The Lower Garden Theatre Project will be presenting Patricia Cornelius’ unapologetic and grungy Australian play SHIT. Established in late 2017, this production will be a part of their fresh slate of productions, off the back of their inaugural venture into Sydney’s independent theatre scene.
Three strong female characters drive a disjointed narrative of unceremoniously displayed passions, scar riddled memories, and sharp, powerful dialogue. A witty commentary on class exhibited by these tough women, who have lived in it; and now they are throwing it right back at you. Following the harrowing events of another night out at the local pub, Sam, Bobby and Billy piece together what happened, who saw them, who started it, and how they ended up in the shit.
Director Todd McHenry, media/film graduate of Macquarie University, says that ‘Patricia’s work is always on the edge and very honest. Shit in particular holds a dark sobriety and emotional gravitas that compliments her other stage plays very well. These characters are raw and unrelenting, and there will never be a moment where they aren’t ugly or violent – or show a grain or remorse. Audiences will definitely get a laugh, as Patricia’s dialogue is sharp, witty and full of great jabs at the hard-nosed and privilege amongst us. Playing on romanticisms out of West Side Story, and ‘lady-like’ mannerisms straight out of an etiquette manual, the cast are physical and spark from moment to moment like some kind of fierce lightning storm.”
Billy, played by Hanni Trewin (Ruby Moon and Our Town, DRAMAC) is the leader of this dysfunctional trio, with Bobby, played by Charlotte Huggart (Beyond Therapy and Rumours) and Erin Taylor (The Cripple of Inishmaan and Hamlet) at her side through thick and thin. All of these young actresses are extremely well synced, as it was during study at Charles Sturt University that they all met and started performing together.
Todd and Hanni’s collaborative partnership began under similar circumstances, and it has been through The Lower Garden Theatre Project that they have both been able to focus in on what truly matters to them as a collective – unearthing quality plays, and giving them some much needed sunshine.
The Garden Theatre Project [Facebook] presents SHIT [tickets] Playing at The Actor’s Pulse, Redfern, [Facebook] at 7:30pm: Wednesday April 18 – Saturday April 21