" Australia Day" - By noted Aussie satirist, Jonathan Biggins.
A witty look at just who we are? You decide!
Magda Community Artz, 80 Boundary Rd, Bardon.
Saturday 18th Feb .... BBQ: 6.15pm Performance and doors close: 7pm!
Mates Theatre Genesis* returns to Magda's with this wonderful production.
Watch this space for further details - pre-show BBQ from 6.15pm.
If you expect your live theatre to be relevant, contemporary and of the highest standard - keep your eyes on Magda's as this is the first of a number of dynamic Aussie plays we are showcasing or producing this year.
"Australia Day" sees the country town of Coriole getting ready – a time to crack open a tinnie, whack a snag on the barbie and celebrate what it means to be "strein" . Change is in the air for this true-blue country town – but the locals aren’t having any part of it.
In this delightful comedy, Australia Day, writer Jonathan Biggins takes an irreverent poke at the archetypal Australian character, producing some hilarious moments while at the same time addressing many of the social issues that dog our country. It makes for great theatre!
Coriole’s Australia Day committee is gearing up for the town’s biggest party – but they have a few issues of their own to sort out first. With everyone from the Greens, the local mayor, the CWA, and a disgruntled builder wanting a piece of the party pie, it’s proving hard yakka to work out what an Aussie celebration should look like. Nothing is sacred as the national identity is put through the wringer in this thoroughly modern ripper of a comedy!
On the coldest July night for 16 years the committee is gathering in the Scout Hall to discuss Coriole’s Australia Day celebrations ......
The SMH: " .... Biggins is an astute observer of character, and his script is snappier than a cranky crocodile.
It's full of up to date gags and finger on the pulse problems: there's consternation about a Bunnings development application; agony over what type of sausages might best reflect multicultural Australia; and riffs on political party dynamics.
And there is that racism, along with other hot button topics such as disabilities, environmentalism and corruption. In many ways, the play is about self-censorship – whether it's OK to think those (?bad?) thoughts as long as you don't say them, and at what point do you stop biting your own tongue and call someone out.
Ultimately nobody's right: Wally may be a reprehensible dinosaur but he retains a certain decency and admirable work ethic; Helen is a do-gooder with grand plans to change the world but not immune to naked ambition; the affable Brian mixes self-interest with public good; and Chester's constant jokes proves that while humour can prevent true engagement, it's often the only way to cope.... "
Magda Community Artz, 80 Boundary Road Bardon. Bus Stop 17, Route 475 Transinfo journey planner
Assistance and queries: magdacommunityartz@gmail.com
* To date, Mates Theatre Genesis have brought us Dick Diamond's 1952 classic: "Reedy River"; "Radio Plays" scripted and produced through Drama Fest Links and Judith Prior's "Uncle Jack".