Orphans

In staging Denis Kelly’s confronting psychological thriller, Orphans, Bluefruit Theatre (SA) has delved deep into real-life stories. To ensure the complex issues at the heart of the story are fully understood, the company has collaborated with Time for Kids (a local Adelaide charity for disadvantaged youth) and with young offenders who come from similar backgrounds to the brother and sister in the play.

The cast has also met with some of Adelaide’s leading psychiatrists and psychologists who have given the team some fascinating insights into the personality profiles and behaviours of people such as the characters in Orphans.

The resulting production embodies a chilling reality that will produce lasting resonance with audiences and which promises to move and challenge them much more than might occur in an average night at the theatre.

Orphans begins with a nightmarish scenario. The peaceful urban life of Danny and his pregnant wife, Helen, is thrown into turmoil and fear when Helen’s brother arrives covered in someone else’s blood. From this moment on, the intense action builds in almost cinematic fashion.

Issues of violent crime, racism and stranger danger are examined, together with the nature of fear, particularly when the perceived threat is vague and undefined. The strength of blood ties and the desperate need we all have to feel safe in a family unit are also explored, along with the depths to which decent people will resort under pressure.

The professional ensemble cast includes Anna Cheney as Helen and Charles Mayer as Helen’s husband, Danny. Sam Calleja is Helen’s brother, Liam. Helen and Danny’s 6-year-old son is played by two talented boys, Alexander Benson and Albert Coussens.

Shona Benson, founder of Bluefruit Theatre, has the intensive task of directing, producing and designing the show, but is ably supported by Alexander Ramsay (lighting) and Sean Ormsby (sound). The original music score is by Elder Conservatorium PhD, Callie Wood.

Says Benson of the playwright, “Dennis Kelly is an astonishingly perceptive and observant writer. He once said, ‘A play should be sort of like a person, you know, funny and kind but also capable of incredible cruelty.’ … He’s spot on.”

Audiences will be challenged from the moment they enter Bakehouse Theatre’s foyer, when they are confronted by an art and poetry exhibition created by young offenders; a moving insight into the hearts and minds of these young people.

Orphans won a series of awards when it was first staged in the 2009 Edinburgh Fringe. Following the in-depth treatment it has received from Bluefruit Theatre, the play seems set to grip Adelaide too.

Lesley Reed    

Bookings: www.bluefruittheatre.com or www.bakehousetheatre.com

Venue: Bakehouse Theatre, Adelaide.

Dates:  Preview- 7^th November, 7.30 pm.

VIP Blue Carpet Charity event- 8^th November, 7.30 pm.

Main season - 9^th, 13^th-16^th, 20^th-23^rd November, 7.30 pm.

12^th, 19^th November, 6.30 pm.      

9^th, 16^th, 23^rd November, 2.30 pm.

Tickets: Adult $35, Concession $30, Student $20, Preview $20, Charity Event $65.