Gearstick Theatre In Association With

The Riverina Theatre Company

Presents

The Chosen Vessel

by Barbara Baynton
Directed by Kevin Poynter

Commissioned for the Williamstown Literary Festival, where it recently premiered, The Chosen Vessel is a spoken word piece celebrating the literary works of Barbara Baynton. A short story writer from the 1890's, Baynton is one of the more interesting writers of the time - not sharing the characteristic patriotism and romanticism of the bush of her contemporaries. Her stories show a harsh world, expressed in a unique voice.

Using the stories from her Bush Studies Collection, The Chosen Vessel presents Baynton's stories conveyed in an unexpected context- channelled almost as a vision through to a modern couple trapped in a place of retribution. As this couple explore their own relationship, through the retelling of these stories, we see an insight in to Baynton's view of early Australian Life; one that shows the bleak reality of life in the bush and exposes the dark side of human nature.

Keeping in line with their reputation for "innovative and exciting works", Gearstick will present this piece focusing on strong design elements, characterisation and storytelling. Diverging from a strict 1890's period feel to a more abstract and contemporary setting, Gearstick's The Chosen Vessel illustrates the parallels of Australian Life - then and now.

Cast

Craig Higgs
Hayley Roberts

Crew

Alexandra Juszczak - Set and Costume
Kevin Poynter - Lighting
Craig HIggs - Sound