The Good Son

Authenticity invariably shines through when true events inspire a well-written play, allowing audiences to relate to the story’s characters as they might in real life.

The Good Son is such a story.

A new play by award-winning actress Elena Carapetis (Between Two Waves, Othello, Dead Europe), The Good Son is to be presented in April at Adelaide’s Bakehouse Theatre by The Other Ones, a company formed as a creative partnership between Carapetis and the play’s director, Corey McMahon (Rust and Bone, Between Two Waves, Eh Joe).

Essentially a modern tragedy, The Good Son explores society’s idea of family, loyalty and the lengths to which any of us might go in order to improve our future lives.

Frank longs for a different existence. He is the loyal, loving son of Meda, a Greek immigrant divorcee. They have a close bond, even though their parent/child relationship has become claustrophobic for Frank. When a beautiful, fragile woman named Ana comes into his life she gives him a reason to free himself from the family ties that have suffocated his future. Life is complicated though; Frank’s mother has a secret, one that threatens disastrous consequences for her and that could destroy Frank’s dreams.

For its director, Corey McMahon,The Good Son represents what The Other Ones is all about as a theatrical company; to give voice to people who exist on the margins and to tell stories not usually told. The Other Ones is also a company that aims to present challenging and visceral productions from new writing emanating from Australia or anywhere in the world.

Of Carapetis’s play McMahon says, ‘Elena's writing is assured, complex, multi-layered and compelling. As a director, it is always an exciting prospect to direct a new play, but when it is a new South Australian play, a rare jewel indeed, the project takes on an extra-special significance.’

McMahon is also delighted with the actors involved in the production. ‘We're so lucky to have such a stellar cast bringing this new play to life,’ he says. ‘Eugenia Fragos, one of Australia's most respected actors, will play Meda, the matriarch of the family. Matching her with Renato Musolino, one of Adelaide's most beloved actors, as Meda's son, Frank, will be thrilling to see on stage…They're joined by Adriana Bonaccurso, as Ana and Demitrios Sirilas as Jimmy. Adriana worked on the play during its initial development a number of years ago and it is absolutely right she join us again to bring the character she helped create to the stage. Demitrios was last seen in Adelaide in The Comedy of Errors for State Theatre Company. As Jimmy, Demitrios will bring the perfect balance of light and shade to this pivotal role.’

The production is produced by Joanne Hartstone, designed by Manda Webber, with lighting by Ben Flett and composition by Jason Sweeney.

The Good Son is supported by Arts SA through the Independent Makers and Presenters Program and also through the generosity of supporters on Pozible (http://www.pozible.com/project/189785).

Adelaide audiences can expect a bold, funny and absorbing theatre experience in The Good Son. Perhaps it could be encapsulated in the playwright’s own words about her debut work:

‘I have written a play about a very specific world that I know…I don’t see this as a Greek tragedy…this is my version of an Australian tragedy,’ says Elena Carapetis. ‘…It’s the result of being told Greek myths and learning about Ray Lawler at school. It collides everyday people with Medea if she lived in Australia in the early 21^st century… Audiences, whatever their backgrounds, will connect to the universality of the story.’

A collision between Lawler and Greek tragedy? An intriguing prospect indeed.

Lesley Reed

WHEN:

Previews: Wednesday 8 April + Thursday 9 April, 7.30pm

Opening Night: Friday 10 April 7.30pm

Season: 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 April, 7.30pm

Matinee: Saturday 18 April, 2.00pm (Includes post-show Q&A – meet the cast and creative team).

WHERE: The Bakehouse Theatre,255 Angas Street, Adelaide.

BOOKINGS: http://www.bakehousetheatre.com/

TICKETS: $30 adult, $25 concession (Conc. prices include Equity members), $20 TREV/under 30.

Photographer: Olivia Zanchetta