Drama breaks all the rules
An irresistible and gripping play which breaks the conventional theatre rules will open Off the Leash Theatre’s 2017 season.
“Checklist for an Armed Robber”, described as a suspenseful autopsy of violence, will be performed at the Old Drouin Butter Factory from Friday, May 5 to Sunday, May 7. It will also tour to Richmond, Traralgon and Stratford.
Checklist for an Armed Robber, written by Vanessa Bates and directed by Cameron Gray, centres around two acts of terror on the same day in October 2002. A local, small-time theft and an international political crisis, both born of a similar futility and powerlessness.
The play takes the audiences on a gripping journey unravelling the passion and desperation that hurtle individuals and groups into extreme acts of violence.
As a young man rehearses his first armed robbery on a bookstore in Newcastle, on the other side of the world Chechen rebels besiege a theatre in Moscow demanding liberation. Moving back and forth between Russia and Australia, these real events give insight into acts of terror and the impact on victims.
Director Cameron Gray found the play irresistible.
“This work asks audiences to consider how we really know who is good, who is bad, what is right and what is wrong? And what happens if both sides are ‘bad’ or ‘good’,” said Gray. “What if our view of the world isn’t the correct one?”
Off The Leash Theatre is a company with an outstanding awards record and a backlist of thought-provoking and successful productions.
In 2016, Off The Leash took out both major production award categories in Gippsland for rock musical “Next To Normal” and drama “Milo’s Wake”.
Award-winning actors Todd Miller, Amy Moss, Sarah Hartnell and Kyle Wright will skilfully fill multiple roles to bring both scenarios to life with pace and energy as well as perceptive poise.
As ever, a dedicated production team generate theatre at its best – theatrical, informative and thought-provoking.
There will be three performances at the Old Drouin Butter Factory. They are Friday, May 5 at 8pm; Saturday, May 6 at 8pm; and Sunday, May 7 at 5pm.
Tickets are $30 for adults and $25 for concession.
The play will also tour to Richmond Theatrette on Saturday, April 29 at 8pm; Traralgon VRI Hall on Friday, May 12 at 8pm; and Stratford Courthouse Theatre on Saturday, May 13 at 8pm.
For bookings or further information, visit offtheleash.com.au.