pm in the Clubroom (at the back of the Playhouse Theatre).
All tickets $10, available at the door.
Find out more here.
