Directorial debut from sister act brings black comedy to life
Sat, 12 June 2010, 07:04 pmarsenic1 post in thread
Directorial debut from sister act brings black comedy to life
Sat, 12 June 2010, 07:04 pmBlak Yak Theatre’s latest production is journeying back to 1940s Brooklyn – and marks the debut of sisters Sinéad and Róisín Bevan as directors.
Written by Joseph Kesselring, Arsenic and Old Lace is best remembered for the 1944 Frank Capra film version with Cary Grant and focuses on two elderly women who poison lonely old men as a hobby.
Complications set in when their nephew Mortimer learns of their activities and another nephew arrives with the body of the latest victim.
Sinéad and Róisín were inspired to direct the show at the Midland Junction Arts Centre for Blak Yak Theatre after seeing a pantomime at the Subiaco Arts Centre last year.
“The atmosphere in the room was vibrant and full of fun energy,” Róisín said. “Sinéad and I chatted during interval and said ‘I reckon we can do this!’
“We've always had an interest in theatre and thought it would be great to do something together.
“We both have skills in different areas but can agree on the same things and admire each other's contribution.”
Sinéad said the idea of directing a play appealed to her because she loves bringing people together, observing the bonds they form and then watching their self-esteem grow.
“We wanted to direct Arsenic and Old Lace in particular because it's a fabulous, high-energy, hilarious black comedy,” she said.
“Róisín and I expected not to be taken very seriously on account of our youth – but disproving the 'ageists' is half the fun.”
“We did worry that co-directing might be the end of our sisterhood yet it’s proven quite the opposite.
“I don't know where I end and Róisín begins. We finish each other's sentences and seem to read each other's minds. “
Arsenic and Old Lace is about escapism and a chance for adults to have fun, according to Róisín.
“It's play-time for grown-ups,” she said. “The play is entertaining, intelligent and fun and an opportunity to see some fantastic acting from a group of people doing what they love.
“Everything is challenging about being in or directing a play but in very positive ways.
“Sinéad and I were warned that it might not be wise to have two directors but we've experienced the opposite.
“We both have the same vision and agree on what works and what doesn't, so everything you see is a collaborative effort.”
Arsenic and Old Lace plays at 8pm, June 17, 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26 with 2pm matinees on June 20 and 27. Tickets are $18 adults, $14 concession – book on 0468 901 570 or through www.blakyak.org.
Midland Junction Arts Centre is on the corner of Cale Street and Great Eastern Highway, Midland.
arsenicSat, 12 June 2010, 07:04 pm
Blak Yak Theatre’s latest production is journeying back to 1940s Brooklyn – and marks the debut of sisters Sinéad and Róisín Bevan as directors.
Written by Joseph Kesselring, Arsenic and Old Lace is best remembered for the 1944 Frank Capra film version with Cary Grant and focuses on two elderly women who poison lonely old men as a hobby.
Complications set in when their nephew Mortimer learns of their activities and another nephew arrives with the body of the latest victim.
Sinéad and Róisín were inspired to direct the show at the Midland Junction Arts Centre for Blak Yak Theatre after seeing a pantomime at the Subiaco Arts Centre last year.
“The atmosphere in the room was vibrant and full of fun energy,” Róisín said. “Sinéad and I chatted during interval and said ‘I reckon we can do this!’
“We've always had an interest in theatre and thought it would be great to do something together.
“We both have skills in different areas but can agree on the same things and admire each other's contribution.”
Sinéad said the idea of directing a play appealed to her because she loves bringing people together, observing the bonds they form and then watching their self-esteem grow.
“We wanted to direct Arsenic and Old Lace in particular because it's a fabulous, high-energy, hilarious black comedy,” she said.
“Róisín and I expected not to be taken very seriously on account of our youth – but disproving the 'ageists' is half the fun.”
“We did worry that co-directing might be the end of our sisterhood yet it’s proven quite the opposite.
“I don't know where I end and Róisín begins. We finish each other's sentences and seem to read each other's minds. “
Arsenic and Old Lace is about escapism and a chance for adults to have fun, according to Róisín.
“It's play-time for grown-ups,” she said. “The play is entertaining, intelligent and fun and an opportunity to see some fantastic acting from a group of people doing what they love.
“Everything is challenging about being in or directing a play but in very positive ways.
“Sinéad and I were warned that it might not be wise to have two directors but we've experienced the opposite.
“We both have the same vision and agree on what works and what doesn't, so everything you see is a collaborative effort.”
Arsenic and Old Lace plays at 8pm, June 17, 18, 19, 24, 25 and 26 with 2pm matinees on June 20 and 27. Tickets are $18 adults, $14 concession – book on 0468 901 570 or through www.blakyak.org.
Midland Junction Arts Centre is on the corner of Cale Street and Great Eastern Highway, Midland.