ESCAPING suburban loneliness, five singles go on a night out that ends in embarrassment.
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That’s the premise of the Veracity Theatre Company’s adaptation of 1980’s play After Dinner.
Director Michael J. Cornford said the performance gets to the heart of Australian humour.
“Australian comedy is about observation, it’s about finding our faults and making light of them,” Mr Cornford said.
“It’s kind of what makes us the people we are.”
The play follows the lives of five singles, as each tries to escape their problems.
Mr Cornford said the characters are something audiences can laugh at, because many of their experiences are so close to home.
“That craziness provides the audience with a huge laugh,” Mr Cornford said.
“It’s that kind of black comedy of seeing people in pain and that makes you laugh.”
The doing of it has a sense of craft about it, there’s a reason why plays aren’t written – they’re wrought.
- Michael J. Cornford.
Studying Media and Communications at the University of New England, Mr Cornford went on to study at the National Institute of Dramatic Arts.
Where most would stay in Sydney, he decided to come back to Armidale to provide quality performance to regional Australia.
”There’s plenty of reasons why the city has an appeal, there’s more going on, there’s more money going around and audiences are able to support the work,” he said.
“An “arty” town like Armidale has just as much potential to do quality work – and our audiences are thirsty for good shows, genuinely good shows.”
As a director, Mr Cornford said his style is more collaborative.
“The doing of it has a sense of craft about it, there’s a reason why plays aren’t written – they’re wrought,” he said.
“It’s the same as a shipwright, playwright, they take materials and shake them into existence.
“It’s not director talking down to actor, it’s a mutual suggestion and if the idea works it works – it’s not about who’s idea it was.”
The play stars Joanna Lusty, Josh Osborne, Will Smidt, Jobi Strike and Emily Waldron. After Dinner will be performed at the TAS Hoskins Centre from October 27 to November 4. Tickets are $27 for adults, $22 concession. For information visit veracitytheatre.com
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
