Remounting a show is a huge gamble- the hope that people who missed it last time are in town and can see it, the hope that those who saw the original show feel such a fondness for the show they want to see a replay (like that much loved VHS tape from my childhood) or are curious to see how it has changed. It’s a gamble that the writers, the directors and actors want to see it again, want to work on it again- want to plunge their foot in the same river twice… and the risk feels huge.

Luckily for Stories from the 428, a collection of the writers, directors and actors were available, keen and generous enough to lend their time and talent- and with the help of Leslie, Naomi, Guy and Kendall at ACTT the rehearsals were sorted out- and before long everyone was back ready to jump on board and into the Fringe Festival.

But of course there are a few changes- the two weeks have been combined and refined, some of the original cast are overseas, in other shows and so there is an ensemble cast- largely made up of the original with a few fresh faces thrown in.
Some scenes have been completely re-directed- others reinstated- but the selection is fun, festive, bright and I am utterly proud of all involved:it’s an honour to work with these writers, directors and artists.

After a nail-biting preceding week, 3 hours in which to tech and dress the show with a cast of 17, 11 writers, 5 directors and a crew of 2- the opening of (Selected) Stories From the 428 last Saturday was amazing. The audience full, the laughter loud, the applause generous… Three more shows to go (this weekend) before the show is put to bed.

The dates and times:
Saturday 18th Sept 5pm
Sunday 19th Sept 2pm*
Sunday 19th Sept 8pm

*please note this performance will not include “Baby Doll”

Bookings:
$24/$20 + Booking Fee
http://thesydneyfringe.com.au/shows/stories-428
http://sa2.seatadvisor.com/sabo/servlets/TicketRequest?eventId=100201510&presenter=AUCENTURY&venue=&event=FR428
02 9550 3666

I look forward to seeing you there!

(Selected) Stories From the 428
Bethlehem
Written by Kit Brookman, directed by Augusta Supple
Performed by Jan Langford-Penny

Story 2
Written by Lexi Freiman, directed by Scott Selkirk
Performed by Lucy Goleby, Luke Carson, Lib Campbell, Daniel Fischer

You Are Here #1
Written by Alison Rooke, Directed by Zoe Carides
Performed by Bridgette Sneddon and Felix Gentle

She
Written by Matt Edgerton, directed by Louise Fischer
Performed by Daniel Nemes and Kailah Cabanas

Playlist
Written by Sime Knezevic, directed by Glenn Hazeldine
Performed by Stephen Peacocke

Baby Doll
Written by Joanna Erskine, directed by Ngaire O’Leary
Performed by Maggie Blinco and Alan Faulkner

Oliver Twist Is…
Written by Donna Abela, directed by Scott Selkirk
Performed by Melissa Hume, Daniel Nemes, Luke Carson, Lucy Goleby, Daniel Fischer, Lib Campbell

Clean Skin
Written by Matt Edgerton, directed by Louise Fischer
Performed by Matt Charleston

It was raining all afternoon…
Written by Kit Brookman, directed by Augusta Supple
Performed by Lucy Goleby and Stephen Peacocke

An Advertiser’s Dream
Written by Brooke Robinson, directed by Augusta Supple
Performed by Kailah Cabanas and Julian Ramundi

Mastadon Special
Written by Patrick Lenton, directed by Ngaire O’Leary
Performed by Matt Charleston, Jan Langford-Penny, Lucy Goleby, Lib Campbell

You Are Here #2
Written by Alison Rooke, Directed by Zoe Carides
Performed by Bridgette Sneddon, Felix Gentle, Julian Ramundi and Helena Stamoulis

No Rides Left
Written by Jasper Marlow, directed by Louise Fischer
Performed by Lib Campbell, Luke Carson and Matt Charleston

The 428 Song
Lyrics by Tahli Corin, music by Rosie Chase, directed by Augusta Supple
Performed by Luke Carson, Julian Ramundi and Toby Villis

Earlier this year, a group of playwrights, directors, crew and actors came together to create a project inspired by Sydney’s transport system. A suite of plays were presented at Sidetrack theatre- a different suite each week for two weeks celebrating the bizarre, fantastical, romantic, infuriating Sydney Commuter experience. With a total of nearly 100 artists on board- nearly 1500 people over 10 performances enjoyed the fruits of their labours. Six months later, most of the directors and an ensemble cast have come together with a selection of the scenes from both weeks, culminating in a new show- full of surprises! If you missed it- this is your chance!

The premise is simple: A group of award-winning and emerging playwrights have collaborated to create a unique show inspired by conversations, scenes from the bus window, overseen text messages or perhaps the person sitting across from them on the 428 bus from Circular Quay to Canterbury. And the best thing is- you can catch the 428 to the show as it stops outside Sidetrack Theatre.
Supported by Queen Street Studio, New Theatre, Actors College of Theatre and Television (ACTT), a selection of Scenes from Stories from the 428 has been curated as an official selection of the Inaugural 2010 Sydney Fringe Festival this month.

Directed by: Scott Selkirk, Glenn Hazeldine, Ngaire O’Leary, Louise Fischer, Augusta Supple, Zoe Carides.

Written by: Sime Knezevic, Joanna Erskine, Patrick Lenton, Donna Abela, Matt Edgerton, Lexi Freiman, Brooke Robinson, Tahli Corin with Rosie Chase, Kit Brookman, Jasper Marlow, Alison Rooke

Performed by: Lucy Goleby, Stephen Peacocke, Maggie Blinco, Alan Faulkner, Jan Langford-Penny, Lib Campbell, Luke Carson, Matt Charleston, Daniel Nemes, Melissa Hume, Kailah Cabanas, Julian Ramundi, Bridgette Sneddon, Felix Gentle, Helena Stamoulis,Toby Villis

Creative Producer: Augusta Supple, Sound Designer: Jeremy Silver Lighting Designer: Miles Thomas, Graphic Design: Tim Andrew, Publicist: Julia Lenton, Web Construction: Grant Moxom, Stage Manager: Alison Murphy-Oates

Performance Dates:
Saturday 11th September at 8pm
Sunday 12th September at 8pm
Saturday 18th September at 5pm
Sunday 19th September at 2pm
Sunday 19th September at 8pm
Tickets: $24/$20 + Booking Fee
(02) 9550 3666
www.thesydneyfringe.com.au/shows/stories-428
www.storiesfromthe428.com

” Stories From The 428 is shaping-up as a cult phenomenon. Audiences have been overflowing; generous with applause, laughter and, where appropriate, mesmerised silence.” – lloyd bradford syke www.australianstage.com.au

“The very idea of bringing so many theatre artists together, established and emerging, is fabulous enough. But the fact that so much of the work was good makes the event truly special… and has led to delightful results.” James Waites www.jameswaites.com

“Each scene finds little joys and tragedies in the commonplace; it is a meditation on the private within the communal, and variation within routine. ” Vivienne Egan www.timeoutsydney.com.au

A flurry of text messages had been flying around. “Did you hear some playwrights have decided to hold their own night on Monday? Are you going?” “Are you going to the playwright’s thing?” “How do I RSVP?” In the past few weeks, I had been casually thumbing through newspapers at cafes when waiting for my coffee, to see if and when and how the topic of the absence of a play shortlist for the 2010 NSW Premier’s Literary Awards had been noted. Not really… one article from Bryce Hallet:
http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/books/playwrights-snubbed-by-award-judges-20100516-v6aa.html and this one from Marc McEvoy http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/books/playlist-for-judges-in-search-of-a-premier-shortlist-20100412-s413.html
No response from Kristina…

Every self respecting new Australian work enthusiast/ literary manager/ playwright/ director had been keeping their eye firmly on Joanna Erskine’s Cluster blog http://www.joannaerskine.com/cluster/cluster/playwrights-to-celebrate-on-may-17-2010/ … as the responses from around Australia and the world from Australian playwrights voiced their outrage, disappointment and vehmence towards the decision- and swelled the support for Australian playwrights.

The previous Monday at Belvoir St Theatre, I had been wrestling with a spinach pastizzi during a break in the WOMEN DIRECTORS ACTION PLANNING FORUM when Tahli asked me if I was free on the 17th. I wasn’t. I was scheduled for the Symphony-(the one night I hold sacred in my schedule- my dates with the SSO- where I can relax and enjoy myself without strings (so to speak) or expectations). But nothing is immovable. And especially this- THIS topic, which I spend most my waking hours puzzling over, planning for, fighting for, thinking about… This thing- which is so deeply rooted in who I am can not and must not be ignored.

Last Monday I arrived early. James Waites and I had anticipated the cluster of playwrights (my preferred collective noun) and had hoped to avoid the crush by positioning ourselves early amid the elegant lounge chairs of the Macquarie Hotel first floor bar. By the time I had arrived, a cluster of playwrights had already congregated- no less those who had organised this event- and whom all I had commissioned/worked with on either Stories from the 428 or Brand Spanking New- Joanna Erksine, Rebecca Clarke, Kit Brookman, Tahli Corin, Tamara Asmar, Rick Viede- set up on chaise lounge with a bucket of chilled Champagne and grins all round.

Downstairs multi-award winning, soon-off-to-London for a reading of his play Bison- Lachlan Philpott sat with friend and beverage, Kate Mulvany arrived, Matt Edgerton triple threat actor/director/writer arrived. Caleb Lewis in tie and shirt. when I looked up from my conversation with one writer, I realised- the room was full of the great minds of my generation- and the best of Australian Contemporary Performance writing.

Recently in a post by 5th Wall, he refers to playwrights as a “rivalry of playwrights”… http://5thwall.wordpress.com/2010/05/12/playwrights-posse-up/
The truth of the matter is that Australian playwrights I have worked with/for are generally very happy to band together, especially with a common cause. As someone who is in the position of reading nearly 200 plays/pitches/submissions a year from playwrights (often for colleagiate framed multi-playwright projects) I am well aware of the paranoia, competition and the nature of playwrights… playwrights (like all artists) at their worst (usually due to a lack of love/production) are vindictive, nasty, abusive, irrational, statistical machines who churn out lists of their accolades as proof of their legitimisation and their neglect by an industry that doesn’t care and doesn’t understand. But that is not the natural state of a playwright.

In my experience the natural state of a playwright is that of curiosity… of observation. They beleive in ideas. They talk about love. They talk about the hidden, difficult corners or our minds and hearts. Despite economic sense and career path ease, they are stubborn and idealistic enought to push on through with theatre (which is not the most lucrative of the writerly forms- the only writerly form which is less lucrative than theatre is possibly blogging… and sometimes (often) I question blogging’s legitimacy as a writerly form). They are brave and all have a sense of humour and humanity. And ALOT of time by themselves infront of computers, staring at the glowing screen wondering if what they have written is any good, or will it ever be finished?

And I love them… as a group… and as individuals. Sometimes playwrights are badly behaved- but that is the exception not the rule.

And they are a very good looking bunch of people. This is easy to forget as they are often not the topic of newspaper articals- they often aren’t publicized- and they spend alot of their time alone writing- but our playwrights are clever, funny and they have something to say.

As guest speakers three of the industry’s most respected champions of Australian Playwrights spoke. First the elegant and inspiring Katharine Brisbane- one of my all time favourite thinkers and doers- one of Australia’s most inspiring cultural leaders who gave us perspective on the history of the literary awards, the problems that have evolved and debated over the years- she told us of a famous literary bun fight which was sparked up over a dinner debate and at the centre of it all she spoke of the need to be vigilant and active. She encourage the room full of writers, directors, critics, actors and punters – to keep up the conversation. Secondly, everyone’s favourite bearded champion of Australian writing- John McCallum- Academic, reviewer and author of “Belonging: Australian Playwrighting in the 20th Century” who thanked the playwrights for their plays. He gave warm, enthusiastic encouragement. He reminded us to keep literate and articulate about writing for the stage- who reminded us that “playwrights have alot of friends and some of us are critics.” And thirdly, Leland Kean- the only Artistic Director who was in the room- who in a scruffy flanny and baseball cap read passionately an eloquent call to arms for all Australian Playwrights- and said that it wasn’t good enough how Australian playwrights are treated. It was a rousing and forceful speech that caught in my throat. I choked back tears several times as I felt his frustration, my frustration, and the frustration of all who have worked hard, who have actively contributed and risked, who have worked with honour and integrity- all to be ignored- or worse- offered an opportunity to apply for a development grant.

The major thing I noted were the absences- who wasn’t there. The Artistic directors, the artistic associates, the literary managers, the CEOs. I saw who wasn’t there. You know who you are. And I am fairly disappointed in those who didn’t feel like moving their prior engagements this ONCE for something as vital and important as a show of support and solidarity to those who are the source of text based theatre- the writers.

One of the first to arrive- and one of the last to leave- I am honoured to say I was there- and I am here silently supporting all those who are playwrights and yet to be playwrights: all those who dream big, work hard, fight, write, say the unsayable, confess their fear and their anger, embrace their vulnerability. I was there. I am here.

It’s been a week since week 2 of Stories from the 428 closed- and I thought it would be nice/handy or interesting to write a little reflection on Week 2- and perhaps on the whole reflection of the project. I am in the process of de-briefing with all the directors about the project (and the process) – and this is always an important part of everything I do- it helps steer my projects, my design, my plan and focuses my passion for new work.

There couldn’t have been a more different experience for the bump in/tech of Week 2’s show. 5 directors completely prepared- wrangling blocking of a cast of 34- and 18 pieces overall. A bigger week- epic in cast and ambition. I can’t say I wasn’t a littel nervous about how this would appear. Double the cast of Week 1 (how DID that happen?) and more works. Where as Week 1 was more introspective (and contained more watery/rain references- yes the bus trips were taken in the rain)- Week 2 was a kaliedoscope of ensembles tumbling out like a morris minor filled with clowns. Two of the writers Lenton and Marlow especially responsible for the more sketch comedy style plays- fun/funny and very entertaining- a very different texture to the literary texts of Freidman and Janaczewska- or the stylistic adventurousness of Corin and Abela… or even the poetic of Erskine and Edgerton. Week 2 fulfilled the design of the project in a much more whollistic way- all writers travelled on the same bus at the same time together (this didn’t quite happen in Week 1) and the directors worked collegiately sharing actors and resources. So in the lead up- this process was working- perhaps the festival feel of the pieces helped this along? I don’t know- but the feel was very different. Not better. But different.

Tech happened. It was fun. Directors ready, clear and excited and ready to solve their own and each others challenges. And I must say that having 5 stagemanager types in the room (one actual, 3 directors who are ex stage managers and a Production manager who is a stage manager by trade) was wonderful and made everything easy.

Dress run with the actors was easy. A little weird having 34 actors to contend with- but wonderful none the less! I was scared I would look greedy or disorganised having that many actors on stage- that I was being indulgent or sloppy… and there were some decisions that needed to be made and I made them (like not having full cast on stage at all times). But it went brilliantly- actors stepped up- directors stepped up- and it was smooth and without a hitch.

Two tragedies happened that week, however. One: A director had suffered a personal loss- and had two funerals to attend in one day (wednesday) and as I had hoped- anything she needed the other directors pitched in and supplied. Two: after the dress rehearsal one night one actor (one of my favourite all time actors I have worked with) Mary Sherman, was in a motorbike accident and was rushed to the emergency department of the hospital. The director of the pieces rang me as soon as he heard and we went straight into solution solving- within 2 hours Mary’s role was recast into 4 actors who were in the cast- Cheryl Ward, Mark Dessaix, Matt Charleston, Lib Campbell came to the rescue… I went to the emergency room with a bag of snacks and foods and some of my favourite Little Golden Books to see my beloved Mary. She is recovering well and I have promised to work with her again when she is better- she is a marvellous and beautiful actor and a sublimely genuine and interesting person- the show was very different without her- but talent like her’s can’t and wont be kept down and I can’t wait to see her return to performing once she has had a full recovery.

Opening night glistened. Adrenilin/panic is an amazing thing- the evening was a rollicking adventure of a fountain of energy and fun and set up the week as one where we were turning people away at the door most nights… which was especially relieving as it was a long weekend AND daylight saving changed the times too! I couldn’t be more proud.

Of course the main thing about the 428 Project was the idea of a colleagiate team- a team who worked together to conquer an amazingly ambitious and multifacetted project which was about the community of commuters and artists who live in the area. The idea was about promoting bus travel- celebrating the good bad and the ugly of commuting. Recognising that Australian writers are up for a challenge and willing to work- and WORK HARD… that actors are brave enough to take a punt on a concept and on new work. That directors CAN work together… and really at the end of the project, the tail to this comet continues to streak across my heart.

Remarkably- it was the team who was spectacular- PJ Gahan- ever calm, clear and efficient (a multi tool triumvirate of Production Manager/Stage Manager/ technical Manager), Miles Thomas (Lighting designer), Alison Murphy -Oates (Stage Manager/mother/ friend/ Seamstress/ list maker/ legend), Gavin Roach (Sponsorship Coordinator/comic relief/ caterer/ friend), Julia Lenton (publicist/ marketing manager/ foyer decorator/ confidant/ door bitch/ list keeper/ venue liaison), Gemma Lark Johnson (Designer/ sign writer. prop maker/ costume maker), Karolina Novak (Artist/ graphic Design/ print manager), Jeremy Silver (composer/sound designer/ sound compiler/ APRA advisor) Rosie Chase (composer/ singing teacher/ musician/ counsellor), Grant Moxom (webdesign/cheerleader).

EVERYONE involved went above and beyond- and all I can say is that I am humbled by the energy, the passion, the professsionalism, the commitment, the humour, the community of artists which defied gravity and expectations and made Stories from the 428 what it was. And it is impossible to do anything but remember never to underestimate artists and their ingenuity, their drive, passion and focus- and I am honoured to keep such company.

Thank you to all who came along to support the show… and All the artists and crew on board (whether it was for three months or for one month) – Theatre is what you make it.

Stories from the 428 launched last night- with the help from our friends at the Coopers Hotel in Newtown, Marrickville Council, ACTT and Queen Street Studio- writers, directors, designers, crew came together to have a few drinks, to meet the people who they will be working with in the next 3-4 weeks. This launch was for the participants… United by a love of theatre, new Australian Playwriting and buses- nearly 100 local artists are starting rehearsals this week.

Combining the a mix of writers from a range of backgrounds this is theatre at its most diverse- a patchwork of ideas that are stitched together through the common experience of the 428 Bus ride from Circular Quay to Canterbury.

What never ceases to amaze me is the passion people have within them – to make theatre- to make anything where before there was nothing. It is truly breathtaking.

People from different backgrounds and different levels of experience coming together to say something they believe in…

People who wouldn’t ordinarilly cross paths, meet each other in the context of this type of project- share ideas, contribute, support and inspire each other.

But one thing is for certain- without an audience these stories are mute, these ideas lay dormant. It is the everyday and the ordinary which inspires us to come together and share our Stories.

All this will come together in 3 weeks at Sidetrack Theatre. Tickets are $25… hope to see you at the show!
http://sa2.seatadvisor.com/sabo/servlets/EventSearch?presenter=AUCENTURY&event=428STORY

The premise is- I take 8 playwrights at a time on the 428 bus from Circular Quay, through the city, through Newtown , Marrickville and Canterbury in Sydney’s Inner West- as a point of reference for their writing. Their writing is then discussed in a collaborative way around table and read out for their fellow writers to enjoy and be inspired by. Then another bus trip is taken and the playwrights meet again to discuss their work. Out of this process approx 60-80 minutes of performance script is developed, rehearsed and produced at Sidetrack Theatre.

This project is about the joy of writing, finding everyday people/public situations a source of inspiration and creative invigoration.

Getting this show on the road (so to speak) is a marvellous one- and fairly exciting one too! I have been well caffeinated by the lads at Buzzzbar in Newtown during this experience of meeting playwrights and directors.

Originally conceived as a one week season for 8 writers to collaborate- this project has blossomed due to the interest, passion and curiosity of Sydney’s most vibrant writers. This project has now expanded to two weeks of two hour-long works (8 writers per week) with a mixture of emerging and established writers. Although I can’t yet announce the directors (there will be 4 directors , directing per week) I can announce the writers:
Donna Abela, Vanessa Bates, Kit Brookman, Rebecca Clarke, Tahli Corin, Matt Edgerton, Joanna Erskine, Lexi Frieman, Noelle Janaczewska, Sime Knezevic, Patrick Lenton, Ned Manning, Jasper Marlow, Lachlan Philpott, Brooke Robinson and Phil Spencer.

This is a collection of truly inspiring and lovely people- their voices are unique and diverse and hail from a wealth of experience- I am truly honoured to have them on board.

I’ll keep you posted on more as this project develops:

4 Directors/ 2 Weeks/ 8 Writers= Stories from the 428