2009 Season

Olav

Main Season
4 Plays about Wollongong
Basic Training
Deeply Offensive and Utterly Untrue
Elling
Metamorphosis
No Success Like Failure
The 39 Steps
The Kursk
The Taming of the Shrew

Merrigong Moves (Dance)
Bangarra's Fire
Project X
Traces

Merrigong Mix
RUFF!
The Needle and the Damage Done
No Success Like Failure
Treasures From The Vault

Kids' Stuff
Fling Physical Theatre Meets Monoxide’s Half-High Circus
Tashi
The Adventures of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie
The Fastest Boy In The World
Thursdays Child

Add-On Shows
Melbourne Comedy Festival Roadshow
MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL

In association with Edward Snape for Fiery Angel Ltd, Andrew Kay & Associates and Tinderbox Productions Pty Ltd

Fresh from its huge success in Sydney, London’s West End, and on Broadway, comes an hilarious re-telling of Hitchock’s The 39 Steps. Re-imagined by writer Patrick Barlow, this version of The 39 Steps takes his signature madcap style (seen in 2007’s The Messiah) to a whole new level. Follow the adventures of our handsome hero, Richard Hannay, as he encounters dastardly murderers, double-crossing agents and, of course, devastatingly beautiful women, on a quest to clear his name! Enthusiastically played with just four actors tirelessly working all manner of theatrical devices in order to convey a story of epic scale, this is a ‘must-see’ for lovers of Hitchcock, film noir and anyone who enjoys a laugh!

Cast: Include: Mark Pegler , Helen Christinson, Jo Turner

Technical: Designer : Peter McKintosh, Lighting Designer : Jon Buswel, Sound Designer : Mic Pool, Movement Director : Toby Sed gwick

A joyous romp through a top ten of the worst records ever made! Comedian, DJ and satirist Fiona Scott-Norman leads you through a minefield of releases from football players, John Laws, Bernard King, white supremacists, misguided celebrities, Abigail and Leonard Nimoy! Directed by Comedy Inc’s Paul McCarthy, this show is so gloriously wrong it couldn't be any righter!

Cast: Fiona Scott-Norman

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A Vesturport Theatre & Lyric Hamersmith Production

From Iceland’s acclaimed Vesturport Theatre comes this magical interpretation of Kafka’s terrifying and bizarrely comic story, Metamorphosis. Incorporating jaw-dropping physical theatre, an eye-popping set and a brilliant score by Australia’s own dark masters, Nick Cave and Warren Ellis, this is international theatre at its very best. The ordinary, unremarkable life of the Samsa family is turned upside down one morning when their son, Gregor, is transformed into a monstrous insect. As revulsion turns into resentment, strange things start to happen… Amazingly, Kafka wrote this story in 1912, yet it still challenges and excites as a work of art today. Merrigong continues our new-found reputation for bringing you some of the world’s very best theatre companies, this time direct from Reykjavik!

Cast: Unnur Ösp Stef ánsd óttir , Ingvar E Sigurdson, Kelly Hunter , Jonathan McGuinnes , Björn Thors

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Canute Productions

The classic Australian story leaps from page to stage, as gumnut babies Snugglepot and Cuddlepie meet Mrs Snake, the big bad Banksia Man, a brave frog and many more uniquely Australian characters on their quest to see a human.

Suitable for ages 5 - 9

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The Fondue Set

Bingeing on action, Sydney’s infamous Fondue Set will be lying, dying, singing and trying in this new high volume, low costume dance-drama. Featuring motivational dancing, negative cheering, successful snoring, hypnotism, word bingo and more!

Created and performed by Jane McKernan, Elizabeth Ryan and Emma Saunders (The Fondue Set) in collaboration with acclaimed UK Director, Wendy Houston

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So you think you can dance? Check these guys out!

After sold out seasons at the Adelaide Festival, Singapore Festival and the Holland Dance Festival, it’s now Wollongong’s turn to thrill to the funk tap beat of Brisbane’s Raw Dance Company.

A hugely enjoyable hoof through the tap textbook, Project X is a ‘must-see’ for anyone familiar with the hot and sweaty style of new-age tap! Bringing to the stage an exhilarating mix of funk tap, live music, percussion and the very best beat-boxing, don’t miss Project X

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You know it, you love it! The annual Melbourne Comedy Festival Roadshow returns with a new line up of Australian and overseas acts sure to amaze and delight! The Melbourne International Comedy Festival is one of the top comedy festivals in the world and the Roadshow is a fantastic chance to sample the best of the Fest! This event is always popular, so book your tickets early to ensure a seat.

WARNING: may contain strong language and adult themes.

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Get ready for RUFF! 09. Launched last year, RUFF! is an initiative of Merrigong’s Theatre Development Program and showcases new works currently in development. On consecutive Saturday nights, see rehearsed readings (one each night) and afterwards stay and tell us what you thought in an informal feedback session with the artists.

Warning: may contain strong language and adult themes.

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Version 1.0

Political, provocative and highly entertaining!

On the eve of war, $290 million in bribes finds its way from Australia to the regime of an evil dictator. It sounds like the premise of a new Mission Impossible film, except … it’s absolutely true! If you think the Cole Inquiry’s 8,500 page report into the ‘Wheat-for-weapons’ scandal can’t possibly be turned into an entertaining night at the theatre, think again. One of the more shameful moments in our recent corporate and political history (complete with evasive executives and forgetful Ministers) is brilliantly transformed into a provocative, innovative and very amusing piece of theatre!

Cast: Stephen Klinder , Jane Phegan, Yana Taylor, Kym Vercoe, David Wiliams

Technical: Sean Bac on Lighting, Designer : Stephen Klinder, Sound Artist : Gail Priest

After conquering the Edinburgh, Montreal, Vancouver and Melbourne Fringe Festivals with sold out seasons, Kahlil Ashanti kick-starts his Australian tour right here in Wollongong!

Ashanti’s acclaimed autobiographical one-man show, Basic Training, chronicles his time in the U.S. Air Force’s crack entertainment troupe, where he learned to serve his country using his talents as a stand-up comedian and breakdancer! The day before Ashanti leaves for boot camp his mother reveals a shocking family secret that forces Kahlil to question his reasons for leaving. Mayhem ensues as Ashanti’s adventures put him in several life-affirming and life-threatening situations all narrated by 23 of the most hilarious, larger-than-life characters imaginable. Along the way, Ashanti comes of age, discovers his roots, and learns what the real “Basic Training” of life is all about.

Cast: Kahlil Ashanti

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The ever popular Bell Shakespeare returns with the Bard’s famous romantic comedy The Taming Of The Shrew. A classic battle of the sexes, this production has one serious twist, bringing a whole new spin to this tale of sexual politics. Meet Lucentio and Petruchio, two men on a search for love. Lucentio fixes his gaze on the sweet and gentle Bianca while Petruchio hears of Bianca’s wanton and wild sister, Kate, and vows to tame her and teach her to be an agreeable wife. All will be married; all will be well... Or so it would seem. During Shakespeare’s time, male actors played all the roles in his plays regardless of gender. Now award-winning director Marion Potts turns the tables with an all-female cast. There have been many contemporary re-tellings of The Taming Of The Shrew (including Heath Ledger in 10 Things I Hate About You) but this new production transcends expectation, taking the politics of marriage to ludicrous new heights. Vibrant, energetic and packed with female punch, this is the perfect night out for anyone who has ever fallen in love and managed to survive it.

Cast: including: Jeanette Cronin, Rebecca Massey

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Patch Theatre Company

Henry Horatio Richard O’Dockerty wants to be the world’s fastest boy – hop on and take a wild ride into fantasy to see if he achieves his dream! Featuring a 4 piece pop/rock band, this funny, engaging show from Patch Theatre Company, one of Australia’s premier childrens’ theatre companies, will appeal to kids of all ages, but especially those aged 4 - 8.

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Montreal’s Les 7 Doigts de la Main (The Seven Fingers) have taken the world by storm with their eccentric, intelligent, breath-taking contemporary circus-theatre. With deft humour these laid-back young circus artists somersault, contort, balance and catapult effortlessly around an urban backyard, then, with a touching and straightforward honesty, speak revealingly about their lives and relationships, exploring notions of memory and survival. Live drawings form a spontaneous animated backdrop, a ‘homemade’ grand piano is played by every character and skateboarding morphs into Hollywood musical.

This magical, awe-inspiring work has played to huge acclaim across the globe. From the Edinburgh Festival to a sell-out London season, its wistful message touches all. Life passes, it suggests, and we will disappear without a trace, but while we are here we might as well fly and attempt the impossible!

Cast: Antoine Carabinier -Lépine, Antoine Auger , Geneviève Morin, Jonathan Casaubon, Philip Rosenberg

Technical: Coaching and acrobatic research : Sébastie n Soldevila

Henry Horatio Richard O’Dockerty wants to be the world’s fastest boy – hop on and take a wild ride into fantasy to see if he achieves his dream!

Featuring a 4 piece pop/rock band, this funny, engaging show from Patch Theatre Company, one of Australia’s premier childrens’ theatre companies, will appeal to kids of all ages, but especially those aged 4 - 8.

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In 2009, Bangarra celebrates 20 years of bringing unique and exciting dance to Australia and the world.

Fire is a retrospective, showcasing the most memorable pieces of the company’s repertoire over these years. Don’t miss this once-only chance to experience a kaleidoscope of works that takes you on a 20 year journey that encapsulates 40,000 years of indigenous culture and traces Bangarra’s evolution from modest beginnings to the most renowned stages of the world.

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An Odd Couple for the Twenty-First Century, Elling is the hilarious West End comedy that started life as an Oscar nominated cult Norwegian film. And now Sydney Theatre Company brings us the Australian premiere production of this touching, charming play that will put a permanent smile on your face.

After two years in a mental institution, Elling and Kjell are allowed out, back into society. It’s not that they’re dangerous, they’re just a little… well… hopeless. Elling is too smart. Too sensitive. Too… Elling! And Kjell? Well, Kjell has a plan, a dream, a great ambition. He wants to lose his virginity. Preferably today!

Even the hardest heart will be touched by Elling and Kjell’s plight and the joy with which they discover the richness of life in the ‘real’ world. A brilliant cast, led by the irrepressible Darren Gilshenan, brings to life this funny, heart-warming celebration of the simple things in life: freedom and fellowship.

Cast: Includes Darren Gilshenan and Frank Whitten

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HIT Productions

The hilarious celebration of women and The Change!Do you think that 500,000 Australian women could be wrong? We don’t think so. After all, that is the number who have seen this hilarious show over the last two and a half years. And they love it! So much so, many of the audience members have come back time and time again to join with their sisters in this 90 minute, one act laugh-a-thon!

Maybe the attraction is the songs that everyone grew up with - The Great Pretender, Only You, The Lion Sleeps Tonight, Stand by Your Man, I Will Survive and twenty more - all sung with gusto and all with their ‘new’ lyrics. Or maybe it is the realisation that there is a wonderful life waiting after ‘The Change.’

Make it a girls' night out! Stay for drinks after the show, the bar will be open. All group bookers will receive a free drink on arrival.

Cast: Dubbo Housewife: Angela Ayers, Soap Star: Vivien Davies, Power Woman: Maria Mercedes, Earth Mother: Cindy Pritchard

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Critical Stages

A Russian submarine mysteriously vanishes, the sailors wait helplessly trapped 80 metres beneath the sea and the most extraordinary tale unfolds.

When the ill-fated submarine, The Kursk, sank in August 2000 the world waited as frantic efforts were made to rescue the 23 survivors trapped inside. This extraordinary play reveals the true story behind the headlines. Compelling from beginning to end, the pressure is extreme and the stakes are high.

On the surface, the rescuers work tirelessly, many have friends trapped below. Leading the rescue efforts, Admiral Popov is under extreme pressure to succeed at all costs. If he doesn’t, there will be a nuclear disaster in the Atlantic. The families and loved ones, wait too desperate for news, and a young woman waits for her sailor, as he writes her love letters while trapped inside The Kursk. Multi award-winning actor Eugene Gilfedder heads an outstanding ensemble cast in this acclaimed production that will have you on the edge of your seat.

Cast: Eugene Gilfeder , Jonathan Brand, Amanda Mitchel , Dirk Hoult , Julienne Youngbery and Sasha Janowicz

Technical: Lighting Designer : Jason Glenwright

Based on the books of Anna and Barbara Fienberg Presented in asociation with Brisbane Powerhouse

Meet Jack and his extraordinary friend Tashi! Hailing from somewhere magical, far, far away, Tashi tells the most amazing stories and Jack can’t wait to hear all about his adventures. This production presents two Tashi tales – Tashi and the Mountain of White Tigers and Tashi: Lost in the City. If you aren’t already in love with Tashi from the books you will be after this show!

Suitable for ages 4 - 10

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in a double bill of outstanding youth physical performance fLiNG Physical Theatre, the State’s premier youth dance company, return with their new show Sol’s Way – a journey into strange places, filled with unusual twists and adventure.

fliNG ’s characteristic style of high energy physical theatre is matched by local troupe, Monoxide’s Half-High Circus who will present a new work made especially for this occasion.

Suitable for all ages

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In 2008, to celebrate IPAC’s 20th year, Merrigong commissioned two local playwrights, Van Badham and Simon Luckhurst, and two other exciting talents, Mary Rachel Brown and Marcel Dorney, to each write a short play with the very simple premise – tell us a story about Wollongong.

In a classic case of art imitating life, they came back with tales delving deep into Wollongong’s rich history and colourful social fabric. From miners’ strikes to dog racing, drug dealing to dodgy development deals, these four plays about Wollongong cover it all!

Regular Merrigong patrons will be familiar with the work of all four writers. Van Badham’s Camarilla was seen at Merrigong in 2006, Marcel Dorney’s Thieves Like Us in 2008 and Mary Rachel Brown and Simon Luckhurst were the first two writers featured in Merrigong’s inaugural RUFF! New Works in Progress initiative in 2008.

With all four plays performed each night, this production promises to hold a mirror up to our city in all its raw beauty and human complexity

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Once every two months, The Vault Cabaret happens in Port Kembla. This regular outburst of locally grown creative energy has developed a cult following with it's unique performances and atmosphere. Once a year Merrigong Theatre Co brings the best acts from this season to IPAC for the bizarrely entertaining Treasures From the Vault celebration.

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