A Bright Room Called Day

Theatre Militia Presents

A Bright Room Called Day

By Tony Kushner
Directed by Rachel Lenart

26 APRIL – 5 MAY
BATS Theatre, 8.30pm

Bookings: 802 4175 or book@bats.co.nz

“During times of reactionary backlash, the only people sleeping soundly are the guy’s who´re giving the rest of us bad dreams“

If you happened to have a loaded gun and a clear close range view of the back of Hitler´s head, would you shoot?

Berlin 1932 - In the home of celebrated actress Agnes Eggling a delightful ensemble of comrades gather to discuss, dispute and deride the events surrounding the rise to power of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi party. But does the rhetoric of the enlightened have any effect? Should they stay and fight or leave and be free. What kind of political power do ordinary people possess?

Selfish Paulinka and selfless Annabella, Husz a one eyed Hungarian Cinematographer, Baz a ‘Homosexual Sunday anarchist,’ the enigmatic and diabolical Herr Swetts and an American ´political refugee´ from the 1980´s, this vibrant cast of characters promises to confront, confound and contradict itself in a truly rich and poignant exploration of psyche.

From the team who brought you Bouncing With Billie and Theatre Militia’s Symposium, comes the New Zealand premiere of internationally acclaimed playwright Tony Kushner’s first stage production. Kushner (Angels in America) is renowned for his uncompromising politics, compassionate humanity and potent poetics, Theatre Militia are proud to present this powerful and controversial play.

A Bright Room Called Day marks a new phase in Theatre Militia’s exploration as a company – normally known for its original and devised work this is the first time they have worked with a found text.

Director Rachel Lenart first read the play while staying in Berlin and felt it was made for Militia as it investigates a much loved Theatre Militia thematic, the responsibility of the artist to its society. Under the direction of Lenart, this show will utilise a combination of theatrical styles, from melodrama to intense naturalism, some classic German expressionism and a healthy dose of Brechtian verfremdung.

For A Bright Room Called Day, our AV team of Hamish Guthrie and Ryan McArthur, two highly experienced media designers, have developed an exciting and ambitious concept for the show to compliment Theatre Militia's interpretation of the play as an exploration of visual history. With three of the play’s characters being part of the film industry, the use of three AV screens and a live feed element highlights the importance of the medium - both to the characters themselves and as a reflection on its propagandist role in the past.

With a strong design focus and provocative performances by eight of Wellington’s best loved and finest young talent, A Bright Room Called Day promises to maintain that
Starring: Hannah Clarke, Richard Dey, Kate Fitzroy, Bex Joyce, Liz Kirkman, Felix Preval, Chris Reed and Jean Sergent

www.bats.co.nz

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