The Kindness of Stranglers

The Kindness of Stranglers It’s a messy business trying to be good. Over three billion people around the world watched the Live 8 concerts, more than five million Australians spend 713 million hours volunteering each year*, and corporations are spending millions on being good corporate citizens – being good is back in fashion in a big way. But just because you wear wristbands for causes, religiously sort your recycling and sign petitions to stop whaling, does it make you a good person? Are you doing something good for the world or just feeling guilty about it? Meet Sam, a dog-loving, advertising copywriter, who’s just found his conscience - it was next to the photocopier all this time. Frustrated by his meaningless job, Sam sets about to document random acts of kindness by strangers, until he receives a mysterious set of dares. At the outset the dares seem to be leading Sam on the path to goodness but when they backfire, it’s time for Sam to really get his hands dirty. Poking fun at advertising lingo, corporate green-wash and office politics, The Kindness of Stranglers is a musical black comedy that tackles what it means to be good in a society in which being good is the new black. From the writer of previous Fringe Festival sell-out hits, Death and Downsizing (2005) and Sakura Mansions (2004), comes a tale for anyone who’s ever stared into the inbox abyss and asked: what the heck am I doing with my life? * ABS Voluntary Work, Australia Survey (2006). LISTING INFORMATION Venue: Dantes Fitzroy - The Gallery Preview Dates: 24/09/08 Season Dates: 25/09/08 - 05/10/08 Times/Notes: 7:30pm each night Excluding Mondays, Tuesdays or Grand Final Night (27/9/08) Tickets: Preview $12.00, Conc $12.00, Full $15.00 Bookings: Festival Tix: 03 9660 9666 or www.melbournefringe.com.au COMPANY OR ARTIST PRESS CONTACT: Rebecca Cook, 0438 316 435, bekkicook@hotmail.com