WOYZECK

BRISBANE FESTIVAL – Under the Radar 2011

Hot from a sell out season at Belvoir St Downstairs Theatre Sydney, Woyzeck bursts onto the Brisbane scene in whirl of humour, music, dance and a wild, visceral aesthetic. As a part of Brisbane Powerhouse experimental programme Under the Radar, The Yashchin Ensemble will play at the Sue Benner Theatre, Metro Arts, from 12 – 16 September.

You certainly won’t be bored by this Woyzeck… The Sydney Morning Herald

Director Netta Yashchin, previously a member of Israel’s Itim Ensemble and founder of the Yashchin Ensemble in Adelaide, beautifully stitches together the hallucinatory moments of Büchner’s famous unfinished play:

Poor and desperately trying to provide for his wife and young child, Woyzeck agrees to take part in a military medical trial to top up his measly soldier’s pay. Subjected to bizarre medical experiments, the oppressive regime of the military and finally the infidelity of his wife Marie, what sane action is left for Woyzeck to take?

The play’s personal passion, military control and wavering insanity is translated by Yashchin and her large ensemble into a striking episode of visual storytelling, haunting sound and atmospheric lighting – a sensory cornucopia littered with pop culture hooks and humour. Yashchin’s work with one of Israel’s most innovative theatre companies (Itim Ensemble) positions her perfectly to inject her explorative and highly physical method of creation into the Australian theatre scene through Woyzeck.

A chilling, at times rather bizarre, extremely relevant and thought provoking production Arts Hub

Woyzeck is the result of the collision of Yashchin’s grandiose vision and an inspired collaboration by designer David Fleischer, sound designer and musical director Tom Hogan and lighting designer Ross Graham; supported by Arts Radar the ensemble cast includes Michael Pigott, Kat Henry, Anthony Hunt and Fayssal Bazzi, work together to realise the bold world of Yashchin’s Woyzeck with an energy and physicality that is not easily forgotten.

“War is present around the world. It’s pain is a sight I am very familiar with”, said Yashchin, “I use these images to challenge the audience to use imagination to reflect. This show is a force from my gut – non-linear, highly visual, liberating. You can make up your own mind about Woyzeck’s journey, and your own journey in this world.”

This production sits beautifully within a Brisbane Festival’s adventurous Under the Radar season, which celebrates the best independent work from around Australia. It is young, fresh and impressive retelling of the iconic 19th century masterpiece, revamped as an exciting new Australian work.

Under the Radar invites Brisbane audiences to discover the work of an impressive line-up of progressive artists throughout Brisbane Festival from 3 – 24 September 2011.

Brisbane Festival Artistic Director Noel Staunton said Under the Radar provides a platform for artists to take a risk and experiment with art form, while supported within Brisbane Festival.

“I urge the people of Brisbane to get out there and try something new, buy a ticket and see where it takes you,” Mr Staunton said.

WOYZECK

WRITTEN BY
Georg Buchner

DIRECTED BY
Netta Yaschin

DESIGNER
David Fleischer

LIGHTING DESIGNER
Ross Graham

MUSICAL DIRECTOR & SOUND DESIGN
Tom Hogan

WITH
Fayssal Bazzi
Martin Harper
Kat Henry
Anthony Hunt
Jessica Joseph-McDermott
Rebecca Johnston
Rory Nagle-Runciman
Michael Pigott
Tami Sussman
Dorje Swallow
Rachel Weiner

BRISBANE FESTIVAL – Under the Radar
Sue Benner Theatre, Metro Arts

SEASON
12-16th SEPTEMBER

PERFORMANCE TIMES

Monday        12 7:00pm
Tuesday       13 7:30pm
Thursday     15 1:00pm
Thursday     15 7:30pm
Friday          16 6:00pm

PRODUCTION PARTNERS