Fortyfivedownstairs Announces 2013 Lineup, Gypsy Passion and The Last of the Three Brothers

Theatre: Vieux Carré by Tennessee Williams
Presented by ITCH Productions
In association with Midsumma Festival
17 January - 3 February

A landmark for fortyfivedownstairs, the first production in Australia of Tennessee Williams' 'memory play' set in the boarding house in New Orleans where Williams himself stayed as a young man during the Depression.

This is a play which Williams began as a young man in the 1930s but didn't complete until more than forty years later as a fully mature writer of some of the most memorable theatre of the late 20th century.

The young writer, as narrator, remembers his artistic and sexual awakening in New Orleans in an enthralling portrait of the formative years of one of the world's greatest artists.

Director Alice Bishop visited New Orleans as part of her research for the play and as she is not only a theatre director but also a blues musician she was struck by the city's sounds. As a result, the production draws heavily on the rich musical traditions of New Orleans jazz and blues.

A cast of ten, plus two musicians, bring to life the inhabitants of the house as they swirl up out of the writer's mind; haunted by thwarted dreams.

Dates: 17 January - 3 February
Times: Tuesday - Saturday 7.30pm, Sunday 5pm
Duration: 120min plus interval
Tickets: Full $40, Concession $35, Group 6+ $35, Preview $28
Book online or call 9662 9966

Exhibitions

Large Gallery: The Last of the Three Brothers
Park Sung Soo
23 January - 2 February

Another first for fortyfivedownstairs; an exhibition supported by the Korean Goverment by Korean artist Park Sung Soo.

These intriguing contemporary brush works reference an ancient story The Last of the Three Brothers. There are three brothers; the first is physically combative, the second is headstrong, the third, though physically weak, is mentally very wise.

The youngest does not lead; he follows his two older brothers and is often chided by them as being weak and limited. However, he who precisely understands his predicaments is ironically very strong, aware of his own imperfections where the others are self-absorbed.

Park usually begins by first setting down the hanji, which is made according to Korean paper-making traditions. Once he has organized his thoughts, he picks up his brush and gets to work. Park's brush, it should be noted, is not a tool for ornate embellishment. It is rather the philosopher's hammer or the magician's wand, an instrument of change. His works seem bold, subtle and down-to-earth all at the same time - adapted from original statement by Jin-mYoung Lee, Curator.

Coming up in February

Live Music: Gypsy Passion
Songmakers Australia
Friday 8 February

We're delighted to welcome Songmakers Australia on their first performance at fortyfivedownstairs; bringing us the passion of gypsy music which has fired the imaginations of composers, performers and audiences for hundreds of years.

Pianist Andrea Katz teams with soprano Merlyn Quaife, mezzo-soprano Sally-Anne Russell and bass-baritone Nicholas Dinopoulos in a superb program featuring songs by Dvo?ák, Brahms, De Falla, Stoltz and Busoni.

Date: Friday 8 February
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: Full $35, Concession $30
Book online or call 9662 9966

A week of celebration in poetry!

Poetry: A poetic tribute to Barry Jones by his friends and admirers on the occasion of his 80th birthday.
Thursday 12 February

Yes we know his birthday was a little while ago, but we have good reason to celebrate this politician and polymath's great contribution to Australian life and letters. Many people may not know of Barry Jones' great passion for poetry, and in this evening some of his favourite poetry will be read by a distinguished group including Race Matthews, Gareth Evans, Marieke Hardy, Peter Craven, Joan Grant and the great actor John Stanton. Also joining in is the Flinders Quartet and no doubt the chair of fortyfivedownstairs; JulIan Burnside.

Date: Thursday 12 February
Time: 7.30pm
Tickets: Full $40, Concession $35
Bookings available on our website shortly

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