THE OTHER PLACE by Christopher Bryant
28th of August to 8th of September 2019 at Theatre Works
(production photography by Sarah Walker - click to scroll through)
Carlton, 1967. Schoolteacher Betty Burstall begins sketching plans for what will eventually become La Mama Theatre: the pre-eminent independent home of new, experimental and previously unseen Australian work.
Stratford-upon-Avon, 1975. Politically charged director Buzz Goodbody – founder of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s The Other Place, a theatre of new, experimental and previously unseen theatre – is about to begin rehearsing her production of Hamlet.
Written by award-winning playwright Christopher Bryant, The Other Place is a genre-defying work performed by an all-female-identifying cast continuing the legacy of kicking against the pricks: a show about two remarkable, tenacious women who pioneered the world of theatre. It is a work that demonstrates that even in the face of adversity, the bonds of women will shine through. Drawing on historical events, fact and fiction, the play melts together to highlight the historical power imbalances that women face in the industry, and how these are still perpetuated today.
The Other Place is available for purchase through Australian Plays.
Credits:
Director: Jessica Dick
Set, Costume & A/V Design: Ella Butler
Sound Design: Joshua Bliss
Lighting Design: John Collopy
Stage Manager, Tech Operator: Julia Wojciechowska
Producer: Dianne Toulson
WITH: Kristina Benton, Ravenna Bouckaert, Vivian Nguyen, Erin Pattison, Susie Sparkes
PRESS:
Feature Piece in The Age - Spectrum
Christopher Bryant interview - RRR Smart Arts
Interview with Freak Stalker Magazine
”Christopher Bryant has written a poignant historical and postmodern account of a polemical era. Jessica Dick’s direction brings his vision to life, offering the audience a unique meta-theatrical experience. … The Other Place is a piece of theatre that is as rich and textured in language as it is in ideas and historical facts.” - Flora Georgiou, Stage Whispers
“Challenges the audience to reflect on how limiting female creativity mot only impacts adversely on the arts but on women themselves” (4 stars) - Robina Bamforth, Be Melbourne
“The genius of Christopher Bryant’s play, The Other Place […] stands as testament to [Burstall and Goodbody] as agents of theatre and as voices for women in that domain. This play is a testament to theatre; its history, its versatility and, in particular, to two women whose legacy should be acknowledged.” - David McLean, Melbourne Observer
“…emotionally engaging, [The Other Place] comes back to the importance of theatre being a safe place if your community isn't welcoming. Both women faced conservative governments and attitudes; if only their stories were something from the past.” - Anne-Marie Peard, Sometimes Melbourne
”The Other Place has an artistic flair and a decidedly arthouse sensibility” - Alex First, THE BUZZ
“Sheer gumption that Betty [Burstall] might well have admired” - Cameron Woodhead, The Age
“An ambitious piece of theatre that pays tribute to two incredible creatives… I sincerely hope it has a long life” - Darby Turnbull
“Brilliant… clever” - Chris Boyd, The Australian
Promotional video for 2019 production: