ALFRED DEAKIN IS AFRAID OF THE DARK

An extraordinary new historical drama that will premiere in Sydney this April.

A new Australian play Written and directed by Carla Moore

The Richard Wherrett Studio
Sydney Theatre
Hickson Rd
Friday April 8th 6pm & 8:30pm
Bookings: Sydney Theatre 9250 1999

Presented by RGP & taurus productions, ALFRED DEAKIN IS AFRAID OF THE DARK deals with Australia's most surprising Prime Minister, who stood comfortably in the same social democratic tradition as the Australian Labor Party, yet was also the Father of the modern Liberal Party. Deakin was a man surrounded by women who adored him; a man who believed in Ouija boards and mediums, yet ironically was afraid of the dark; a man who wrote poetry to his wife, yet was the architect of the White Australia Policy.

As the 20th century dawned, women fought for and gained the right to vote and one amazing woman, Vida Goldstein, became the first woman in the British Empire to stand for Parliament. In this fascinating production, Goldstein and Deakin meet head on as they both fight for their political lives.

ALFRED DEAKIN IS AFRAID OF THE DARK has been devised by eight actors over several months of research and improvised theatre and has been written and directed by Carla Moore, teacher, director and NIDA playwright.

"It has been an exciting and stimulating process", Moore said when interviewed. "Deakin had a most interesting life, but he had a dark side; just like Nancy and Ronald Reagan, Deakin and his wife Pattie consulted mediums to help determine his political future."

When asked "why Alfred Deakin?" Moore answered: "Many years ago, I heard an interview with a Deakin expert on ABC Radio and heard the random line 'Alfred Deakin was afraid of the dark'. Call me strange, but I found that fascinating and instantly thought, what a great title for a play!" Improvised theatre played a big part in devising the script and scenic order, and Moore contributes her expertise in this to her Drama teaching days. "The team is amazingly talented and endlessly inspiring. We decided as a group what we wanted to know, or explore and then collaboratively worked things out on the floor."

Set in Melbourne, the play is an original and lively interpretation of the personal story of the Deakin family and the times of Federation. It asks the question 'is Australia fair?' and warns that 'those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.' With imaginative storytelling and the evocative songs of Dame Nellie Melba, ALFRED DEAKIN IS AFRAID OF THE DARK is a compelling production not to be missed.

ALFRED DEAKIN IS AFRAID OF THE DARK has only two performances in the Richard Wherrett Studio at the Sydney Theatre on April 8th at 6pm and 8.30pm.

Media: for more information, photos, biogs, interviews etc, contact: Carla Moore taurus productions (02) 9427 2953 or carla_moore99@hotmail.com

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