New black comedy being premiered at Bats

Media Release

11th February 2009

Scarfies meets late night Tarantino in a bold new black comedy being premiered at Bats during the Fringe 09 Festival.

With a title like Once Upon a Time in Aro Valley, the play being staged at 9.30pm from February 20th-24th may sound like a fairy tale but with its mix of dark humour, snappy dialogue and the occasional dismembered body, is not for the faint of heart.

Bats theatre programme manager Steph Walker said, with its “authentic masculine themes,” it is a show for blokes as well as females.

Written originally by NZ School of Film and Television graduate Tza Drake for filming, it has been re-worked for the stage to provide a script performed by actors Jack Pierce, Stefan Alderson and Barbara Woods, which is wrought with moral complexity and flexibility.

It centres around friends Dennis and Gene. Dennis finds himself in an awkward situation. His girlfriend is dead, it’s kind of his fault, and he doesn’t know what to do. Like many blokes in a spot, he calls his best mate Gene, who is horrified to discover Liz’s body in the bathtub.

The limits of friendship are tested, weaknesses are exposed, truths are sought and a bloody outcome seems to be the only conclusion.

Walker said the on-stage splatter-fest will have audiences squirming in their seats one minute, but in fits of laughter the next.

Drake, who is also directing the play, said he wanted to bring some filmic aspects to the production and show life’s more brutal side leavened with humour while also asking the awkward questions.

“Is it okay to laugh at death and misfortune?”

Once Upon A Time In Aro Valley debuts at Bats Theatre during the Fringe 09 Festival, 20th – 24th Feb at 9.30pm. Tickets cost $15 and $12. Bookings can be made at Bats Theatre (04) 8024175 or book@bats.co.nz.

Footage of the crime is available to preview online at www.criminalproductions.co.nz/onceuponatimeinarovalley/

ENDS

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