The Gin Game

HIT Productions & Don Russell Performing Arts Centre Present... The Gin Game Awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1978, The Gin Game is a timeless classic uncovering the perennially pertinent issues of abandonment of the elderly and examines the 'poker face' that we all wear in our daily lives. Set in a run down nursing facility, the play begins with the first meeting of Fonsia (Julia Blake), a new resident to the home, and Weller (Terry Norris) a long time resident. Weller convinces Fonsia to join him in a game of Gin and begins by teaching her the rules. She wins the first game… and the second… and the third… in fact she wins every game and with each win, Weller's frustration grows as his short temper erupts into outbursts of bullying and violence. Likewise, Fonsia, a seemingly poised and peaceful woman, becomes vengeful and manipulative as her desire to win overcomes her. As their relationship grows, the unlikely companions begin to realise that the way they play the game is a reflection of how they have lived their lives. Real-life husband and wife duo Julia Blake (SeaChange, Blue Heelers) and Terry Norris (Cop Shop, Changi), provide magnificent portrayals of these feisty and complex characters. --