IN THE wake of school shootings that have sent shock waves across the globe, The Events sheds some light on the unthinkable.
Written by David Grieg, the play follows Claire, a minister and choir director who becomes the sole survivor of a mass-shooting – when a disaffected young man opens fire with a semi-automatic.
In an interesting combination between cast and community, actors will be joined on stage by members of Tamworth choirs.
Actor Johnny Carr plays a number of characters, including the perpetrator of the shooting.
“The play really explores why people commit these senseless acts, it’s trying to shed some light on the logic or the reasons behind it,” he said.
“I think the overlying message is one of hope in a community and strength of the human spirit.
“It throws up so many different questions, everyone has an opinion in the play.”
After the shooting, Claire begins to talk to a young man – the voice of the alienated, the voice of Johhny Carr.
“Claire is the sole survivor trying to deal with the survivor guilt and this sense of revenge she has which is uncommon for her as a priest,” Carr said.
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“When you’re cast in these roles, if you ask any actor worth their salt, you’ve got to think of the reason behind it.
“And the reasoning in it is quite amazing especially for Australian audiences.”
Everywhere the play goes, it’s joined by a local community choir.
Carr said often they’ll do one or two shows each.
“The idea is that they rehearse at their weekly choir practice with all the songs and turn up an hour beforehand and are given these interjections [lines] in the piece,” he said.
“It’s pretty full on for them, some days they’re really thrown in the deep end.
“But it gives the performance this real freshness, having a full community choir on stage that are watching the play for the first time plus waiting for their bits, underscoring it and adding the musical elements – it’s pretty amazing.”
The Events is on at Tamworth Town Hall on Tuesday July 17 at 7:30pm and Wednesday July 18 at 7:30pm.
For information visit entertainmentvenues.com.au
Madeline Link
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
Madeline Link is a journalist at the Newcastle Herald, with a focus on Lake Macquarie City Council. To keep up with my stories, follow my Twitter @madeline_link, for tips email madeline.link@newcastleherald.com.au.
