2015 REGINALD SEASON OF INDEPENDENT PRODUCTIONS
The performing arts centre of the University of Sydney, the Seymour Centre, has launched its 2015 Reginald Season.
The fifth Reginald season sees an expansion of the relationship the Seymour has built with two of Sydney’s award-winning independent theatre companies, Sport for Jove and Squabbalogic Independent Musical Theatre, each company presenting two works in the season.
They will be joined by one of Melbourne’s best ensemble theatre companies, Red Stitch who kick off the 2015 program with the critically acclaimed production about a female F16 fighter pilot, Grounded, named one of the top ten plays of 2013 by The Guardian and The London Standard. This production was recently nominated for five Green Room awards,including best actress for Kate Cole. Grounded is presented in partnership with the University of Sydney’s United States Study Centre and will feature a debate with leading academics and military personnel on the methods of modern warfare currently employed by the USA.
The next production sees Sydney musical theatre darlings, Squabbalogic (Man of La Mancha) take audiences back in time with the Australian premiere of the recent Off-Broadway musical Triassic Parq, which combines show tunes, sex changes and dinosaurs into one spectacular musical theatre piece not to be missed.
Sport for Jove will be joining the 2015 season with two productions that further build their reputation for reinventions of classics. In July, Sport for Jove will present Of Mice and Men, adapted by John Steinbeck from his novel which tells one of the world’s most compelling tales of friendship and survival. Sport for Jove will also present a fresh take on Edward II, the 1593 tragic masterpiece of Christopher Marlowe.
Rounding out the season, Squabbalogic brings their chamber-musical approach to the Sydney premiere of Grey Gardens. Thismusical adaptation of the cult-classic 1975 documentary, centers on Jackie Kennedy’s recluse and poverty-stricken relatives who lived out their lives in genteel squalor.
Artistic Director for the Seymour Centre Tim Jones said “I’m particularly glad that the 2015 Reginald Season is both highly entertaining and provocative. Grounded asks profound questions about the moral right to conduct remote warfare, revealing the terrible effect on those who undertake this task. Edward II is Marlowe’s great play about incredible prejudice against difference and Of Mice and Men is an all-time classic centered on the struggles of the most powerless in our society. These are great plays that not only make you think but also provide a terrific night in the theatre.”
For further information, program information and bookings, visit www.seymourcentre.com or phone the Seymour Centre Box Office on 02 9351 7940.
Season Dates:
• Grounded – 1 to 16 May
• Triassic Parq - 17 June to 4 July
• Of Mice and Men - 9 to 25 July
• Edward II - 1 to 17 October
• Grey Gardens - 18 November to 12 December