Fortune Theatre

28 March – 18 April, 2015

WORLD PREMIERE

Written by Philip Braithwaite

Directed by Roy Ward

Featuring: Jonathan Martin, Simon O’Connor, Ben Van Lier and Alexander Walker

A Fortune Theatre Commission with the support of the Lottery World War One Commemorations, Environment And Heritage Committee

Hidden in Dunedin’s history are generations of lies, mutiny and grave injustice In a brand new play that blurs lines between the real and the imaginary, playwright Philip Braithwaite searches for answers about his great uncle, Jack Braithwaite, who was in the First World War.

What he uncovers is a truth that has been locked away for nearly a century. Across several generations, spanning from Dunedin to halfway around the world, two men's lives become inextricably bound.

Jack: "Suddenly you’re scared. Then you realise something: you’ve been scared the whole bloody time and you didn’t even know it."

Artistic Director, Lara Macgregor says, “I couldn’t believe my luck when Philip Braithwaite revealed his fascinating family history and that he was planning to write a play about it. We acted immediately to secure funding to commission him to write the first draft, and since then have been work-shopping and honing the play ready for its world premiere in Dunedin. Fortune Theatre is proud to be producing such a bold new New Zealand work whilst making a profound contribution to the global WW1 Centenary Celebrations.”

Phil: "I feel like Jack's right in front of me, hanging over me. The past is like that. You turn a corner and it’s there, staring at you."

What are the connections between fathers and sons in Dunedin's Braithwaite family, and what was Jack’s grave injustice?

“Even in the depths of war, my Great Uncle, Jack Braithwaite, never forgot Dunedin, and so I'm very honoured that Jack’s story will be told at Fortune Theatre, in his beloved home town,” said author Philip Braithwaite.

Roy Ward, the director, is excited to be returning to the Fortune Theatre to bring The War Play to the stage. “I’m enjoying the challenge of working on this bold new script and I can’t wait to start working with the fantastic cast in Dunedin, a city I love.”

Politics, art, family, and the nature of truth come together in The War Play - an exciting Fortune Theatre commission of one of New Zealand's prominent award-winning playwrights.

Proudly presented by Dunedin City Mazda

CAST

Jonathan Martin

Simon O’Connor

Ben Van Lier

Alexander Walker

CREW

Writer Philip Braithwaite

Director Roy Ward

Set Designer Peter King

Lighting Designer Stephen Kilroy

Sound Designer Matthew Morgan

Costume Designer Maryanne Wright-Smyth

Stage Manager George Wallace

KEY EVENTS / DATES Lunchtime Bites / Thursday, 19 March meet at 12.15pm in the Dunedin Public Library, ground floor. The actors will perform an excerpt from The War Play with an opportunity to win tickets. Reading will commence at 12.30pm followed by afternoon tea. This is a FREE event.

Opening Night / Saturday, 28 March 7.30pm, Fortune Theatre.

Members’ Briefing / Sunday, 29 March meet at the Fortune bar at 3.00pm and join playwright Phil Braithwaite for a lively informal chat about The War Play

Forum / Tuesday, 31 March - join the cast and crew for an open question and answer session following the 6.00pm show.

Audio Describe Performance / Sunday, 12 April - an audio described performance offered in collaboration with Experience Access for visually impaired patrons and friends. Bookings essential.

About Philip Braithwaite

Philip Braithwaite has been writing plays since 1999. In 2000 he won the New Zealand Young Playwrights’ Award. Amongst his other credits are the BBC World Service/British Council International Radio Playwriting Award 2001, and the Adam NZ Play Award 2013, for his play The Mercy Clause. Phil’s work has been produced in New Zealand, Australia and Europe, and he has collaborated with groups from the Royal Court Theatre in London, the BBC and the SEEyD theatre company. His radio plays have been produced on the BBC World Service and Radio New Zealand. He has also worked as a scriptwriting teacher at Massey University, Victoria University of Wellington, and Whitireia Polytechnic. He has provided mentorship for young playwrights at Fortune Theatre in Dunedin and in 2013-14 he was the William Evans Playwriting Fellow at the University of Otago. He is currently Writer in Residence at the Michael King Writers’ Centre in Auckland.

Production Dates 28 March – 18 April, 2015

Running Time Approx. 2hr 15 mins including interval. (TBC)

Venue Fortune Theatre, 231 Stuart Street, Dunedin

Performances Tuesday, 6.00pm, Wednesday - Saturday, 7.30pm, Sunday, 4.00pm (no show Monday)

Tickets Gala (first 5 shows) $34, Adults $42, Senior Citizens $34, Members $32, Tertiary Students $20, High School Students $15, Group discount (10 +) $34

Bookings Fortune Theatre, 231 Stuart Street, Dunedin Box Office 03 477 8323 or visit www.fortunetheatre.co.nz

For further information, imagery or interview/photo opportunities please contact: Lucy Summers, Marketing Manager T: (03) 477 1292 ext. 2 M: 021 108 3046 E: marketing@fortunetheatre.co.nz www.fortunetheatre.co.nz