Tabloid Drama to Celebrate Adelaide Theatre Anniversary

The final production of University of Adelaide Theatre Guild’s 85^th anniversary season in 2023 is the Australian Premiere of tabloid media drama Ink, by James Graham, opening on October 12.

Co-Directors Robert Bell and Rebecca Kemp have embarked on a journey of collaboration in bringing Ink to the stage. Their partnership underscores the significance of synergy in theatrical direction; their shared vision for the production is essential, ensuring a cohesive narrative and coherent artistic expression.

James Graham's Ink is a theatrical adventure that delves into the world of journalism, media and the birth of the infamous British tabloid newspaper 'The Sun'. Bringing this complex story to life presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities, both of which excited Robert and Rebecca. The story of Ink is a fictional telling of a factual event, and as Murdoch states in Ink, "All the best stories are true." The newsroom in Ink is a hub of frenetic energy, chaos, and creativity. Orchestrating the controlled chaos of the newsroom scenes was a thrilling challenge. It involved choreographing the movements of the ensemble cast, maintaining the rhythm of the dialogue, and ensuring the audience will follow the rapid-fire exchanges.

The cast plays a pivotal role in the success of any production. For Ink, finding actors who can embody the complexity of characters like Rupert Murdoch and Larry Lamb was a no- brainer for the co-directors. They are grateful that Joshua Coldwell (Murdoch) and Bart Csorba (Lamb) were up for the challenge. A cast of 15 play 46 characters, which is no small feat. They've assembled a dynamic ensemble with diverse experience including Steve Marvanek, Sarika Young, Gary George, Kate Anolak, David Lockwood, Charlie Milne, John Rosen, Stuart Pearce, Sahra Cresshull, Joh Hartog, Maxwell Whigham, Sam Wiseman & Oggy Trisic who were all were open, curious & collaborative in bringing both real & fictional characters to life. Robert and Rebecca were able to bring together a talented crew as well, coaxing Normajeane Ohlsson out of retirement to design their incredible set, local musician Phil Short to compose original music, plus a host of other talented individuals taking on the enormous task of stage managing, lighting and dressing the show.

Ink explores the themes around the power of media, the ethics of journalism and the blurred lines between news and entertainment. Themes still relevant for today's audiences. It does so with the exact same ideas that The Sun employed in 1969 - humour, shock, sex and drama. It's sure to make audiences laugh, gasp and resonate with them long after the final bows.

For Robert Bell and Rebecca Kemp, directing Ink has been a complex and rewarding endeavour. It requires a deep appreciation for history, storytelling and the ability to bring a multi-faceted narrative to life on stage. They promise an ensemble-driven comedy, hilarious and jam-packed with gripping dramatic moments that tell one hell of a story. A story good enough for the front page.

https://www.adelaide.edu.au/theatreguild/

Ink plays at the Little Theatre 12-22 October, 2023

Tickets are available from trybooking.com/CECXJ