Above- Noah Sturzaker and Rory Potter. Featured- Sofia Nolan and Noah Sturzaker in THE BIG DRY. Production photography by Clare Hawley.
THE BIG DRY represents a first time collaboration/co-production between the Ensemble Theatre Company and the Australian Theatre For Young People (ATYP).
The script is by Ensemble Theatre Company Artistic Director Mark Kilmurry who has adapted Tony Davis’ best selling novel for the stage.
Davis’ story is a classic man against the elements survival story with the angle being that it is kids who are doing the battling without any adults being around to support them.
Three talented young actors- Rory Potter as as older brother George, Jack Andrew as younger brother Beeper, and a very impressive Sofia Nolan as Emily, their rebellious, high spirited companion, share the stage with Richard Sydenham who plays a variety of adult roles on the fringes of the action.
The cast work well together in bringing Davis’ characters to life. ATYP Artistic Director Fraser Corfield orchestrates the drama well, and is supported by an excellent creative team – designer Rita Carmody, lighting man Benjamin Brockman and soundscape by Daryl Wallis, who each bring their very substantial skills to this production, and make one feel as if one is right there with the kids, in the very middle of this dust storm from hell.
My recommendation. THE BIG DRY will easily satisfy lovers of this genre. On the night that I went, there were a number of school groups in attendance, and they were engrossed.
THE BIG DRY is playing the Ensemble Theatre until 2 July.