Brace for politics – the musical
Choreographing an original musical about politics may seem an impossible task, but Whitby choreographer Nicki Bramwell-Cooke has eagerly accepted the challenge.
The actress, teacher and mother of two co-choreographed Gryphon Theatre’s new musical, Right Dishonourable, which is on until July 27.
The original production is set in the fictional country of Freedonia, where a scandal forces the Prime Minister and his Cabinet to step down, launching a media frenzy.
Bramwell-Cooke worked with Island Bay resident Melanie Heaphy to create four dances for the show, including a political function, media squabble and election scene.
‘‘It’s not often that you get to choreograph something that hasn’t been done before,’’ she said. ‘‘You don’t have to choreograph it in a particular way.’’
Right Dishonourable was written by Victoria University students Cassandra Tse and Bruno Shirley, with original words, music and politics. The show came third in this year’s Playmarket Playwrights B4 25 competition.
Tse, who also directed the show, described it as anything but honourable, as a Liberal leader, an inexperienced young Conservative and a man with a gumboot on his head compete for the role of Prime Minister of Freedonia.
"Throw in a band of squabbling fringe parties, a conniving dominatrix and the twisted sensationalism of the media, and the three-week snap election will be anything but an honourable affair."
Right Dishonourable,