Hoy Polloy

Time Out > 2011: A year in Melbourne theatre

2012-01-07T09:06:00.000+11:00

Time Out's article "2011: A year in Melbourne theatre" by Andrew Fuhrmann mentions Hoy Polloy's production of Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching towards the Somme by Frank McGuinness directed by Steven Dawson.

Wayne Pearn directs Fallen Tree by Christine Croyden

2012-01-05T12:36:00.001+11:00

Hoy Polloy artistic director Wayne Pearn is directing the premiere of Fallen Tree by Christine Croyden for La Mama Theatre.

Season
15 February – 4 March 2012
6.30pm Wednesday and Sunday
7.30pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday

Venue
La Mama Theatre
205 Faraday Street, Carlton

Bookings
TryBooking
03 9347 6142

Wayne Pearn directs October by Ian Wilding

2011-11-07T14:02:00.001+11:00

Hoy Polloy artistic director Wayne Pearn is directing October by Ian Wilding for Act-O-Matic 3000.

Season:
10 – 26 November 2011 at 8pm
No show on Sunday and Monday.

Venue:
Mechanics Institute Performing Arts Centre
Corner Sydney and Glenlyon Roads, Brunswick

Bookings:
TryBooking
03 9015 7530

Additional Performances > Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching towards the Somme

2011-08-10T19:42:00.001+10:00

Following the recent sold out season, Hoy Polloy is excited to announce the following additional performances for Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching towards the Somme by Frank McGuinness and directed by Steven Dawson:

Additional performances
8pm Thursday, 18 August 2011
8pm Friday, 19 August 2011
3pm Saturday, 20 August 2011

Venue
Mechanics Institute Performing Arts Centre
corner of Sydney and Glenlyon Roads, Brunswick

Tickets
$30 Full
$24 Concession and Groups 10+

Bookings TryBooking
Enquiries 9005 6734
Capacity 45 (general admission in the round)
Running time approximately 120 minutes including interval

Online Reviews > Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching towards the Somme

2011-08-03T11:35:00.006+10:00

Please click on the links below for the online reviews of Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching towards the Somme:
The Age and Behind The Critical Curtain > Cameron Woodhead
Theatre Notes > Alison Croggon
Time Out and Primitive Surveys > Andrew Fuhrmann
Theatre People > Emma Kathryn
Theatre Press > Anastasia Russell-Head
Australian Stage > Dione Joseph
Arts Hub > Nicole Eckersley
Herald Sun > Kate Herbert

Publicity Pics > Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching towards the Somme

2011-07-18T22:26:00.000+10:00

Please find below our publicity pics for Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching towards the Somme available for publication. Click on the image to access the high resolution picture.

Credit: Fred Kroh

Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching towards the Somme

2011-06-27T13:04:00.019+10:00

Hoy Polloy presents

Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching towards the Somme
written by Frank McGuinness
directed by Steven Dawson

Venue
Mechanics Institute Performing Arts Centre
corner of Sydney and Glenlyon Roads, Brunswick

Preview Wednesday, 27 July 2011 at 8pm

Season Thursday, 28 July – Saturday, 13 August 2011
8pm Tuesday – Saturday
(No performances on Sunday and Monday)

Tickets
$30 Full
$24 Concession and Groups 10+
$20 Preview and Tuesday performances

Bookings TryBooking
Enquiries 9005 6734
Capacity 45 (general admission in the round)
Running time approximately 120 minutes including interval

Featuring
Nicholas Brien > David Craig
Angus Brown > John Millen
Karl Cottee > Nat McIllwaine
Kevin Dee > George Anderson
Mathew Gelsumini > Martin Crawford
Tosh Greenslade > William Moore
David Passmore > Christopher Roulston
Ian Rooney > Kenneth Pyper (elder)
Dan Walls > Kenneth Pyper

Wayne Pearn directs John Osborne's Look Back In Anger

2011-05-02T15:49:00.001+10:00

Hoy Polloy artistic director Wayne Pearn is directing John Osborne's Look Back In Anger with newly created independent theatre company The Millinery.

Season:
Wednesday, 4 May – Saturday, 14 May 2011
8.00pm Tuesday – Friday
2.00pm & 8.00pm Saturday
5.00pm Sunday

Venue:
Studio 1 – Northcote Town Hall
189 High Street, Northcote

Bookings:
www.northcotetownhall.com.au
03 9481 9500

Herald Sun > Fringe art is a cut above

2011-01-05T09:43:00.001+11:00

Visit Herald Sun for Chris Boyd's article "Fringe art is a cut above" about arts funding in Victoria.

Plus more at Chris' blog The Morning After: Performing Arts in Australia.

The Age > It's been a golden year on the stage

2011-01-05T09:40:00.000+11:00

Visit The Age for Cameron Woodhead's article "It's been a golden year on the stage" – a summary of theatre in 2010.

The Age > Vibrant indie scene ushers in next generation

2011-01-05T09:38:00.000+11:00

Visit The Age for Robin Usher's article "Vibrant indie scene ushers in next generation" about independent theatre.

Radio 3CR > Gongs: Curtain Calls 2010

2010-12-13T11:04:00.000+11:00

Radio 3CR Curtain Gongs: Curtain Calls were awarded to shows, performances and technical that made an impact with the Curtain Up review team in 2010.

Hoy Polloy received the following Radio 3CR Curtain Up Gongs: Curtain Calls 2010 for:

Dying City
written by Christopher Shinn
directed by Matt Scholten
featuring Zoe Ellerton-Ashley and Brad Williams

Detailed direction by Matt Scholten of a rather bleak play about a young war widow whose husband has died in Iraq. Excellent performances by Zoe Ellerton-Ashley and Brad Williams in the roles of the twin brothers, the military Craig and the gay actor Peter.

Electronic City
written by Falk Ritcher
translated by Daniel Brunet
directed by Wayne Pearn
featuring Dan Walls, Sarah Ogden, Nick Darling, Liza Dennis, Ngaire Dawn Fair, Elizabeth McColl, Luke Mulquiney and Daniel Rice

This unsettling yet clever work, directed by Wayne Pearn for Hoy Polloy Theatre, revealed all too clearly our dependency on and entrapment in the geekish modernity of the 21st century – special mention to lead actors Dan Walls and Sarah Ogden.

The Australian > Now for something different

2010-12-07T22:58:00.001+11:00

Visit The Australian for Alison Croggon's article "Now for something different" about independent theatre in Australia.

Online Reviews > Electronic City

2010-11-15T12:25:00.006+11:00

Please click on the links below for the online reviews of Electronic City:
Crikey > Andrew Fuhrmann
The Age and Behind The Critical Curtain > Cameron Woodhead
Theatre Notes > Alison Croggon
Arts Hub > Paul Knox
Capital Idea > John Bailey
Theatre People > Kathryn White

3CR Review > Electronic City

2010-11-15T09:08:00.000+11:00

Reviewed by Carolyn Gunn on Friday, 12.11.10 for 3CR’s “Curtain Up” Sundays at 1.00pm on 855AM.

Whilst German playwright and director Falk Richter is unknown to me, research indicates that he is a very innovative and politically engaged young writer and an academic who studied Philosophy, Theatre and Linguistics, hardly a surprise when the staged work was viewed. The core of this work came across to me as power and control – what is it, who has it and who doesn’t.

We see two different people who meet by accident – they are in a global city where personal existence and identity have shrunk due to the power of technology, commerce and the control these modern factors have over everyone and our helplessness in combating it - after all, we humans are now only numbers and passwords in and dependent on an impersonal global system.

Whilst I found it a hard call at times, the playwright is accurately confronting these controls, perhaps in a more intellectual way than most of us ordinary, everyday people express our frustrations. We are all trapped in a world of computerisation and electronics - the internet, mobile phones, trying to make a phone call to a corporation (all by numbers, press 1, press 2), then on a more basic and local level, let’s throw in our total lack of power with banks, utility companies and myki… and how often do we go to a bank to draw out money only to be told that the computers are down ... and so it goes.

Tom is a consultant, flying around the world and being totally dependent on technology starts to lose his grip on life – he is confused and disorientated. His lover Joy is less sophisticated, currently working at an airport in an isolated world of selling pre-packed sandwiches to businessmen in a hurry. Then, when she is alone in the store her automatic scanner breaks down and the system collapses – there is no help and her only outside contact within her own little employment ghetto is via her mobile phone….one thing leads to another, disaster starts ‘chipping’ away and the ‘electronic city’ starts to break down.

I am reminded of a personal trip to Indonesia some years ago when sitting next to an engineer who was flying to an outlying island, we talked about the advances of computerisation re his business there – he told me then that they still often had to fall back on the old ‘set square and compass’ principles when electronics failed; also, how often at home during an electricity failure are we rendered helpless and have to revert to the usages of that 18th century essential, the humble candle.
Tom (Dan Walls) and Joy (Sarah Ogden) tell their stories and we see their panic and disintegration as the play unfolds with their dread and terror (interspersed with some comedy) being hyped up by an ever present type of ‘Greek Chorus’ – this clever ensemble constantly interjecting, confusing Tom and Joy and winding them up.

The work is played out on an open stage with lighting being the only technical support and the ensemble acting more interestingly geared to the approaches of straight revue with it’s movement, vocal styles, timing and placement – a theatrical approach I always enjoy although a little relief in the black costuming and surrounds could have created more contrast and surprise.

This unsettling yet clever work, directed by Wayne Pearn for Hoy Polloy Theatre, reveals all too clearly our dependency on and entrapment in the geekish modernity of the 21st century by controlling, powerful, manipulative and profiteering commercialism...
Hoy Polloy’s production of “Electronic City” plays at the Mechanics Institute for Performing Arts, cnr Sydney & Glenlyon Roads – Tram Route 19 (from the City), Stop 21 until 27th November – Bookings 9016 3873 or hoypolloy@bigpond.com

Recommended for those who like their theatre to have a bit of a challenge ... running time about 75 minutes.

Christina Costigan comments on Electronic CIty

2010-11-12T14:06:00.001+11:00

Comments about Electronic City from Christina Costigan on her blog: CC in LA.

Last night I saw Electronic City, the new show by local theatre group Hoy Polloy. It was preview night, and I'm so glad I happened to be in town to catch it. Directed by Wayne Pearn (with assistance from Bridgette Burton), the show is in very good shape. It's a challengin...g piece for actors, with a lot of chorus work creating vocal soundscapes of frenetic, madness-inducing chatter, robotic instructions, alarms and electronic white noise. The effect is quite thrilling, even as it spins your head around and reminds you what you hate about travelling, and how paranoidly (is that a word?) reliant we are on electronic devices such as phones and computers, and the panic that can set in if we forget the charger, can't get online, or find ourselves in an interminable line at airport security.

The show officially opens tonight. If you're in Melbourne, check it out.

Production Pics > Electronic City

2010-11-12T11:34:00.000+11:00

Please find below our production pics for Electronic City available for publication. Click on the image to access the high resolution picture.

Credit: Fred Kroh

Caption: Elizabeth McColl (Chorus), Luke Mulquiney (Chorus), Liza Dennis (Chorus), Dan Walls (Tom), Nick Darling (Chorus), Ngaire Dawn Fair (Chorus) and Daniel Rice (Chorus).

Caption: Dan Walls (Tom).

Caption: Sarah Ogden (Joy).

Caption: Daniel Rice (Chorus), Elizabeth McColl (Chorus), Nick Darling (Chorus), Ngaire Dawn Fair (Chorus), Dan Walls (Tom), Luke Mulquiney (Chorus) and Liza Dennis (Chorus). Caption: Luke Mulquiney (Chorus), Liza Dennis (Chorus), Ngaire Dawn Fair (Chorus), Nick Darling (Chorus), Daniel Rice (Chorus), Sarah Ogden (Joy) and Elizabeth McColl (Chorus).

Caption: Elizabeth McColl (Chorus), Liza Dennis (Chorus) and Ngaire Dawn Fair (Chorus).

Caption: Dan Walls (Tom) and Sarah Ogden (Joy).

The Age: Arts > Holding a mirror to the modern world

2010-11-09T14:07:00.001+11:00

Publicity Pic > Electronic City

2010-10-04T17:08:00.000+11:00

Please find below our publicity pic for Electronic City available for publication. Click on the image to access the high resolution picture.

Credit: Fred Kroh
Caption: Sarah Ogden (Joy) and Dan Walls (Tom)

Cast Announcement > Electronic City

2010-09-24T11:42:00.001+10:00

We are pleased to announce the cast of Electronic City written by Falk Richter and translated by Daniel Brunet:

Tom > Dan Walls
Joy > Sarah Ogden
Chorus > Nick Darling
Chorus > Liza Dennis
Chorus > Ngaire Dawn Fair
Chorus > Liz McColl
Chorus > Luke Mulquiney
Chorus > Daniel Rice

Poster > Electronic City

2010-09-23T14:47:00.004+10:00

Please find attached our poster artwork for Electronic City commissioned by Matthew Windebank at Millimetre.

Goethe-Institut Australien > BERLIN DAYZ

2010-09-10T13:25:00.012+10:00

Hoy Polloy's production of Electronic City written by Falk Richter, translated by Daniel Brunet and directed by Wayne Pearn is part of the Goethe-Institut Australien 2010 German-Australian Arts Festival: BERLIN DAYZ.

From high classic culture to pop and rock, from the stalls and balconies of concert halls to hazy bars – BERLIN DAYZ offers many delights and opportunities to sample the best of what the Berlin and Australian arts scenes have to offer.

Click on the link for details about:
- BERLIN DAYZ
- BERLIN DAYZ > Electronic City

Play Reading > Rhonda Is In Therapy

2010-08-26T11:01:00.002+10:00

As part of the RE Ross Trust and State Library of Victoria's Flashpoint series, Bridgette Burton's play Rhonda Is In Therapy will have a rehearsed reading at fortyfivedownstairs directed by Wayne Pearn and featuring Jamie Caldwell, Louise Crawford, Ben Grant and Kelly Nash.

In 2009, Bridgette was the recipient of RE Ross Trust Playwrights’ Script Development Award for Rhonda Is In Therapy.

Rhonda Is In Therapy deals with the overpowering grief of a mother after the death of her child. In order to survive the death of her beloved son, Rhonda Stoldt self-medicates by creating a therapist to talk to; this delusion shapes her daily life with her husband, surviving child and lover. Rhonda’s inability to deal with her loss has so changed her own emotional and intellectual landscape that she cannot determine what is real and what is imagined.

Date: Friday, 3 September 2010
Time: 7.30pm
Admission: free entry
Bookings: 03 9662 9966

Further details:
fortyfivedownstairs
Facebook

Australian Premiere (translation) > Electronic City

2010-08-22T11:11:00.007+10:00

Theatre > Australian Premiere (translation)
Presented in partnership with the Goethe-Institut Australia
as part of Berlin Dayz

Electronic City
written by Falk Richter
translated by Daniel Brunet
directed by Wayne Pearn

Globalisation, communication, digitalisation, standardisation, disorientation ... disintegration.

Electronic City is a burgeoning, all encompassing, uber techno metropolis where flexibility and resilience is paramount for success and survival.

BER: Berlin, MEL: Melbourne, TPE: Taipei, JFK: New York, FCO: Rome, MAD: Madrid – Tom hasn’t any idea what city he is in ... he’s moving so fast he’s going nowhere.

Tom's great love, Joy, is working the check out at the ‘ready to eat’ store in an airport – she dreams of George Clooney and longs for Tom ... her life is being filmed in a reality documentary soap.

Joy's infrared scanner has broken down as the queue of impatient corporates grows larger ... the system has crumpled.

The global conveyor belt has ceased – this is Electronic City.

“A fairy tale for media times”
Fischerverlage – Theater & Medien

“... a panic-stricken farce from the inner mental world of contemporary busyness ...”
Theaterheute

Preview: Thursday, 11 November 2010
Season: 12 – 27 November 2010
8.15pm Tuesday – Saturday
5.00pm Sunday

Venue:
MIPAC, Brunswick
corner Sydney & Glenlyon Roads

Tickets:
$30 Adult
$20 Concession / Groups 10+
$18 Tuesdays
$15 Preview

Bookings:
03 9016 3873
hoypolloy@bigpond.com

Superfluities Redux > Christopher Shinn, Down Under

2010-08-16T09:33:00.001+10:00

Please visit George Hunka small piece, "Christopher Shinn, Down Under" on Superfluities Redux.

Special Presentation > M. by Josh Croggon

2010-08-11T16:30:00.010+10:00

Hoy Polloy presents a special reading of

M.
Written by Josh Croggon

A play reading directed by Matt Scholten

Featuring Zoe Ellerton-Ashley and Brad Williams

Sunday, 15 August 2010 at 7.00pm

Following the presentation of our current production of Dying City by Christopher Shinn.

Venue:
MIPAC, Brunswick
corner Sydney & Glenlyon Roads
Tram Route 19 – Stop 19

Gold Coin Donation - proceeds go to:
Derby Street Children's Centre, Pascoe Vale

Online Reviews > Dying City

2010-08-11T16:25:00.006+10:00

Please click on the links below for the reviews of Dying City:
Theatre Notes > Alison Croggon
The Age > Cameron Woodhead
Crikey & Neandellus > Andrew Fuhrmann
Trip The Light Fantastick > David Maney
Aussie Theatre > Kathryn Goldie
The Morning After: Performing arts in Australia > Catherine de Saint Phalle (guest post)

3CR Review > Dying City

2010-08-11T16:22:00.000+10:00

Reviewed by Carolyn Gunn on Friday, 06.08.10 for 3CR’s “Curtain Up” Sundays at 1.00pm on 855AM.

The Director’s Prog notes describe this play thus: ”Christopher Shinn’s moving and highly personal play is an intimate story of loss and identity buffeted by monstrous world events. The play examines the lives of three people, linked by love, family, war and politics” and upon viewing this work it is all that and more.

Kat Chan’s clever set design (within black tabs) uses dozens of cardboard boxes at different heights/levels – one views them firstly as room divisions but as the play moves on we interpret them as storage for a war widow intending to move on, I also saw it as the irony of ‘closure in a box’. Other physical components, i.e lighting, sound etc really compliment the production.

The young war widow is Kelly whose husband Craig has died in Iraq – she is quiet and withdrawn in her grief and is reserved in her response to a visit from Craig’s gay twin brother Peter who visits after a 12 mths absence following the funeral; she is physically and personally drab and is, of all things, a therapist by profession but privately is not coping. Brother-in-law Peter is an actor of middling success, his latest relationship has broken up, so as the play starts we meet two very broken people, obviously emotionally stressed but….. is there more to the psychological and emotional damage than we first perceive? Also throughout the play I felt ‘denial’ was an underlying factor.

The play switches from the present with Peter and Kelly to flashbacks of Kelly and Craig’s marriage before he went for his final tour of duty in Iraq – but the marriage is not without difficulties, many of them seeming to come from Craig’s military involvement and what the army has turned him into. Whilst not key points in the play, there are references to Peter and Craig’s father being a Vietnam veteran (here I recall the Mi Lai massacre and subsequent charges against some of the U.S. military), then there’s the 9/11 destruction of the Twin Towers in New York and more recently a comment by the U.S. commander of Abu Ghraib who estimated later that 90% of detainees in the prison were innocent.

So throughout the grief and drama of the three characters in this play, war in general does make its point and particularly the lasting (and often hidden) impact it has on so many of its participants.

In departing for Iraq, Craig left Kelly on a stormy and emotional note, chilling in his feelings and explanations and of his personal and ambitious views for his future….and her hopes for a family life and children disintegrate – so beneath her natural and expected grief there are many issues that one doubts that she will ever deal with. Twin brother Peter gets by theatrically up to a point and resorts constantly to copies of the emotional and disturbing emails he received from Craig…..reading them again and again.

Now to the two actors – Firstly Zoe Ellerton-Ashley as Kelly – so bleak and reserved in her responses to Peter yet surprising with strong outbursts on occasion; we see her mostly happy, young and vivacious with husband Craig until their final scene – the demanding and significant changes in mood/emotions and physical approaches were very well met.

Brad Williams in the roles of the twin brothers, the military Craig and the gay actor Peter again faced dramatic challenges – we see the gradual changes in Craig and sense in his personality something very tense simmering underneath…. As Peter there was a lighter and a necessary slight theatrical approach but one that suggested to me a naiveté in the complete understanding of all that had transpired…….and its consequences… But there again each person in life deals with tragedy so very differently……

There is much more to this 90 minute play than I can describe here – and yes it does sound like a heavy night at the theatre – BUT the show, as directed by Matt Scholten, was so interesting and absorbing both with its text and excellent performances, I can only say ‘highly recommended’ and that it’s the best piece of fringe theatre I have seen in quite a while….and in basic terms, this drama ‘will really get you in’.

HOY POLLOY’s production of–“DYING CITY” plays Tues to Sat at 8.15pm and 5pm on Sundays – season runs to 29th August………Venue is the warm and comfortable Mechanics Institute performing space, Cnr Sydney and Glenlyon Rds Brunswick. Tram Route 19 – stop 21. BKGS: 9016 3873 or hoypolloy@bigpond.com

Challenging theatre – don’t miss it…

Production Pics > Dying City

2010-08-06T13:11:00.010+10:00

Please find below our production pics for Dying City available for publication.
Click on the image to access the high resolution picture.

Credit: Tim Williamson
Caption: Zoe Ellerton-Ashley (Kelly) and Brad Williams (Peter/Craig)

Melbourne Times > War on terror, without and within

2010-08-04T14:59:00.003+10:00

Australian Stage > Feature: Christopher Shinn

2010-08-03T13:04:00.003+10:00

Please visit Australian Stage for Simon Piening's feature on playwright Christopher Shinn.

The Age > Walking wounded

2010-08-02T07:54:00.004+10:00

Visit The Age for Robin Usher's article "Walking wounded" about Dying City by Christopher Shinn, which opens next week.

Picture: Roger Cummins

Publicity Pic > Dying City

2010-06-29T11:36:00.004+10:00

Please find below our publicity pic for Dying City available for publication.
Click on the image to access the high resolution picture.
Credit: Fred Kroh

Victorian Premiere > Dying City

2010-06-26T16:35:00.005+10:00

Theatre > Victorian Premiere

Dying City
by Christopher Shinn

Set in the aftermath of 9/11 New York City, Dying City follows a therapist who is confronted by her husband's identical twin, who suspects that his brother's death in Iraq was not an accident.

Dying City is a quiet, unsettling play about grief, identity and violence in the human psyche – the lies, betrayal and self-deceptions and the centrality of hate in human existence.

Everyday, directly and indirectly, we all perpetrate or allow violence to occur in some form.

Some of us are troubled by this, some of us driven by it and most of us don't really talk about it.

Christopher Shinn writes about the violence we can see and an even darker violence located within.

“Anyone who doubts that Mr. Shinn is among the most provocative and probing of American playwrights today need only experience the ... sophisticated welding of form and content that is Dying City.”
The New York Times

"Shinn is able to take the political and humanize it – transforming the stuff of daily news stories into a devastating statement on the unforeseen and often hidden consequences of war."
AP News

Creative:
Director – Matt Scholten
Design – Kat Chan
Lighting – Tom Willis
Composer – Ben Keene

Cast:
Kelly – Zoe Ellerton-Ashley
Peter / Craig – Brad Williams

Preview: Thursday, 5 August 2010
Season: 6 – 21 August 2010
8.15pm Tuesday – Saturday
5.00pm Sunday

Venue:
MIPAC, Brunswick
corner Sydney & Glenlyon Roads

Tickets:
$30 Adult
$20 Concession / Groups 10+
$18 Tuesdays
$15 Preview

Bookings:
03 9016 3873
hoypolloy@bigpond.com

Cast Announcement > Dying City

2010-06-26T15:55:00.005+10:00

We are pleased to announce the cast of the Victorian premiere of Dying City written by Christopher Shinn:

Kelly > Zoe Ellerton-Ashley
Peter / Craig > Brad Williams

Production Pics > Democracy

2010-05-13T11:59:00.006+10:00

Please find below our production pics for Democracy available for publication.

Click on the image to access the high resolution picture.

Credit: Fred Kroh

Publicity Pics > Democracy

2010-04-27T10:12:00.004+10:00

Please find below our publicity pics for Democracy available for publication.

Click on the image to access the high resolution picture.

Credit: Fred Kroh

World Premiere > Democracy

2010-04-21T14:39:00.006+10:00

World Premiere > Hybrid Theatre: Data Jamming
Presented in partnership with Feedback Loop

Democracy
by Feedback Loop

Information is power.

As the distribution of information, freedom of communication and the accessibility of technology expands into the hands of ordinary citizens around the globe, Democracy explores and demonstrates the consequences of this rapid manifestation of information technology.

Politics, economics, communication and culture are examined within this genre expanding sound and motion production.

Feedback Loop takes control of real-time information, open-source software, raw data and consumer technologies to explore the changing forms of democracy.

One moment the audience is privy to the whims of the stock market expressed through reactive architectural lighting – the next, they will sink lucidly into a sea of deep affected electronica.

By exposing the powerful reality of people's ability to access, utilize and distribute, Democracy invites the audience into the reality of our future – today.

Feedback Loop are pioneers in this relatively new hybrid theatre genre called data jamming, which involves data sampling and re-contextualising information from "the cloud" and filtering it through into the lens of technology.

Creative:
Creation & Design – Tim Bright and Nick Darling

Preview: Tuesday, 11 May 2010
Season: 12 – 23 May 2010
8.30pm Wednesday – Saturday
3.00pm Sunday

Venue:
MIPAC, Brunswick – corner Sydney & Glenlyon Roads

Tickets:
$20 General Admission
$15 Preview

Bookings:
03 9016 3873
hoypolloy@bigpond.com

Announcement > Season 2010

2010-03-29T09:42:00.011+11:00

Welcome to our Season 2010. We have worked diligently to put together a diverse and different program that is sure to entertain, challenge and raise discussion amongst our audiences.

First up we’re very excited to present the world premiere of Democracy in partnership with Melbourne based sound and motion outfit – Feedback Loop. Feedback Loop principals Tim Bright and Nick Darling have put together what we consider a thrilling way forward in performance in the new hybrid theatre genre called "data jamming".

In August, Matt Scholten will direct American playwright Christopher Shinn’s provocative and moving Dying City. This is Matt’s first production with Hoy Polloy – he comes to us with an excellent reputation directing an extensive body of work around Melbourne.

As part of the Berlin Dayz festival presented by the Goethe-Institut Australia in November, I will direct the Australian premiere of Electronic City by Falk Richter translated by Daniel Brunet. This is a fantastic piece that hurtles at the speed of sound – hang onto your hats!

To all of our supporters – thank you for sticking with us. 2010 promises to be a ride you won’t forget.

Wayne Pearn
Hoy Polloy Artistic Director

Hybrid Theatre: Data Jamming – world premiere
Presented in partnership with Feedback Loop
Democracy
by Feedback Loop

Information is power.

As the distribution of information, freedom of communication and the accessibility of technology expands into the hands of ordinary citizens around the globe, Democracy explores and demonstrates the consequences of this rapid manifestation of information technology.

Politics, economics, communication and culture are examined within this genre expanding sound and motion production.

Feedback Loop takes control of real-time information, open-source software, raw data and consumer technologies to explore the changing forms of democracy.

One moment the audience is privy to the whims of the stock market expressed through reactive architectural lighting – the next, they will sink lucidly into a sea of deep affected electronica.

By exposing the powerful reality of peoples ability to access, utilize and distribute, Democracy invites the audience into the reality of our future – today.

Feedback Loop are pioneers in this relatively new hybrid theatre genre called data jamming, which involves data sampling and re-contextualising information from "the cloud" and filtering it through into the lens of technology.

Creative:
Creation & Design – Tim Bright and Nick Darling

Preview: Tuesday, 11 May 2010
Season: 12 – 23 May 2010
8.30pm Wednesday – Saturday
3.00pm Sunday

Venue:
MIPAC, Brunswick – corner Sydney & Glenlyon Roads

Tickets:
$20 General Admission
$15 Preview

Bookings:
03 9016 3873
hoypolloy@bigpond.com

Theatre – Victorian premiere
Dying City
written by Christopher Shinn

Set in the aftermath of 9/11 New York City, Dying City follows a therapist who is confronted by her husband's identical twin, who suspects that his brother's death in Iraq was not an accident.

Dying City is a quiet, unsettling play about grief, identity and violence in the human psyche – the lies, betrayal and self-deceptions and the centrality of hate in human existence.

Everyday, directly and indirectly, we all perpetrate or allow violence to occur in some form.

Some of us are troubled by this, some of us driven by it and most of us don't really talk about it.

Christopher Shinn writes about the violence we can see and an even darker violence located within.

“Anyone who doubts that Mr. Shinn is among the most provocative and probing of American playwrights today need only experience the ... sophisticated welding of form and content that is Dying City.”
The New York Times

"Shinn is able to take the political and humanize it – transforming the stuff of daily news stories into a devastating statement on the unforeseen and often hidden consequences of war."
AP News

Creative:
Director – Matt Scholten
Set & Costume Designer – Kat Chan
Composer – Ben Keene

Preview: Thursday, 5 August 2010
Season: 6 – 21 August 2010
8.15pm Tuesday – Saturday
5.00pm Sunday

Venue:
MIPAC, Brunswick – corner Sydney & Glenlyon Roads

Tickets:
$30 Adult
$20 Concession / Groups 10+
$18 Tuesdays
$15 Preview

Bookings:
03 9016 3873
hoypolloy@bigpond.com

Theatre – Australian premiere
Presented as part of Berlin Dayz by the Goethe-Institut Australia
Electronic City
written by Falk Richter
translated by Daniel Brunet

Globalisation, communication, digitalisation, standardisation, disorientation ... disintegration.

Electronic City is a burgeoning, all encompassing, uber techno metropolis where flexibility and resilience is paramount for success and survival.

BER: Berlin, MEL: Melbourne, TPE: Taipei, JFK: New York, FCO: Rome, MAD: Madrid – Tom hasn’t any idea what city he is in ... he’s moving so fast he’s going nowhere.

Tom's great love, Joy, is working the check out at the ‘ready to eat’ store in an airport – she dreams of George Clooney and longs for Tom ... her life is being filmed in a reality documentary soap.

Joy's infrared scanner has broken down as the queue of impatient corporates grows larger ... the system has crumpled.

The global conveyor belt has ceased – this is Electronic City.

“A fairy tale for media times”
Fischerverlage – Theater & Medien

“... a panic-stricken farce from the inner mental world of contemporary busyness ...”
Theaterheute

Creative:
Director – Wayne Pearn
Set & Costume Designer – Kat Chan
Lighting Designer – Ben Morris
Sound & Motion Designer – Feedback Loop

Preview: Thursday, 11 November 2010
Season: 12 – 27 November 2010
8.15pm Tuesday – Saturday
5.00pm Sunday

Venue:
MIPAC, Brunswick – corner Sydney & Glenlyon Roads

Tickets:
$30 Adult
$20 Concession / Groups 10+
$18 Tuesdays
$15 Preview

Bookings:
03 9016 3873
hoypolloy@bigpond.com

Subscriptions > Season 2010

Two or three play subscriptions are available for Hoy Polloy's Season 2010.

For more details regarding subscriptions, please contact:
03 9016 3873
hoypolloy@bigpond.com

It is coming – our Season 2010 announcement

2010-02-11T09:10:00.003+11:00

... we're close to finalising the season for this year – and we are considering a new interesting initiative. Please stay tuned!

Theatre Notes > Top Shows 2009

2009-12-23T20:23:00.002+11:00

Hoy Polloy made it on Alison Croggon's Top Shows 2009 on Theatre Notes.

Update > 11 Paterson Street

2009-10-19T09:11:00.000+11:00

Due to circumstances beyond Hoy Polloy's control, we regret to announce that 11 Paterson Street by Bryan Davidson Blue has been cancelled.

Unfortunately, due to the late nature of this cancellation we have not had sufficient time to find a suitable replacement and, therefore, Hoy Polloy is unable to present a fourth play as part of Season 2009.

3CR Review > The Cat's Paw

2009-09-28T09:26:00.001+10:00

Reviewed by Frances Devlin-Glass on Sunday, 27.09.09 for 3CR’s “Curtain Up” Sundays at 1.00pm on 855AM.

Hoy Polloy seems to exist to challenge its audiences. The Cat’s Paw is no exception. A docudrama by new and local playwright, Christine Croyden,it is in your face in terms of its subject matter. Prostitution, pimping, suicide and drugs in the dark lanes of St. Kilda. It’s a strangely hybrid play, with heavily realistic elements in a dirty realist style, but also a layer of non-naturalism.

The non-naturalism takes the form of a highly interpretable tatterdemalion angel, with a glorious Irish accent (listeners, I feel sure will allow me to indulge my enthusiasms in this small matter), who also acts as narrator at times. Stephanie Lillis spews out all sorts of religious sentimentalism, piety and idealism, which I take is intended ironically, but she cannot at all deal with the scene of horror and self-loathing that the dead streetgirl represents. The prostitutes are a powerful assemblage of drug takers, self-mutilators, suicides, sometimes naïve and sometimes exceptionally hardened women. But they all have their backgrounds and stories, and these are painful - the runaways, the cast out, the adventure-seekers who don’t fit in, those curious about their sexual power, and we feel for them. One of the mysteries and marvels of this script is that it does not compromise on reality but that does not stop it from being compassionate. One had the sense we were being given a tour of hell, by a very sympathetic guide who understood its pathologies well.

There were four main prostitutes: Brigid, Zoe Ellerton-Ashley, the main focus, played her role as seductress very compellingly – she was credibly the warm, approachable whore with a heart of gold, but equally, a hard-bitten woman who knew how to allay male anxieties and was performing in a mask for her client, a man who had been dumped by his girlfriend. Her vulnerabilities and her danger to the man were also not skimped on – her skills with a scalpel applied first to herself, and later to the client were horrifying. Her timing and poise were exceptional and at every point and in every mode, she was utterly credible. One really felt for the kid who was different and alienated. Indeed, the keyword in the play was, I think, disconnect. None of these women were able to enter into relationships, but they were often good at faking it.

Her pimp, Esther played by Kylie Bell, was a wonderful foil. A woman who masqueraded as a private investigator in order to promote the business, and acquire more clients, she did a fine line in hard-boiled ex-cop, a line of patter with words falling out the side of her mouth, to suit the role. Unlike her dependents, she dressed in short trenchcoat and adopted the body-language of the self-enclosed. Her demise was a surprise, but justified by the action of the play.

Daniel Rice as the client was open-faced and naïve about the prostitution racket and an easy prey for the pimp and Brigid, and even he was a sympathetic character. His search for comfort and his intention to make things better for the woman he was also prepared to pay for was again credible and heart-warming. He had a stunning repertoire of non-verbal responses to his situation, and also half-uttered responses. A strong and understated role.

The two support roles were also well contrasted with the ones I’ve mentioned. One of these roles played by Emma Lhyne, involved a very young child, her inexperience tagged by her bobby-sox. She had slipped into the drug scene and was doomed not to survive. Her arrival in heaven and confrontation with the somewhat mad angel was a fine climactic moment of disconnect between these two characters. Her older mentor, Cecilia Condon, was dressed brassily and spoke knowingly of the dangers of the scene, which were well exemplified in the earliest scenes of the play, but she too proved to be highly vulnerable despite the veneer of carelessness.

The set was grungy St. Kilda, complete with neon-lit devil’s head and raunchy woman, with curtains of white plastic which I think were meant to represent a degraded version of the billowy opulence of bordello interiors. I speak here with a very little knowledge, having recently seen an early morning scrub-out of such a place in Townsville’s dank redlight district, with white silky curtains billowing in the wind after a hose-out. The set was not at all elegant, however, and the playing spaces resembled caves and dugouts, chambers of hell.

An intriguing script, and a compelling and evenly cast performance. My only criticism is that it was sometimes hard to hear the actors, and they could have taken it at a slower pace. A very brave undertaking by Hoy Polloy, and one that is not for the faint-hearted. However, those called by curiosity about the St. Kilda scene and those who want a think-piece, this is a highly engaged and engaging theatre-piece.

Online Reviews > The Cat's Paw

2009-09-23T14:12:00.006+10:00

Arts Hub > Pam Foo
AussieTheatre.com > Anne-Marie Peard
Captial Idea > John Bailey

Production Pics > The Cat's Paw

2009-09-23T14:03:00.006+10:00

Production pics attached are available for publication:
- Please click on images to access high res images
- Credit > Fred Kroh

Pic Captions:
- Zoe Ellerton-Ashley (Brigid)
- Emma Lyhne (Monica)
- Cecilia Condon (Abagail)
- Stephanie Lillis (Angel)
- Kylie Bell (Esther)
- Zoe Ellerton-Ashley (Brigid) and Daniel Rice (Paul)

Australian Stage Feature > Christine Croyden

2009-09-16T19:05:00.002+10:00

Please visit Australian Stage, which features an interview with Christine Croyden about her world premiere play The Cat's Paw, which opens on Thursday, 17 September 2009.

The Age > Walking the streets of darkness

2009-09-09T08:16:00.003+10:00

Visit The Age for Robin Usher's article "Walking the streets of darkness" about The Cat's Paw written by Melbourne playwright Christine Croyden, which opens next week.

Publicity Pics > The Cat's Paw

2009-08-30T20:13:00.009+10:00

Publicity pics attached below are available for publication.
Please click on the image for high resolution images.

Details:
- Credit > Fred Kroh
- Caption (foreground / background) > Zoe Ellerton-Ashley (Brigid) and Cecilia Condon (Abagail)

Details:
- Credit > Fred Kroh
- Caption (left to right) > Emma Lyhne (Monica), Zoe Ellerton-Ashley (Brigid) and Cecilia Condon (Abagail)

World Premiere > The Cat's Paw

2009-08-25T15:31:00.004+10:00

Hoy Polloy presents the world premiere of

The Cat's Paw
Written by Christine Croyden

Directed by Wayne Pearn

Featuring Kylie Bell, Cecilia Condon, Zoe Ellerton-Ashley, Stephanie Lillis, Emma Lyhne and Daniel Rice

Overview
The night cats are out on the streets of St Kilda – another girl is pushed from a car. She picks herself up and staggers precariously into the dark on her four-inch heels. A mysterious woman offers her help under the gaze of an unlikely angel. A bewildered man crosses her path and struggles to connect with her. Confused and desperate, she’s forgotten everything she wants to remember and can only remember what she wants to forget. Christine Croyden’s confronting yet touching play, The Cat’s Paw, is a response to raunch culture and its biggest benefactor – the ever expanding, billion dollar sex industry.

Dates
Preview: Wednesday, 16 September 2009
Season: 17 September – 3 October 2009
Tuesday to Saturday 8.15pm
Sunday 5.00pm

Venue
Carlton Courthouse Theatre
349 Drummond Street, Carlton
Tram Route 1 or 8 to Stop 112

Tickets
• $30 Adult
• $20 Concession / Groups 10+
• $18 Tuesdays
• $15 Preview

Bookings
• 03 9016 3873
• hoypolloy@bigpond.com

Cast Announcement > The Cat's Paw

2009-08-25T14:57:00.010+10:00

We are pleased to announce the cast of the world premiere of The Cat's Paw written by Christine Croyden:

Esther > Kylie Bell
Abagail > Cecilia Condon
Brigid > Zoe Ellerton-Ashley
Angel > Stephanie Lillis
Monica > Emma Lyhne
Paul > Daniel Rice

3CR Review > Purgatorio

2009-08-17T14:30:00.005+10:00

Reviewed by Frances Devlin-Glass on Sunday, 16.08.09 for 3CR’s “Curtain Up” Sundays at 1.00pm on 855AM.

Ariel Dorfman’s Purgatorio is engrossing theatre, and compellingly staged. It is a modern and morality-driven reworking of Euripedes’ tragedy, Medea. It is staged in an indeterminate institution – part purgatory (a place where prayer and purification effect the kind of transformation that renders souls eligible for heaven), part mental hospital and part prison. And its focus is on redemption, forgiveness, and reconciliation. This focus makes good sense when you know that Dorfman has twice been exposed in his lifetime to excoriating civil war in Argentina and Chile, and that he served under the murdered Allende. He has known outrage and murder intimately. How do people come back to full humanity after inflicting the utmost pain on their loved ones? What does revenge do to the psyche (double harm, it seems) and can one recover from it? Unsettling questions, which in this play are not unequivocally answered. Except that redemption is hoped for. It’s not, however, achieved, though the scene in which both parties lovingly and mutually engage in gathering the pieces of a fractured vase, and the tale of the forgiving grandmother, were suggestive of what might be.

Kat Chan’s set and Tom Willis’s lighting were very imaginative and elegant. The room was symbolically black and stark white, and encircled by even more symbolism in the shape of a mobius strip in silver wire and more suggestions of the same in white strips. The inside/outside theme was continually picked up in the reverses of role that occurred throughout. Lighting was subtle but responsive to darkening moods, and in its bright light mode very reminiscent of an interrogation room.

The play required of the audience some mental agility and concentration as the doctor/invigilator types and the victims were interchanged, mobius-strip style, and did a final transformation into husband and wife. Morally the theme was deeply explored with real, as opposed to forced repentance being the focus. A very clever modern, even Christian, variation on the Medea story was the presence of an unseen third eye in the form of a cctv camera whose role was to judge proper remorse. Jim Westlake’s sound design further enhanced the sense of the brokenness of the lives being depicted, being quite modern, fractured, and both musical and drawn from commonplace sounds; it was distorted and menacing.

Given the subject matter, the script required two very powerful actors, and they did not miss a beat. Natalie Carr as the woman was a fine Medea-like character, and I really enjoyed the ways in which Dorfman had her explore in excruciating detail what it was to kill the children of one’s womb. Euripedes gives her a lot of power and sympathy, but in Dorfman’s version, he makes more of this. The woman’s speech about the children being part of both herself and the Jason-like figure was full of anguish, love and hate, though delivered rather too fast for my liking. This was a speech to savour and take very slowly. Otherwise, Natalie Carr was impressive in the role. Glen Hancox was perhaps not quite as compelling in his roles, but the script did not permit him to pull as much of the focus as it did his opposite number. He was foursquare in his outrage and self-justifications, and seemed to me to lack the edge of passion.

A wonderful production of yet another Australian premiere for Hoy Polloy. Congratulations to director Ben Starick, and another success for the daring newish fringe professional company, Hoy Polloy. Well done, Wayne Pearne and everyone connected with the show, and thanks for bringing us such challenging and relevant modern works.

Melbourne Observer Review > Purgatorio

2009-08-17T14:27:00.005+10:00

Click on the clipping below to view Cheryl Threadgold's review on Purgatorio.

Online Reviews > Purgatorio

2009-08-10T15:32:00.003+10:00

Theatre Alive > Pamela Lloyd
The Age > Martin Ball
Arts Hub > Revelly Robinson
tonyreck21c > Tony Reck

Production Pics > Purgatorio

2009-08-09T10:34:00.013+10:00

Production pics attached are available for publication:
- Credit > Fred Kroh
- Caption > Natalie Carr (Woman) and Glen Hancox (Man)

Please click on images to access high res images.

Moreland Leader > The war of the wills at Brunswick’s Mechanics Institute

2009-08-07T00:39:00.003+10:00

Visit Andre Awadalla's article "The war of the wills at Brunswick’s Mechanics Institute" in the Moreland Leader about the Australian premiere of Purgatorio.

Herald Sun > A couple of differences

2009-08-06T17:13:00.004+10:00

Click on the article below to read the Herald Sun clipping, "A couple of differences" by Alison Barclay, about Ariel Dorfman and Hoy Polloy's next production Purgatorio, which previews tomorrow night and runs from 8 – 29 August 2009.

The Age > Dorfman's dark fight of the soul

2009-08-05T11:30:00.003+10:00

Visit The Age article "Dorfman's dark fight of the soul" for Robin Usher's interview with Ariel Dorfman about Purgatorio, which opens this weekend.

The Australian > Emotional truth found in translation

2009-08-04T07:12:00.003+10:00

Visit The Australian article "Emotional truth found in translation" by Rosemary Sorensen, which includes commentary from playwright Ariel Dorfman about his play Purgatorio, which opens this Saturday, 8 August 2009.

Wayne Pearn > Director: In A Dark, Dark House

2009-07-23T13:51:00.003+10:00

Hoy Polloy artistic director, Wayne Pearn, is director of the current Red Stitch Actors Theatre production – the Australian premiere of Neil LaBute's In A Dark, Dark House. It runs until 22 August 2009.

Theatre Notes > Interview: Ariel Dorfman

2009-07-17T21:04:00.002+10:00

Please visit Theatre Notes for Alison Croggon's fascinating interview with Ariel Dorfman, this complex and humane writer, where he shares some insights into his work.

Australian Stage Feature > Ariel Dorfman

2009-07-14T22:52:00.008+10:00

Playwright Ariel Dorfman was recently interviewed by Anna Lozynski from Australian Stage prior to the Australian premiere of Purgatorio, which opens on Saturday, 8 August 2009.

Visit the feature at Australian Stage.

Publicity Pics > Purgatorio

2009-06-22T15:45:00.011+10:00

Publicity pics attached are available for publication:
- Credit > Fred Kroh
- Caption > Natalie Carr (Woman) and Glen Hancox (Man)

Bridgette Burton > RE Ross Trust Playwrights' Script Development Award 2009

2009-06-19T17:23:00.003+10:00

Hoy Polloy warmly congratulations Bridgette Burton - who, today, was a recipient of the the RE Ross Trust Playwrights' Script Development Award 2009 for her play Rhonda Is In Therapy.

Munchner Merkur > Mir ist alles wurst

2009-05-26T20:42:00.005+10:00

German journalist, Christine Diller profiles Franz Xaver Kroetz in the article "Mir ist alles wurst" in the German newspaper Munchner Merkur, which includes details about the Australian premiere of Tom Fool, a production photograph by Tim Williamson and quotes from Hoy Polloy artistic director, Wayne Pearn.

Australian Premiere > Purgatorio

2009-05-24T22:07:00.001+10:00

Hoy Polloy presents the Australian premiere of

Purgatorio
Written by Ariel Dorfman

Directed by Ben Starick
Featuring Natalie Carr and Glen Hancox

Overview
What if the only person who can save me is the one I have hurt the most?
Are the crimes I have committed unforgivable?
And if there is no forgiveness, how do I move on with my life?

Ariel Dorfman’s Purgatorio questions the complexities of human relationships, intention and identity. Exploring justice, vengeance and redemption, Purgatorio asks if one person can trust another and ultimately themselves. Confined in a nameless, timeless place, a man and woman confront each other with their past truths. They must come to terms with who they genuinely are and decide if their love is strong enough to overcome pain and betrayal. Both characters try to force the other to accept their guilt, but are they willing to accept their own?

Dates
Preview: Friday, 7 August 2009
Season: 8 – 29 August 2009
Tuesday to Saturday 8.15pm
Sunday 5.00pm

Venue
Mechanics Institute Performing Arts Centre, corner Sydney & Glenlyon Roads, Brunswick
Tram route 19 to stop 21

Tickets
• $30 Adult
• $20 Concession / Groups 10+
• $18 Tuesdays
• $15 Preview

Bookings
• 03 9016 3873
• hoypolloy@bigpond.com

Cast Announcement > Purgatorio

2009-05-24T21:57:00.004+10:00

Thank you to all of those who auditioned and for your interest in the production.

We are pleased to announce the cast of the Australian premiere of Purgatorio written by Ariel Dorfman:

Woman > Natalie Carr
Man > Glen Hancox

Help save the VCA

2009-05-21T19:15:00.003+10:00

The University of Melbourne is attempting to dissolve the Victorian College of Arts. Sign the petition here.

Hoy Polloy Stimulus Package > Tom Fool: Discounted Tickets

2009-05-12T15:56:00.005+10:00

Hoy Polloy Stimulus Package:

10% Discount on all tickets for the remaining performances(*) of Tom Fool.

Bookings:
- hoypolloy@bigpond.com
- 03 9016 3873

Season must end Saturday, 23 May 2009.

* = excludes Tuesday performances.

Online Reviews > Tom Fool

2009-05-06T09:31:00.004+10:00

Theatre Notes > Alison Croggon
The Age > Cameron Woodhead
On Stage (and walls) Melbourne > Michael Magnusson
AussieTheatre.com > Karla Dondio
Citysearch.com.au > Penny Wedesweiler
tonyreck21c > Tony Reck

3CR Review > Tom Fool

2009-05-05T13:40:00.001+10:00

Reviewed by John Gunn on Sunday, 02.05.09 for 3CR’s “Curtain Up”
Sundays at 1.00pm on 855AM.

This 1978 play by Franz Xaver Kroetz is the story of an ordinary working class family, comprising of the Father, Otto, his wife Martha and their teenage son Ludwig and their day to day lives and while their life is pretty ordinary, it is not so far away from violence, breakdown and utter chaos.

Research suggests the playwright has obviously great sympathy with the working class and an equally obvious hatred of the capitalist system both of which have made him a target of the far right in the past – he was also an activist in the West German Communist Party for most of the 1970s. . In 1971, the premiere of two of his plays, Home Work and Persistent, was disrupted by neo-Nazi thugs.

Told in a series of short but focused scenes where at times characters are left speechless with long pauses so full of meaning. It is very much a play of today where families are struggling and relationships can be strained to breaking point, however as in life through all of its struggles and misery there is much humour, particularly in the first act.

Otto worries about his job security and his place in the capitalist pecking order and takes pride in his role as breadwinner. Martha seems content to keep house and tend to Otto and teenage son Ludwig.. but Martha’s role opens out during the course of the play and is symbolic of the changes in the lives of working class from the 1970’s onwards. The play suggests it is Otto who appears to not be aware of the inner feelings and frustrations of his wife and son…

To give too much away about these three people would I believe take much pleasure from seeing the play, let us just say that we can all associate ourselves with many of the issues raised.

Director Beng Oh has a wonderful ensemble of three actors who play in a very naturalistic style taking us on a roller coaster ride, his direction is tight and extremely well layered, showing us both the highs and lows objectively.
The actors are Chris Bunworth as a very powerful yet complex Otto, Liz McCall as his wife Martha, very interesting performance this, as we see the changes that gradually take place with this character and Glenn van Oosterom as their young son Ludwig, a nicely restrained and beautifully balanced performance. We believed these three characters, they were real people with many dimensions.

The stage is divided into three acting areas, kitchen, sitting room and centre stage all other places depicted, scene changes are swift never allowing us to loose the thread and compliments to a diligent stage crew.

To sum up, it is a long play at approximately 3 hours –but act two does have a couple of scenes that appear a little repetitious however it is such a great piece of theatre that you can forgive this minor glitch, one question……. why have we not seen a production if “Tom Fool’ here in Australia before this?

So it is a big thank you to Hoy Polloy and Director Beng Oh for at last bringing it to us. Tom Fool continues at the Brunswick Mechanic Institute until the 23/5 Tues, to Sun – 8.15pm week nights and 5 pm Sun. you can book on 9016 3873

It is highly recommended for those who lean towards intelligent and dramatic theatre….

mX > Life is not for Tom Foolery

2009-05-05T10:23:00.003+10:00

Picture: Nicole Cleary

Production Pics > Tom Fool

2009-05-04T18:08:00.002+10:00

Theatre Notes > Interview: Franz Xaver Kroetz

2009-05-01T10:05:00.002+10:00

Please visit Theatre Notes for Alison Croggon's interview with Franz Xaver Kroetz.

The Sunday Age: M > Preview

2009-04-26T18:06:00.003+10:00

Attached is a clipping from the Preview section in The Sunday Age: M by John Bailey previewing Tom Fool.

theage(melbourne)magazine > Box Office

2009-04-25T12:01:00.006+10:00

Attached is a clipping from the Box Office section in the May 2009 issue of theage(melbourne)magazine by Bill Perrett previewing Tom Fool.

ABC Radio: Evening Program > Etiquette Panel

2009-04-23T19:19:00.002+10:00

Tom Fool cast members Chris Bunworth and Liz McColl will be Derek Guille's guests on the ABC Radio: Evening Program Etiquette Panel this Monday, 27 April 2009 from 9.00pm - 10.00pm.

Visit the following links for details to tune in to listen:
- On your radio
- Online streaming

Moreland Leader > Cast set for Tom Foolery in play

2009-04-23T13:28:00.004+10:00

Visit the Moreland Leader article "Cast set for Tom Foolery in play" by Andre Awadalla profiling our next production, the Australian premiere of Tom Fool.

Australian Stage Feature > Beng Oh

2009-04-22T09:57:00.006+10:00

Director Beng Oh recently spoke with Simon Piening from Australian Stage about Tom Fool, which opens next week on Saturday, 2 May 2009.
Visit the feature at Australian Stage.

Seeking Crew > Tom Fool

2009-04-14T23:16:00.002+10:00

We are seeking the following crew for our next production, the Australian premiere of Tom Fool:
- 2 x Assistant Stage Managers
- 1 x Sound Operator

Key Dates:
- Bump In > 26 – 30 April 2009
- Preview > Friday, 1 May 2009
- Season > 2 – 23 May 2009

Please send expressions of interest to Bindi Green, Production Manager:
- Mobile > 0432 275 165
- Email > bindi.green@gmail.com

Audition Notice > Purgatorio

2009-03-30T17:04:00.001+11:00

Hoy Polloy presents the Australian premiere of

Ariel Dorfman's
Purgatorio
Directed by Ben Starick

Overview
What if the only person who can save me is the one I have hurt the most?
Are the crimes I have committed unforgivable?
And if there is no forgiveness, how do I move on with my life?
Ariel Dorfman’s Purgatorio questions the complexities of human relationships, intention and identity. Exploring justice, vengeance and redemption, Purgatorio asks if one person can trust another and ultimately themselves. Confined in a nameless, timeless place, a man and woman confront each other with their past truths. They must come to terms with who they genuinely are and decide if their love is strong enough to overcome pain and betrayal. Both characters try to force the other to accept their guilt, but are they willing to accept their own?

Audition Information
• Dates: Sunday, 17 May 2009 and Monday, 18 May 2009
• Auditions are by appointment only.
• Please send expressions of interest, CVs (PDF) and head shots (low resolution JPG) to benstarick@hotmail.com

Roles
• MAN (30-50+)
• WOMAN (30-50+)

Audition Notes
• The roles have no specific race, physical characteristics or dialect/accent.
• Actors will need to show an ability to shift from being the interrogator to the interrogated.
• Actors are encouraged to read the script prior to auditions.

Rehearsal Information
• The rehearsal period will be throughout June - July 2009
• There will be a minimum of three rehearsals scheduled per week on Tuesday evenings, Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons.

Season Information
• Venue: Mechanics Institute Performing Arts Centre, corner Sydney & Glenlyon Roads, Brunswick
• Preview: Friday, 7 August 2009
• Season: 8 – 29 August 2009
• Tuesday to Saturday 8.15pm
• Sunday 5.00pm

Beng Oh > Green Room Award Nomination 2008

2009-03-26T18:44:00.006+11:00

Congratulations to Beng Oh (Tom Fool director) for his Green Room Award Nomination 2008 for:

THEATRE - INDEPENDENT
Direction > Porcelain (La Mama)

Family Portrait > Tom Fool

2009-03-25T12:49:00.005+11:00

Publicity photographs for Tom Fool.
High and low resolution images available for publication.

Caption > Chris Bunworth (Otto), Glenn van Oosterom (Ludwig) and Liz McColl (Martha).

Credit > Tim Williamson.

Australian Premiere > Tom Fool

2009-03-18T14:27:00.010+11:00

Hoy Polloy presents the Australian premiere of

Tom Fool
Written by Franz Xaver Kroetz
Translated by Estella Schmid and Anthony Vivis

Directed by Beng Oh
Featuring Chris Bunworth, Liz McColl and Glenn van Oosterom

Overview
On the surface Otto Meier’s world exudes cool German efficiency. Underneath his world is about to explode. Haunted by the minutiae of his work environment he dreams of a better life for himself and his family. A daring and compelling drama, Tom Fool focuses on the everyday lives of ordinary working-class people and takes us back to the moment when women changed the rules of the game. Tom Fool is a new translation of Franz Xaver Kroetz's superb 1978 play Mensch Meier – showing that life at its most ordinary is never far away from disruption, chaos and violence. The Scotsman described Kroetz as charting this story of breakdown with a wonderful, rich yet cold-eyed hyperrealism that is his hallmark.

Dates
Preview: Friday, 1 May 2009
Season: 2 – 23 May 2009
Tuesday to Saturday 8.15pm
Sunday 5.00pm

Venue
Mechanics Institute Performing Arts Centre, corner Sydney & Glenlyon Roads, Brunswick
Tram route 19 to stop 21

Tickets
• $30 Adult
• $20 Concession / Groups 10+
• $18 Tuesdays
• $15 Preview

Bookings
• 03 9016 3873
• hoypolloy@bigpond.com

The Age > Robin Usher's Diary

2009-02-27T09:42:00.003+11:00

Attached is a clipping from The Age, "Robin Usher's Diary" mentioning the launch of Season 2009.

Cast Announcement > Tom Fool

2009-02-08T18:04:00.005+11:00

Thank you to all of those who auditioned and for your interest in the production.

We are pleased to announce the cast of the Australian premiere of Tom Fool written by Franz Xaver Kroetz and translated by Estella Schmid and Anthony Vivis:

Otto > Chris Bunworth
Martha > Liz McColl
Lugwig > Glenn van Oosterom

Launch > Season 2009 Subscription Flier

2009-02-05T21:26:00.014+11:00

Welcome to our inaugural subscription flier:
Season 2009 > We feel it's time

Please click on images below and they will appear at full size for printing.

Audition Notice > Tom Fool

2008-12-30T11:01:00.010+11:00

Hoy Polloy presents the Australian premiere of

Tom Fool
Written by Franz Xaver Kroetz
Translated by Estella Schmid and Anthony Vivis
Directed by Beng Oh

Overview
On the surface Otto Meier’s world exudes cool German efficiency. Underneath his world is about to explode. Haunted by the minutiae of his work environment he dreams of a better life for himself and his family. A daring and compelling drama, Tom Fool focuses on the everyday lives of ordinary working-class people and takes us back to the moment when women changed the rules of the game. Tom Fool is a new translation of Franz Xaver Kroetz's superb 1978 play Mensch Meier – showing that life at its most ordinary is never far away from disruption, chaos and violence. The Scotsman described Kroetz as charting this story of breakdown with a wonderful, rich yet cold-eyed hyperrealism that is his hallmark.

Audition Information
• Auditions are by appointment only.
• Dates: Sunday, 18 January 2009 and Monday, 19 January 2009
• To make an appointment please contact the director on 0412 224 968 or send expressions of interest, CVs and head shots by email to beng.tom@bigpond.com

Roles
Otto
"The husband, average and about 40, likes to smoke and drink, rather nervous, erratic, in his best moments he appears almost elegant." Would suit actor in his late 30s to 40s.
Martha
"The wife, average and about 40, very honest and practical." Would suit actress in her late 30s to 40s.
Ludwig
"Their son, a nice fellow of about 15, looks more like his father than his mother, shy and silent, listens a lot but says little." Would suit actor in his late teens to 20s.

Rehearsal Information
• A play reading is scheduled for week commencing 15 February 2009
• The rehearsal period will be from 2 March 2009 - 30 April 2009
• There will be a minimum of three rehearsals scheduled per week.
• A rehearsal schedule will be confirmed upon the production being cast.

Season Information
• Preview: Friday, 1 May 2009
• Season: 2 – 23 May 2009
• Tuesday to Saturday 8.15pm
• Sundays 5.00pm
• Venue: Mechanics Institute Performing Arts Centre, corner Sydney & Glenlyon Roads, Brunswick

News > Radio 3CR Curtain Up Gongs 2008

2008-12-15T15:03:00.004+11:00

Radio 3CR Curtain Gongs are awarded to shows, performances and technical that made an impact with the Curtain Up review team in 2008 – 100 productions were viewed.

Hoy Polloy received the following Radio 3CR Curtain Up Gongs 2008 for:

How To Disappear Completely And Never Be Found
written by Fin Kennedy
directed by Paul King
featuring David Passmore, Tory Rodd, Michael F Cahill, Glen Hancox and Helen Hopkins

The Real Thring
written by Barry Dickins
directed by Wayne Pearn
featuring Michael F Cahill

Annoucement > Season 2009

2008-12-12T18:00:00.007+11:00

Hoy Polloy announces Season 2009:

Tom Fool
Written by Franz Xaver Kroetz
Translated by Estella Schmid and Anthony Vivis
Directed by Beng Oh
Venue: Mechanics Institute Performing Arts Centre, Brunswick
Preview: Friday, 1 May 2009
Season: 2 – 23 May 2009

On the surface Otto Meier’s world exudes cool German efficiency. Underneath his world is about to explode. Haunted by the minutiae of his work environment he dreams of a better life for himself and his family. A daring and compelling drama, Tom Fool focuses on the everyday lives of ordinary working-class people and takes us back to the moment when women changed the rules of the game. Tom Fool is a new translation of Franz Xaver Kroetz's superb 1978 play Mensch Meier – showing that life at its most ordinary is never far away from disruption, chaos and violence. The Scotsman described Kroetz as charting this story of breakdown with a wonderful, rich yet cold-eyed hyperrealism that is his hallmark.

Purgatorio
Written by Ariel Dorfman
Directed by Ben Starick
Venue: Mechanics Institute Performing Arts Centre, Brunswick
Preview: Friday, 7 August 2009
Season: 8 – 29 August 2009

What if the only person who can save me is the one I have hurt the most?
Are the crimes I have committed unforgivable?
And if there is no forgiveness, how do I move on with my life?

Ariel Dorfman’s Purgatorio questions the complexities of human relationships, intention and identity. Exploring justice, vengeance and redemption, Purgatorio asks if one person can trust another and ultimately themselves. Confined in a nameless, timeless place, a man and woman confront each other with their past truths. They must come to terms with who they genuinely are and decide if their love is strong enough to overcome pain and betrayal. Both characters try to force the other to accept their guilt, but are they willing to accept their own?

The Cat's Paw (presented with the Melbourne Writers’ Theatre)
Written by Christine Croyden
Directed by Wayne Pearn
Venue: Carlton Courthouse Theatre, Carlton
Preview: Wednesday, 16 September 2009
Season: 17 September – 3 October 2009

The night cats are out on the streets of St Kilda – another girl is pushed from a car. She picks herself up and staggers precariously into the dark on her four-inch heels. A mysterious woman offers her help under the gaze of an unlikely angel. A bewildered man crosses her path and struggles to connect with her. Confused and desperate, she’s forgotten everything she wants to remember and can only remember what she wants to forget. Christine Croyden’s confronting yet touching play, The Cat’s Paw, is a response to raunch culture and its biggest benefactor – the ever expanding, billion dollar sex industry.

11 Paterson St
Written by Bryan Davidson Blue
Directed by Suzanne Chaundy
Venue: Mechanics Institute Performing Arts Centre, Brunswick
Preview: Friday, 13 November 2009
Season: 14 November – 5 December 2009

Sex, death and things of war – this is an explosive tale of love and survival; of apathy and rebellion; of repulsion and endearing wit. Bryan Davidson Blue’s savage black comedy explores primal emotions, where brutal, brittle characters clamber to breathe and love in a hellish and vivid world. We watch. Watch as arbitrary war blasts the nuclear family. This is in-yer-face theatre: a disarmingly funny and violently messy tale of victims and heroes, growing up gay, rural mentalities and enduring love. Welcome to 11 Paterson St.

Stay tuned for details regarding subscriptions to Season 2009.

Dates > Season 2009

2008-11-25T10:18:00.001+11:00

Hoy Polloy will present four plays next year and are very close to announcing Season 2009.

The dates for Season 2009 are:

Play 1:
Preview: Friday, 1 May 2009
Season: 2 – 23 May 2009

Play 2:
Preview: Friday, 7 August 2009
Season: 8 – 29 August 2009

Play 3:
Preview: Wednesday, 16 September 2009
Season: 17 September – 3 October 2009

Play 4:
Preview: Friday, 13 November 2009
Season: 14 November – 5 December 2009

Subscriptions for Season 2009 will include:
- Four Play Package
- Preview Night
- Opening Night
- $18 Tuesdays

Stay tuned for further announcements.

It's a wrap > The Real Thring

2008-09-28T18:12:00.004+10:00

The Real Thring is over. Thanks to our dedicated cast, crew and audiences; and in particular our Partner and Supporters.

Partner
Triple R

Supporters
Millimetre
Yarra Trams
BIGPRINT
Fred Kroh Photographer
Luke Furniture
Moreland City Council

ABC Radio National Artworks > The Real Thring

2008-09-21T12:07:00.003+10:00

Visit the ABC Radio National Artworks transcript presented by Julie Copeland, which includes commentary from Barry Dickins about his play The Real Thring and excerpts read from the script by actor Michael F Cahill.

3MBS Review > The Real Thring

2008-09-21T11:59:00.005+10:00

Reviewed by John Sheridan on Saturday, 20.09.08 for 3MBS’s “Accidental Arts” Saturdays at 11.30am on 103.5AM.

Frank Thring was a powerful presence on stage, radio or in the many films he appeared in such as ‘Ben Hur’, King of Kings’ and ‘El Cid’. He was loved, feared and sometimes loathed, but you couldn’t ignore him.

Barry Dickens play ‘The Real Thring’ is, as he says, ‘more a reimaging or fantasy of what’s playing in his mind’, and this I think is one of the keys to understanding the piece.

The play is produced by Melbourne Independent Theatre company, Hoy Polloy and directed by Wayne Pearn.

Thring, interpreted for us by Michael F Cahill, is reliving his life in those final days when his legs had been amputated, due to diabetes, and he was dying of cancer of the throat.

It’s impossible to sum up such an extraordinary life as Thring’s in the 75 or 80 minutes of the piece. Cahill is wise in that he doesn’t attempt to impersonate Thring; that would have become somewhat tiresome at about the 30 minute mark. Rather, his interpretation draws you in as he ponders what was, and what he threw away – why? – we shall probably never know.

The play has a good opening scene, and just as you’re recovering from this, it dawns on you that the structure is in verse form, reminiscent, for me anyway, of C.J.Dennis. This is appropriate, in one sense, as young Francis first starring role was at the age of 6 in his father’s feature film of 1932, ‘The Sentimental Bloke’.

Thring senior was a pioneer in film making in Melbourne. He was also involved with Hoyt’s Theatres and radio Station 3XY; heady stuff for young Francis.

Although Thring adored his father, he wasn’t oblivious to the man’s faults. Frank was only 10 when F.T.Thring died, and I wonder did he ever get over it.

‘The Real Thring’ is at the RRR Performance Space, 221 Nicholson Street, Brunswick East until September 27th

Cover > Melbourne Observer

2008-09-18T16:57:00.003+10:00

Online Reviews > The Real Thring

2008-09-17T13:12:00.006+10:00

On Stage (and walls) Melbourne > Michael Magnusson
Australian Stage Online > Bron Batten
The Age > Martin Ball
AussieTheatre.com > Anne-Marie Peard
Arts Hub > Madeline Wilson
Citysearch.com.au > Penny Wedesweiler
MCV > Michael Magnusson
Theatre People > Chris Baldock

3CR Review > The Real Thring

2008-09-14T20:55:00.006+10:00

Reviewed by John Gunn on Sunday, 14.09.08 for 3CR’s “Curtain Up”
Sundays at 1.00pm on 855AM.

This new play by Barry Dickens looks at the life, death and fame of Frank Thring, to many an enigma, an actor who specialised in flamboyancy and the creating of a persona, yet as we watch this story unfold we see a remarkably different man to the one we have seen on stage, screen and TV. Yes he was outrageous to the public eye, however there was also a private loneliness and to me a sadness within .

For those who don’t know about him, Frank Thring was a well known Melbourne Actor and son of Frank Thring Snr. who produced movies before World War 2 and owned the Regent Theatre in Collins Street, he died when the young Frank (educated at Melb. Grammar School) was only 10 years old…. and there is much to suggest that he was a spoiled brat even at that early age.

He grew up to enjoy great acting success in England with contemporaries such as Vivien Leigh, Lawrence Olivier and was a close friend of Robert Helpmann… He found fame in Hollywood movies such as Ben Hur, El Cid, King of Kings with his villainous and saturninely crafted persona…. After his overseas success, he worked extensively for John Sumner’s Melb. Theatre Co, made local movies such as ‘Mad Max’, did commercials and even became King of Moomba….

This is not a biography or a campy impersonation but a story that lets us into the mind of Thring and playwright Barry Dickens has carefully constructed a piece that is both a kaleidoscope and a roller coaster ride that takes you on a fascinating journey…

The dialogue is witty, often foul and is constructed with much rhyming followed by an aside or throwaway, the latter so typical of Thring….This theatrical yet often dramatic piece is well-layered and the reminiscences in the dialogue move about, timewise – almost from birth to death..…. From my slight acquaintance (as a young man) with Frank Thring some decades back now, I was riveted by both script and performance and believe that both actor and playwright have been true in the image they have conveyed…

Wayne Pearn has directed with compassion and a certain tenderness without shying away from the grossness that keeps you totally engaged for the running time of 90 mins. . Michael F. Cahill as Frank Thring gives a tour de force performance with his strong voice and excellent diction and brings out the many facets that made this complex man a household name from the 50’s through to his death in the late 1990’s, despite being loud, sarcastic, vulgar and prey to too much sex and booze – always clad in black with ostentatious jewellery……..

The setting of just a chair centre stage and a small table (with, naturally, a bottle and glass) never detracts from the performance and enhanced by Stelios Karigianus’ excellent lighting, sits admirably in the space at 3RRR, where Frank Thring spent many hours in his later years….

Yes I did enjoy this production by Hoy Polloy of Barry Dickens The Real Thring and it continues at 3RRR in Nicholson St, East Brunswick tram stop 27 until the 27/9 at 8.15pm and 5 pm Sunday and you can book on 9016 3873... or hoypolloy@bigpond.com

Highly recommended to sophisticated and adult theatregoers.

Production Pics > The Real Thring

2008-09-12T18:13:00.009+10:00

Credit: Fred Kroh
Caption: Michael F Cahill

The Age > Brutally Frank

2008-09-12T07:34:00.004+10:00

Visit The Age article "Brutally Frank" by Robin Usher, which includes commentary from Barry Dickins, Wayne Pearn and Michael F Cahill about The Real Thring, which opens tonight.

Inpress > On a good Thring

2008-09-10T09:20:00.003+10:00

Attached is an Inpress clipping, "On a good Thring" by Daniel Vigilante, who interviewed actor Michael F Cahill about The Real Thring.

The Age > Legend of the final Thring

2008-09-05T18:01:00.003+10:00

Visit The Age article "Legend of the final Thring" by Fiona Scott-Norman, which includes commentary from Barry Dickins about his play The Real Thring, which opens next week.