Despite the amount of mischief the Gearstick team engineered while they were developing their craft at CSU, the University has invited them to return to work with students in the BA(Acting for Screen and Stage) and the BA(Design for Theatre and Television) courses.
Charles Sturt University recently engaged Gearstick Theatre to direct Attempts on Her Life by British Playwright, Martin Crimp, as a project for third year Acting and Design students. Attempts on Her Life is a timely, moving, funny and deeply sexy piece of theatre that will be a must see in Wagga's theatre calendar.
The Gearstick gang is looking forward to getting back to their old alma mater to work on the project. Though is seems as if we have never really have left. The University staff and administration has been very supportive of the company right from the very beginning with our first production, David Allen's Cheapside being staged in the Riverina Playhouse way back in 2003 and continuing through to our recent production, (with many favours along the way) of Closer by Patrick Marber, also staged at the Playhouse.
This new project will span the first session of study at CSU with the team working with the students for six weeks on exploring the text, style, form and the space; before knuckling down to the production and rehearsal process culminating in public performances in June.
We're not sure what we will come up with, but hey that's the point. It is a great script and that's the beginning of the recipe. Take some great words, add a gaggle of creative minds. Season liberally, with a willingness to take some risks and have some fun. Shake vigorously, being careful not to bruise the gin. Did I forget to mention the pub? And hey presto, a great night at the theatre for audience and the creative team alike.
