Two Actors "N" A Play At The Forge

MEDIA RELEASE – The Forge at The Court Theatre

Two Actors "N" A Play At The Forge

Two actors take on a multitude of roles in Carl Nixon’s new play TWO FISH ‘N’ A SCOOP, making its world première in The Forge at The Court Theatre on October 29.

Set in a Chinese-owned fish-n-chips shop, TWO FISH ‘N’ A SCOOP follows a blossoming romance between new employee Jason (Robbie Hunt) and the owner’s daughter, Rhea (Cassie Baker). However, their love is threatened by cultural and racial divides as well as pressure from family and friends – with all the characters played by Hunt and Baker.

TWO FISH ‘N’ A SCOOP began as a short story, Fish ‘n’ Chip Shop Song (featured in a collection of the same name published in 2006). “The story really appealed to me and, after it was published and read out on Radio New Zealand National, the idea grew that it would work as a piece of theatre,” says Nixon.

While TWO FISH ‘N’ A SCOOP contains comic moments, at its heart the play examines some of the darker aspects of Kiwi culture. Nixon feels that “the theme of race, cultural integration and tolerance are perennial and important; the Paul Henry 'real New Zealander' affair highlights that. I believe that theatre should be dealing with important social issues.”

Director Greg Cooper agrees that Nixon’s work “offers something new for Christchurch theatre.” Cooper praises both Hunt and Baker’s ability to seamlessly adopt a plethora of characters quickly, and calls the play “a tour-de-force” for the actors.

Artistic Director Ross Gumbley believes that TWO FISH ‘N’ A SCOOP is “exactly the sort of play The Forge was created to bring to the stage – from its first reading as part of our FRESH INK series last year it was clear this was a play that challenges audiences even as it entertains.”

Cooper agrees with Gumbley’s sentiment. “We have a fantastic script, two incredible actors – simply put; this play is something quite special.”

TWO FISH ‘N’ A SCOOP plays from October 29 until November 27.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

·         Robbie Hunt is a graduate of Toi Whakaari – the New Zealand Drama School. Hunt is no stranger to playing multiple characters; he toured his self-devised solo show BLACK DREAMS (in which he portrayed an aspiring All Black, his family, friends and teammates) around the country in 2008. Hunt is also a member of The Court Jesters.

·         Cassie Baker last appeared in The Forge in ANGELS in 2009 and BAGHDAD, BABY! in 2008. Baker has recently completed a nine-month tour with Duffy Theatre (Books in Homes).

·         In preparation for their roles Baker and Hunt worked a shift at Wassup Primo Fish And Chips on Waltham Road.

·         Greg Cooper began his career with The Court Jesters and last appeared at The Forge on stage in 2009 portraying Edgar Allan Poe. He currently resides in Melbourne.

·         Carl Nixon is a Christchurch-based author and playwright whose play THE BIRTHDAY BOY is currently playing at Circa Theatre. His novel SETTLERS’ CREEK (released this year) examines Maori/Pakeha relationships.

TWO FISH ‘N’ A SCOOP                       by Carl Nixon
Directed by:                           Greg Cooper
Cast:                                       Cassie Baker and Robbie Hunt
Venue:                                    The Forge at The Court Theatre, 20 Worcester Blvd, The Arts Centre, Christchurch
Performance Dates:             Friday 29 October – Saturday 27 November 2010
Performance Times:             6:30pm Monday & Thursday; 8pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. No show Sundays.
Tickets:                                  Adults $32, Seniors $27, Tertiary Students $22, Group discount (10+) $22, 30Under-Club $15 (Mon-Wed)
Bookings:                              The Court Theatre, 20 Worcester Boulevard; 963 0870 or www.courttheatre.org.nz

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