Transformations 2009

True theatre revels in the drama of life: the light and the dark, the common and the curious, the carefree and the dispirited. In 2009 Perth Theatre Company shines a light on the extremes of human emotion in a season of exciting theatre devoted to local and national audiences. Perth Theatre Company is delighted to announce the 2009 Transformations season, with a collection of engaging, adventurous and energetic theatre, including a southern hemisphere exclusive, one Australian premiere, four West Australian premieres and a national tour. In association with His Majesty’s Theatre, Perth Theatre Company is thrilled to announce Equus – an Australian exclusive. A Tony and New York Drama Desk award‐winning contemporary classic, Equus is the powerful and provocative story of a stable boy and his psychiatrist who seek to understand the sexual and religious mystery that leads to a climactic and unbelievable event. Sir Peter Shaffer’s seminal work is presented in Perth in startling new light for the first time in decades. Equus rocked the conservative majority when it stampeded the London stage in 1973, prompting outrage and awe in equal measure. Today it remains as potent, confronting and astounding as ever. Revived in 2007 and starring Daniel Radcliffe and Richard Griffiths (Harry Potter), Equus has not been professionally produced outside London’s West End and New York’s Broadway theatre districts for nearly 30 years. Award‐winning local director Melissa Cantwell’s startling new production of this groundbreaking play promises to be as relevant and shocking as it was when it was performed in 1973. A not‐to‐be missed event, an intimate drama of epic proportions, Equus uncovers our darkest secrets and deepest desires as Shaffer weaves a masterful thread through humanity, a thread that binds us all and draws us closer to the truth of who and what we really are. A psychiatrist transformed by his patient, a boy is transformed by his passion and the waking world is transformed by our dreams. Directed by Melissa Cantwell, starring the extraordinarily talented Khan Chittenden (Clubland, West, All Saints, Packed to the Rafters), Equus will feature choreography from Queensland’s Gavin Webber (Dance North, Underground) and live percussion from Perth’s musicians, led by Kingsley Reeve. His Majesty’s Theatre, 15 – 26 September Marking the opening production for 2009 is The Matchmaker by John B. Keane, one of Ireland’s most popular playwrights. An Australian premiere, The Matchmaker follows the efforts of country matchmaker Dicky Mick Dicky O’Connor, who will do nearly everything in his power to see that everyone their heart’s desire of a perfect match. Directed by Michael McCall and featuring Nicola Bartlett and Ingle Knight.