Anhedonia

What is the nature of Doug’s deformity and why does he keep staring at Max? What is behind Max and Allysia’s bizarre obsession with Sally, Doug’s wife? What is the reason for Sally’s maniacal devotion to Doug? Why won’t he look at her? And why does she keep standing on one leg? Welcome to Anhedonia... Fractured Femur Theatre's tenth production, a dark comedy / social drama, takes its title and context from a mental health disorder known as anhedonia - the inability to experience pleasure from ordinarily pleasurable acts. Set amid a disturbingly commonplace domesticity, ANHEDONIA is a language-based, two act piece of naturalistic subversion for four players. In perverse, confronting, and often blackly humorous fashion, the play explores themes of domestic entrapment, sexual frustration, fear, infertility, and the consequences of obligation. It questions the often illogical and destructive perpetuity of entrenched relationships. An unnerving pulse underscores the drama in which two couples converge in a cycle of forced ritual that allows the truth to remain tantalisingly suppressed. Motion, air, and stillness combine to great effect in this work, bringing a subtext-laden tension suggestive of inveterate scars and secrets, and a climax as memorable as it is unpalatable. Venue: Old Council Chambers, Melbourne Trades Hall, 54 Victoria St. Carlton South Dates/Times: July, 2008 @ 8pm. 11th-12th (Fri-Sat) 17th-19th (Thurs-Sat)* 23th-26th (Wed-Sat)* *Includes matinee performances: 19th and 26th @ 4pm. Duration: 70 minutes, approx. Tickets/Bookings: $22/$17. Ph. 0425 719 052