RACNSW Media Release
Wednesday July 9, 2003
HIT REFUGEE PLAY 'PURGATORY DOWN UNDER' to OPEN AT THE OLD FITZROY
THEATRE IN SYDNEY.
The smash hit comedy 'Purgatory Down Under' by Jon Williams and Stephen
Klinder, that shines the spotlight on the many absurdities of
Australia's immigration policies, will open at The Old Fitzroy Theatre
Hotel in Woolloomooloo on Friday August 1st for a strictly limited season.
The play was recently showcased at a sold out Celebrity Playreading at
the Drama Theatre of the Opera House for World Refugee Day with a cast
that included John Howard (the actor - not the one in Canberra), Tony
Martin and Tina Bursill.
Described as a 'biting new satire about our Government's treatment of
refugees', 'Purgatory Down Under' mixes comedy, tragedy and a hint of
absurdity to uncover the plight of innocent asylum seekers trapped in the
hellish world of Australia's Mandatory Detention laws.
An 'Ubu-esque' style allegory, the play follows an asylum seeker Dante
and a group of refugees who are saved from the 'hell' of the high seas
and taken to 'Purgatory Island' for processing by the managers, Mike and
Mal.
They are put through a series of tests, often with hysterical results,
to determine whether they are indeed fit to enter into Paradise. But
just how far do you have to go to get into Paradise ?
Mark Goudkamp of the Refugee Action Coalition of NSW (RACNSW), who are
co-presenting the play, said the production of 'Purgatory Down Under'
was another key element in the campaign to stop Australia's war on refugees.
"The persecution of innocent refugees seeking refuge in our country by
the Howard/Ruddock 'Axis of Evil' seems to have no end' he said, 'and it
has again hit the front pages with the Government's illegal
transportation of legal Asylum Seekers from Vietnam to Christmas Island
in recent days."
"The performance of this fantastic play about our insane treatment of
innocent people along with the action at Ruddock's house on Saturday
July 19th will once again put the pressure on these racist policies at
another vital time in the battle for the soul of our country."
"The Old Fitzroy is also a high profile venue in Sydney's theatre scene"
he concluded, "and to be able to use that as a staging post for the
campaign during the run of the play is another way to get our message
across to the widest audience possible."
Star of 'Always Greener' and one of Australia's most respected actors
Howard who starred in the reading at the Opera House was delighted to
hear 'Purgatory Down Under' was hitting the stage so quickly even though
his hectic schedule precluded his own involvement.
"The play had a fantastic reception on the night" said Howard, "and had
the audience in stitches. I'm sure it will be a huge hit at the 'Old
Fitz'. It's a very clever take on a crucial issue which will play a
large part in determining what sort of country our children grow up in."
"The best thing about the play is it approaches this important subject
through comedy and that's often the best way to do it. When people's
defences are down and they're having a laugh you can perhaps really
change the way they look at things. And it's become even more relevant
just in the last 72 hours."
The play is co-presented by Sydney's own 'refugee friendly Theatre
Company' New Mercury Theatre, who produced the highly acclaimed
'Woomera' by Joshua Wakeley at the Old Fitz last year and are currently
organising a national tour of Iranian actor, playwright and refugee
Shahin Shafaei's one man show 'Refugitive'.
A terrific cast of some of Sydney's finest young actors has quickly come
together to perform 'Purgatory Down Under.' Returning from the reading
are Hazem Shammas (Halal el Mashakel) as Dante and Craig Menaud
(Woomera, Mother Teresa is Dead) as Birsha.
Natalie Saleeba (Stingers, Secret Life of Us) will play Artemia with
Martelle Hammer (Blue Heelers) in the dual roles of Beatrice/Athaliah.
Laurence Coy (Woomera) will play Mike with one of the playwright's
himself Jon Williams (SOS) appearing as Mal.
The play is directed by Alex Broun (Woomera) who recently assisted
George Ogilvie on the Sydney Theatre Company's hit production of 'Proof'
at the Drama Theatre and assisted Wayne Harrison on the equally
successful 'Alone It Stands' which is returning for a national tour in
August. It's designed by recent NIDA Design Graduate Ellen Shields.
'Purgatory Down Under' opens on Thursday August 1st for a strictly
limited season. Cut price previews on Tuesday July 30 and Wednesday July
31st. Bookings on 9294 4296 or www.lastminute.com.au or
www.oldfitzroy.com.au
Audience goers are warned to book early as the just 15 performances are
sure to sell out.
EVENT INFO
What: Purgatory Down Under by Jon Williams and Stephen Klinder
Where: The Old Fitzroy Hotel Theatre, Cnr Dowling and Cathedral
Streets, Woolloomooloo
When: Friday August 1st to Sunday August 17th, Tues to Sat 8pm, Sun 5pm.
$15 Previews: Wednesday July 30 and Thursday July 31st.
Bookings: 9294 4296 or www.lastminute.com.au or www.oldfitzroy.com.au
Price: $18 Concession /$24 Full /$30 Beer, Laksa Show
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