HAMLET
Directed by Tai Gardner
Written by William Shakespeare
5th December- 13th December 2014
"The play's the thing..."
PLoT Theatre Society celebrates the Bard's 450th birthday with their production of Shakespeare's Hamlet. Its popularity has endured the ages, its language, themes and questions a constant companion to each generation of actors and audiences. Hamlet has been portrayed by the giants in English history, from Gielgud and Olivier to Branagh and Tennant Directed by society regular Tai Gardner, this intimate production is stripped-down and fast paced, its focus firmly upon the troubled prince of Denmark. A tale of murder, madness and revenge exploring the burden of uncertainty in a timeless setting.
PAST PRODUCTIONS
Disclosed
Written and Directed by Caitlin Richardson
8th August-9th August 2014
PLoT Theatre Society proudly presents "Disclosed: a performance in three cells". A wholly original work written and directed by Caitlin Richardson, Disclosed presents three short, interlocking plays, starring Michael Bruce, Marcus Johnson, Aidan Lyle, Angus Owen.
In 1849, the Separate Prison at the Port Arthur commenced operation. Trapped between whitewashed walls, prisoners’ only place to go was within themselves. Disclosed opens the doors to convicts’ personal worlds- small and square, but housing infinite dreams. A violin is played, a baby is held, a wife is lost. These are the stories that do not appear in prison records.
SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL
Directed by Mark Morgan
Written by Richard Brinsley Sheridan
24th April- 3rd May 2014
PLOT Theatre Society Proudly Presents Richard Brinsley Sheridan's hilarious comedy of gossip, slander, seduction, sibling rivalry, scandal, deception, disguise and ultimately love. Set against the background of the "roaring twenties" this production is guaranteed to please!!
"Fast-paced and amusing...Michael Bruce was charming..." Merlene Abbot, Stage Whispers
Romeo & Juliet
Directed by CJ Bowers & David Huf
Written by William Shakespeare
2nd October- 5th October 2013
"A tale of woe in Nazi occupied France."
One of Shakespeare's most popular plays, the story of star-crossed lovers takes place upon a backdrop of rebellion and conflict. Directors CJ Bowers and David Huf provide their take on Shakespeare's tragedy, transporting the story to occupied Paris at the height of the Nazi conquest of Europe.
Following on from PLoT's May double-bill of Bouncers and Shakers, and our recent success at OneFest 2013, Romeo and Juliet will mark the company's final production for this season.
Bouncers & Shakers
Directed by CJ Bowers
Written by John Godber
8th May- 11th May 2013
"It’s cold outside, but they don’t care."
PLoT Theatre Company presents two of theatres audiences most well-loved British comedies, John Godber’s “Bouncers” and “Shakers”.
Depicting a typical night out on the town, complete with drunken antics, personal soap operas and the ever-present allure of sex, “Bouncers” and “Shakers” follows the experiences of the jaded work lives of the bouncers and waitresses who serve the pub patrons and party goers. Universal in their appeal both plays are hilarious and poignant in their stylized portrayal of urban nightlife.
Much Ado About Nothing
Directed by Tai Gardner
Written by William Shakespeare
12th December- 15th December 2012
A light hearted comedy romp, PLoT’s Much Ado About Nothing aims to be a modern interpretation of Shakespeare’s comedy, drawing inspiration from sitcoms such as How I Met Your Mother and Scrubs.
PLoT’s first production in the Theatre Royal Backspace has been a great success, and puts the company in a fantastic position for 2013!
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Directed by Luke Preer
Written by William Shakespeare
14th December- 17th December 2011
Following on from his successful directing debut, Luke Preer is now putting on one of Shakespeare's most loved and memorable plays. 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' has never been seen like this before; when Hermia and Lysander flee from Theseus' estate into the urban jungle, those dwelling there will get up to mischief. Staring some old PLoT favourites and some shiny new faces, this is sure to be one not to miss.
The Imaginary Invalid
Directed by Luke Preer
Written by Moliere
22nd August- 25th August 2011
Come and see the PLoT adaptation of Moliere's classic French comedy by first time director LUKE PREER.
Brought into the colourful backdrop of the late 60's/early 70's this comedy highlights the duty of family, the dangers of doctors and the dark humour of an aging Hypochondriac. We have short skirts, bright colours and even some Woodstock inspired interludes. So bring all your friends for a good night out.
The Club
Directed by Marcus Johnson
Written by David Williamson
25th May-28th May 2011
PLoT Vice-President MARCUS JOHNSON directs his first production for PLoT with this classic play following the plight of an Aussie Rules Football team that's stuck on the bottom of the ladder. Team President Ted Parker (played by PLoT President TAI GARDNER) is at odds with the embattled coach Laurie Holden (CJ BOWERS). When new player, Geoff Hayward (JON LENTHALL), joins the team an opportunity is sensed by administrator Gerry Cooper (MARCUS JOHNSON) and Jock Riley (TOM HOGAN) and the political intrigue and backstabbing begins!
This satirical take on our national sport is a must see for anyone who hasn't experienced David Williamson's work in all its glory. Full of all the good stuff (weed, strippers and 70s flares), PLoT's upcoming production is one not to be missed.
Double-Bill
A Florentine Tragedy & No Exit
Directed by Tai Gardner
Written by Oscar Wilde and Jean-Paul Satre
27th May-30th April 2011
PLoT’s stage has been empty for far too long! This year we are kicking off our season with our annual run of one act plays, offering a humorous and surreal double bill directed by PLoT President Tai Gardner. The first half of this exciting double bill, A FLORENTINE TRAGEDY by Oscar Wilde, is a witty tale of adultery and manners, with a healthy dose of violence thrown in. How far will infidelity go? The second half of our bill, Jean-Paul Sartre’s NO EXIT, a surreal story about the company of others and the quest for redemption with a hellish twist. B
The Alcestis &
The Medea
Directed by CJ Bowers
Written by Euripides
15th September-18th September 2010
The ALCESTIS fundamentally questions concepts of manhood when King Admetus is saved from fated death only by the sacrifice of his wife Alcestis. Encounters with Heracles and Death propel this drama into the realms of comedy. Another beat entirely, the MEDEA is the ultimate tale of the woman scorned; left for another woman by her husband, Jason of the Argonauts, eastern princess and sorceress Medea enacts the bloodiest of revenges, culminating in a horrific climax.
Director CJ BOWERS seeks to portray two very different shows, injecting the comedy AlCESTIS with a modern parody of the Underbelly phenomenon will seeking to preserve the historical context of the MEDEA.
The Tempest
Directed by Tai Gardner
Written by William Shakespeare
16th April- 24th April 2010
PLoT opens its 2010 season with a steam punk vision of Shakespeare’s THE TEMPEST directed by Tai Gardner. Gardner, who previously directed DR. FAUSTUS for PLOT, has brought together a fantastic cast of veteran Shakespeare performers as well as some fresh faces on the Hobart Theatre Scene.
Described by the director as “Just like LOST; a load of people wash up on an island and nothing happens” THE TEMPEST follows the fortunes of a number of castaways washed up on a magical isle commanded by the ousted Duke Prospero (SIMONE DOBBER). The roving bands of survivors travel the island finding love, treachery, supernatural forces and cask wine.
Mad Forest
Directed by Amy Whitaker
Written by Caryl Churchill
23rd September- 30th September 2009
PLoT, the university theatre company proudly presents the Tasmanian premier of Caryl Chruchill’s MAD FOREST. Amy Whitaker, first time director & a troupe of thirteen actors take on Churchill’s contemporary drama, set around the events of the 1989 Romanian Revolution.
Combining the real life accounts of those witnesses to the Revolution with a mixture of biting realism and the abstract, the play at once displays humanities ability to survive and the violent madness of unleashed turmoil. Told through the eyes of two families connected through the marriage of their children, Churchill explores the permanent scars that revolution inflicted upon the people of Romania.
Threesome
The Proposal, Hamilton, The Real Inspector Hound
Directed by Victor Kalka & CJ Bowers
Written by Anton Chekov, Scott Faulkner and Tom Stoppard
21st July-24th July 2010
Flushed with success from this season’s opening show, THE TEMPEST, PLOT presents THREESOME: A THEATRICAL THREEWAY, three one act plays, showcasing some of the classics as well as a wholly original piece. Local Hobart writer SCOTT FAULKNER presents his first original play, HAMILTON, while TOM STOPPARD’S classic THE REAL INSPECTOR HOUND and CHEKOV’S THE PROPOSAL will also be on display.
First time director CJ BOWERS and veteran director VICTOR KALKA tackle PLOT’s One-Act Festival head-on, showcasing local talent, as well as breathing new life into the classics.
Doctor Faustus
Directed by Tai Gardner
Written by Christopher Marlowe
14th August- 21st August 2009
Tai Gardner makes his directorial debut with The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus. John Faustus makes a deal with the devil Mephistopheles for thirty years of unlimited power; but as Faustus comes closer to the day of payment he begins to descend into debauchery and pettiness. Crossing paths with Popes and Emperors, scholars and drunkards, actor Cam McKenzie brings a despairing sense of the inevitable to the decline of John Faustus, while Jarred Goldsmith brings a ominous caged energy to the role of Mephistopheles.
PLOT’s sinfully good show combines eerie FX with ominous set to create an atmospheric backdrop for some of Hobart’s finest actors. A show not to be missed.
The Merry Wives of Windsor
Directed by Victor Kalka
Written by William Shakespeare
13th May- 23rd May 2009
One of the bard funniest comedies, Director and PLOT President Victor Kalka brings a witty, energetic and pop-culture laden flair to the land of Windsor.
Standout performances from Cam McKenzie as mad French warrior Doctor Caius and Edward Gregor as the comically stiff and cliché Master Ford, combined with rapid fire dialogue, over-the-top slapstick and gratuitous, self-indulgent humour, PLOT’s opening show for the 2009 season is not to be missed!
The Importance of Being Earnest
Directed by Victor Kalka
Written by Oscar Wilde
13th May- 23rd May 2008
First time director Victor Kalka brings a mature, traditional interpretation to Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, assembling a veteran cast of PLoT performers.
Set in Victorian England, “EARNEST” follows the intricate and hilarious relations between its characters as they assume a variety of false identities in order to escape unwanted social obligations. THE MERCURY reviewer Wal Eastman gives a glowing review, writing “Ellis’s Lady B is a fire breathing dragon and the Wildian prose glows in her strident tones, while MacGregor lovingly embraces the role of Gwendolyn, endowing her with tenderness, animation and wit.”
KALKA’s production is witty, pithy and energetic, sensitively directed and boasting a fine cast.
2008
“The Importance of Being Earnest”
By Oscar Wilde
Directed by Victor Kalka
“Cymbeline”
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Heath Ivey-Law
2007
“Treasure Island”
By Robert Louis Stevenson
Directed by Owen Tubb
"Wolf Lullaby"
By Hilary Bell
Directed by Dan Graham
“Much Ado About Nothing”
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Carl Fordham
2006
“Alice in Wonderland”
By
Directed by Carl Fordman and Owen Tubb
“The Misanthrope”
By Moliere
Directed by Robert Scotney
“The Merchant of Venice”
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Ryan Davey
2005
“The Jungle Book”
By
Directed by Alex Rigozzi
“Caucasian Chalk Circle”
By Bertolt Brecht
Directed by Carl Fordman
2004
Reading: Much Ado about Nothing,
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Rei Cowel
“Butterflies are Free”
By Leonard Gershe
Directed by Emma Catchpole
“Cosi”
By Louis Nowra
Directed by Rowan Dix
2003
“The Day Room”
By Don DeLillo
Directed by Benjamin Nicholls
“All My Sons”
By Arthur Miller
Directed by Jen Gardner
2002
“Speaking In Tongues”
Written by Andrew Bovell
Directed by Simon Martin
“House of Benarda Alba”
By Federico García Lorca
Directed by Joanna Martin
2001
“Away”
By Michael Gow
Directed by Joanna Martin
"The Popular Mechanicals"
By Keith Robinson, Tony Taylor and William Shakespeare
Directed by Simon Martin
2000
“Traitors”
By Steven Sewell
Directed by Julie Waddington
“The Real Inspector Hound”
By Tom Stoppard
Directed by Rowan Dix
1999
Reading: "Much Ado About Nothing"
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Vince Taskunas
“Restoration”
By
Directed by
1998
“The Chapel Perilous”
By Dorothy Hewett
Directed by Lisa Morriset
“Biting Pavlov”
By Philip Dean
Directed by Brent Casey
1997
“All the Black Dogs”
By Marilyn Allen
Directed by Damian McDonald
“Stags and Hens”
By Willy Russell
Directed by Anne Gollan
1996
“Much Ado About Nothing”
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Julie Waddington
"Rosencrantz and Guildernstern are Dead"
By Tom Stoppard
Directed by Julie Waddington
“Café Latte Kid”
By Tony McNamara
Directed by Damien MacDonald
1995
“The Entrepreneurs”
By Pauline Hoskins
Directed by Julie Waddington and Ellen Rees
