Mockingbird Theatre: The Learning Curve

Chris Baldock was doing nicely, building his reputation as a director, winning awards, working with both new and seasoned actors. Yet there was a dream he hadn’t fulfilled, until last year that is. When Chris started his Melbourne-based Mockingbird Theatre Company in 2012 (with a revamped production of his award winning The Laramie Project), he embarked upon the most exhilarating but also stressful phase of his theatrical life. Despite the success of the first production, and an exciting and innovative production of Blue/Orange earlier this year, there were times when this exciting new company was struggling. But Chris, as Artistic Director, and his key ensemble never gave up believing that there was room for another cutting edge theatre company which was committed to presenting the very best plays to committed theatre-goers. Now, with its third production, the Pulitzer Prize winning How I Learned to Drive by Paula Vogel opening this Friday (May 3, 2013), Chris is hoping that Mockingbird will make an indelible stamp on our theatrical landscape. Despite having an issue of familial sexual abuse at its core, it’s humorous and touching.

"This is a beautiful play on many levels even though the subject matter is quite distressing and, very sadly, a reality of life for many," says Chris Baldock. "I feel it’s an important work and a story that should be told. Strangely, and perhaps incomprehensibly for some, Li'l Bit does come out of the darkness a better person, a person who is able to find forgiveness in her heart. In her adult life, she questions the demons that affected Uncle Peck's behaviour. So she doesn't assign blame - she seeks to uncover cause and therein lies her salvation. The strength of the play lies here as well - it is a very human story, harrowing yes, but inherently human."

Chris is baffled why some of the very best plays of the past twenty five years aren’t seen at all within state theatre companies or in main stage productions – and so that’s his commitment for Mockingbird. And part of the company’s mission statement is their pursuit of excellence, but even that commitment is part of the learning curve for Chris and the company…. How to find plays that will excite the company and the audience, and put bums on seats.

With a cast including company alumni Sarah Reuben and Scott Middleton, alongside Jason Cavanagh, Juliet Hindmarsh and Andrea McCannon, this promises to be cutting edge theatre. It’s been a labour of love for Chris who says, “Getting this versatile and extremely talented cast together has been such a joy. As well as the commitment and passion they bring to the piece they have embraced my vision and intent for the play and have worked hard with me and each other to ensure we honour the brilliant script. And to top it off, they are all such great people offstage. A director couldn't ask for more!”

Don’t leave it till the last minute as tickets are selling fast. I’m guessing this is one production none of us should miss.

Coral Drouyn

How I Learned to Drive opens on Friday May 3^rd at Brunswick Mechanics Institute Performing Arts Centre, Cnr Glenlyon and Sydney Roads, Brunswick, VIC.

Link for more details