Theatre Preview
Eleanor Pearson 17 March 2017 Cons, Capers, and the Orient ExpressIn 1969 when the novel Travels with My Aunt was published you could have been forgiven for thinking it was just a light work of fiction. Best-selling English author Henry Graham Greene (commonly known by his pen-name Graham Greene) was famous for his literary works (such as The Quiet American) and thrillers. Travels with My Aunt resists either classification.
The author once described it as “the only book I have written just for the fun of it”.
Travels with My Aunt follows the adventures of conservative, retired bank manager, Henry Pulling, who is drawn away from suburbia by his eccentric Aunt Augusta. They traverse the globe – taking the Orient Express - from Paris to Istanbul, and, as Aunt Augusta indulges her passion for life, she also engages in the odd swindle, and sexual escapade! For seasoned Hunters Hill Theatre director Jennie Bazell bringing this story (adapted for the stage by Giles Havergal) to life is a thrill. Not least because “as an Anglo-Australian” she has one or two ideas about how this “absolutely seminal” popular British play ought to be done. For starters, it isn’t as frothy as it might appear on the surface. According to Bazell, it’s no accident the main character is called Henry (after the novelist) but interestingly, in Bazell’s interpretation, Greene was likely being autobiographical, in that he actually saw himself more akin to the adventurous Aunt Augusta. Bazell quoted Greene as describing himself with “a character profoundly antagonistic to ordinary domestic life.” In fact, the novelist had himself worked as a British spy, Bazell explained. |
Travels with My Aunt
Season Starting: Friday, 24th of March (click on "Upcoming Events" for exact times.) Address: 22 Alexandra Street, Hunters Hill, 2110. |
“In many ways Aunt Augusta is the embodiment of Henry (Graham Greene).” She said.
This is Hunters Hill Theatre's first production in its new theatre space, Hunters Hill Town Hall. It is also the first play of their 2017 season. Abbotsford resident Bazell said she and the ensemble cast and crew were working hard to make the first play in the new venue a success.
Bazell described the play’s genre as “dramatic comedy”, but said this production was "absurdist". As Henry and his aunt journey across the world, audiences will be taken on an evocative and surreal ride through a well-considered soundscape of music chosen by Bazell and piano teacher, Silvia Laurent. Lighting will also be a key feature.
Henry is played by two actors, Bob Guest and Peter Gizariotis – they’ll be the performers wearing bowler hats, and later boaters! Julia Griffith is the exuberant Aunt Augusta. Most of the smaller roles throughout are played by Frances Etheridge and Prudence Robinson Foxe, who are also the stage managers.
Don’t expect many props, and look out for neat tricks - such as the handover of a briefcase, behind a frame, in view of the audience.
Greene wrote this story with a cold war brewing. Bazell said its themes still resonate.
“It’s not just a comedy. I want people to go away with this play raising more questions than answers.” She said.
Travels with My Aunt plays March 24-April 2, 2017 See the Review for Travels with My Aunt
This is Hunters Hill Theatre's first production in its new theatre space, Hunters Hill Town Hall. It is also the first play of their 2017 season. Abbotsford resident Bazell said she and the ensemble cast and crew were working hard to make the first play in the new venue a success.
Bazell described the play’s genre as “dramatic comedy”, but said this production was "absurdist". As Henry and his aunt journey across the world, audiences will be taken on an evocative and surreal ride through a well-considered soundscape of music chosen by Bazell and piano teacher, Silvia Laurent. Lighting will also be a key feature.
Henry is played by two actors, Bob Guest and Peter Gizariotis – they’ll be the performers wearing bowler hats, and later boaters! Julia Griffith is the exuberant Aunt Augusta. Most of the smaller roles throughout are played by Frances Etheridge and Prudence Robinson Foxe, who are also the stage managers.
Don’t expect many props, and look out for neat tricks - such as the handover of a briefcase, behind a frame, in view of the audience.
Greene wrote this story with a cold war brewing. Bazell said its themes still resonate.
“It’s not just a comedy. I want people to go away with this play raising more questions than answers.” She said.
Travels with My Aunt plays March 24-April 2, 2017 See the Review for Travels with My Aunt
Performers and Crew
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Jennie Bazell
Maggie Scott Penny Church Jewell Johnson Joanna Simpson Heidi Brosnan Peter Tucker |