Primivitism_and_Gonnorhea

The Voice Newspaper Press release from The Box Theatre Company The much anticipated currently touring production of an adaptation of ‘Rhinoceros’ written by Absurdism’s best, Eugene Ionesco by Australia’s most talented young contemporary directors, Dean Hartley conducting the highly renowned The Box Theatre Company opens on Friday the 21st of March at The Loft Studio Theatre, in the heart of main street Frankton. “‘Rhinoceros’ explores how the themes of existentialism, conformity and our common modes of morality are a driving force in our modern society,” - Dean Hartley “‘Rhinoceros’ explores how the themes of existentialism, conformity and our common modes of morality are a driving force in our modern society,” - Dean Hartley “‘Rhinoceros’ explores how the themes of existentialism, conformity and our common modes of morality are a driving force in our modern society,” Said Hartley. It tells the story of the alcoholic businessman Berenger (played by the gifted Kyle Barrimer) who when enjoying a Sunday morning drink with his ever-efficient best friend, Jean (Jake Blaschka) is abruptly disturbed by a Rhinoceros rumbling through the streets of their peaceful, provincial French town. Strangely, this plague becomes socially desirable and soon everyone conforms to transforming into a rhinoceros. Follow Berenger in his epic struggle with maintaining his identity and integrity in a world where all others have succumbed to the “beauty” of brute force and violence. The Box Theatre Company uses its experience and reputation as the forefront in Australian contemporary theatre to bring to you a innovative, cutting edge adaptation of an iconic masterpiece of one of last century’s most prolific absurdist writers, Eugene Ionesco. The Box Company has always taken an original, 21st century approach and has sold out seats across the country with adaptations of Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’, Williamson’s ‘The Removalists’, Oscar Wilde’s ‘The Importance of Being Ernest and many more. A total of 19 ‘Rhinoceros’ performances featuring a superb cast of the company’s best actors will be toured across the country over the next two months, stopping by every major city and some fortunate towns such as Frankton and The Box’s hometown, Byron Bay. Alongside Dean Hartley’s unstoppable creativity is his right hand man, lead set, light and costume designer, Peter Codot. He is remembered for his extraordinary work on Thorton Wilder’s ‘Skin of our Teeth, Our town’ and with Hartley, has played a crucial role in launching Australian theatre onto an international level. He quotes “I’ve really taken a completely different approach to this production, with emphasis on minimalism and lighting as opposed to fancy traditional props and layouts. Prepare to be encapsulated by the stunning visuals and exuberant displays from both actors and our distinguished Rhinoceroses…” “‘Rhinoceros is an allegorical play that stemmed from the playright’s anxiety about the spread of inhuman totalitarian tendencies in society particularly inspired from Ionesco’s struggle with fascism during WW2. We will explore the themes mentioned before with strict attention to Ionesco’s intentions and techniques with a contemporary twist,” says Hartley. “Ionesco in an interview about ‘Rhinoceros’ once said “when people no longer share your opinions, when you can no longer make yourself understood by them, one has the impression of being confused with monsters – rhinos for example.”” ‘Rhinoceros’ plays at the Loft Theatre Studio for one amazing night only, next Friday the 21st. Tickets have almost been cleaned up, get yours today; online at www.theloftproject.com.au/rhinoceros, calling (98) 8343 2134 or at Dish Café on Brunswick Street.