Although STC’s doors aren’t open yet, the creativity has never stopped behind the scenes. That includes their theatrical development lab Rough Drafts. Supporting new Australian works, the program normally invites theatre-makers into the esteemed venue’s rehearsal rooms, but obviously that can’t happen right now.
Instead, they’ve taken to Zoom to continue the free public showing of the new works to let audiences get a taste of what might be in the very near future.
Going digital for the 45th edition, Rough Drafts will showcase new developments by No Pay? No Way! creator Marieke Hardy and The Hanging’s Angela Betzien, as performed by Chika Ikogwe, Bert LaBonte, Heather Mitchell and Anthony Taufa.
Betzien will trial her new comedy Chalkface, examining our school system and the pressures it places on teachers and their pupils. Does a one-size-fits-all model actually work?
You can also take a peek at Hardy’s work-in-progress re-envisioning of 19th-century Russian dramatist Nikolai Gogol’s matchmaking comedy Marriage. It explores the challenges faced by a single man and woman weighing up the pros and cons of the institution.
“With current brutal creative limitations in the realm of art and performance, it’s heartening to still have the space to dream and scheme,” Hardy tells Time Out. “It’s been a privilege to continue writing and developing even as our industry has dimmed its beautiful lights.
“Though I obviously miss the vivid energy of a room full of actors and makers (all those droplets!), I take heart in knowing we are putting our collective energy towards work that will find its way to future audiences.”
The readings will be streamed live at 4pm on Sat, Jun 13. Tickets are free, but it’s recommended you book in advance so you can receive an email link. You can do that here.
This article is supported by the Judith Neilson Institute for Journalism and Ideas.
