TO describe The Other Theatre Company’s upcoming show Scene Changes as ‘less than traditional’ would probably be doing it something of a disservice.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Ordinarily, directors would be looking to avoid the litany of backstage problems that can derail amateur theatre productions.
But director Miguel de Oliveira will not only take those gaffes from back to centre stage, he has drawn on them for inspiration all the way through.
Set during the opening night performance of ‘Curse of the Ming Vase’ by the fictional Crampston Regional Amateur Theatre Performers, Scene Changes is a something of a comedic love letter to all of the backstage drama and shenanigans.
“The audience is first treated to a backstage view of the cast and crew as they prepare to wow the audience,” de Oliveira said.
“Of course, with such an eccentric cast of characters both on the stage and off, everything has to (and will) go wrong!
“After intermission, the tables are turned, literally, and the audience will get to see the consequences on stage of all the mistakes that have been made.
“I would describe Scene Changes as a cross between the concepts behind ‘Noises Off’ and ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’.
“It is a funny fast-paced comedy.
“I defy anyone who has ever been involved in amateur theatre not to identify with at least one of these characters or their situations.”
Written by local playwright Peter Uniacke, the show draws from the many anecdotes he and the company’s other writers came up with at a workshop in 2015.
Though he came into that workshop with the basis of the work already germinating in his mind, it wasn’t until that writing workshop that inspiration for the show truly struck.
“I already had the idea that there had to be a play in the characters that help out backstage in amateur theatre,” he said.
“When I looked about that workshop, I realised there was easily over 200 years of combined practical experience in that room of performances in amateur theatre.
“In return for anecdotes from all present, of those things that had gone wrong in various productions they had done, I promised to write one play which included every one of those goofs, pratfalls, blunders and practical jokes.”
Tickets are available to purchase through the HotHouse Theatre, including for a matinee on the 17th.
THE LOWDOWN
What: ‘Scene Changes’ by The Other Theatre Company, The Butter Factory Theatre, Tix $30/$25 concession
When: November 9, 10, 16, 17
