Pulitizer Prize American playwright Sam Shepard's iconic drama, 'True West' is getting a run of shows in Geelong.
Over the years, many famed names have stepped into the roles of estranged brothers Austin and Lee in Sam Shepard’s dark contemporary theatre piece True West, including Peter Coyote, Ethan Hawke, Paul Dano, Gary Sinise, John Malkovich, Tommy Lee Jones, Philip Seymour Hoffman, John C. Reilly, even Bruce Willis. It’s a play that demands strong leads to convey the tension between the siblings, which ultimately leads to a stand-off.
True West is set to be tackled by a Geelong production crew, produced by Geelong theatre veteran Derek Ingles, with a daring ensemble of local Geelong actors including Calvin Langley (The Beast), Jules Hart (Lonesome West, Priscilla), Todd J Curtis (Tartuffe, Farragut North), and VDL award-winner Sue Rawkins (Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency, Wizard of Oz), who are all up for the task.
True West
- When: Friday 6 September – Saturday 14 September
- Where: The Woodbin Theatre, 15 Coronation Street Geelong West
- Tickets: From GAC: 1300 251 200, geelongartscentre.org.au
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Seizing an opportunity when a slot in Geelong Repertory’s busy play roster became available, Ingles and alongside renowned actor Jules Hart rallied the seasoned ensemble and backstage crew to pull together an eight show run of True West at Geelong West’s The Woodbin Theatre.
Showing from Friday 6 September until Saturday 14 September, the short run includes both matinee and evening performances of the staple contemporary theatre piece, set to wow local audiences as it intensely examines the male psyche with raw and powerful performances.
In this darkly witty masterpiece of contemporary theatre, Austin is an ambitious screenwriter on the verge of his first big hit. He’s taking sanctuary house-sitting for his mum at their family home in Southern California, but the quiet of the desert is shattered by the unexpected arrival of his brother, Lee – a part-time thief and full-time hustler. When Lee embroils himself in Austin’s next film project, tensions quickly flare and brutal ambition gives rise to a deadly stand-off…
Producer Derek Ingles says of the upcoming shows, “I’m so pleased to have the chance to bring this brilliant play to the Geelong stage, with such a fab cast and crew. I know Geelong audiences will love it.”
Jules Hart says, “This production of True West has been a long-time dream of mine. Our incredible team have not only made this dream a reality, but have taken it into a whole new level. I couldn’t be more thrilled to be a part of it!”
Don’t miss your chance to witness True West in Geelong West next month. Tickets are on sale now and available here.
