theatre works and wild boar theatre
by irene korsten
Are You There?
3 - 13 SEPTEMBER | EXPLOSIVES FACTORY
by irene korsten
One very small space. Three very different women. Thank God it’s Friday.
Pia is the energetic, loud, accidentally foul-mouthed ‘Director of First Impressions’ at Autumn Dale Village, a busy aged-care home. With the foyer as her office, she’s a captive audience - chained to her spreadsheets and relentless work calls Pia tries to keep the residents amused and safe, while behind the scenes her personal life is descending into chaos.
Her more persistent front-of-house companions across the last decade include 90-year-old Lauren and 75-year-old Colleen. With Lauren now reduced to one questioning phrase and Colleen's world ruled by her dead mother – Pia truly does thank God it’s Friday.
A premiere season of writer Irene Korsten’s latest work, Are You There? brings together a talented team of Melbourne creatives including director Rachel Baring and actors Jane Clifton, Melanie Madrigali and Rosemary Johns. Running for a limited time at the Explosive’s Factory in St Kilda, this new Australian dark comedy from Wild Boar Theatre Company promises to liven up a crisp Spring night. Tickets now on sale.
“This is what theatre should be, a very strong work indeed” - Ordinary Misery, Radio National.
“The writing is first class” - Ordinary Misery, The Age.
“Korsten’s dialogue is brisk and well observed.” - Ordinary Misery, The Herald Sun.
VENUE
Explosives Factory, Rear Laneway 67 Inkerman Street, St Kilda
DURATION
80 minutes
WARNINGS
Strong language, themes of ageing and death. 15 years +
ACCESSIBILITY
Explosives Factory is accessed via a flight of stairs and is not wheelchair accessible.
DATES + TIMES
Wednesday 3 September 7:30pm (Preview)
Thursday 4 September 7:30pm (Opening)
Friday 5 September 7:30pm
Saturday 6 September 7:30pm
Tuesday 9 September 7:30pm
Wednesday 10 September 7:30pm
Thursday 11 September 7.30pm
Friday 12 September 7.30pm
Saturday 13 September 7.30pm
Theatre Works has a lockout policy for latecomers. Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to ensure you don't miss out.
Refunds will not be issued to latecomers.
TICKETS
FULL PRICE
$48.00
CONCESSION
$38.00
PREVIEW
$30.00
MOB TIX
$25.00
Shows in the WITH THEATRE WORKS stream align strongly our values and missions - these works we co-produce and co-present with independent artists and/or companies. Projects within this stream receive significant producing, marketing, PR and production support in addition to free use of the venue and a generous box office split.
*Seniors, Student, MEAA, Health Care and Low Income card holders
CREDITS
DIRECTOR
Rachel Baring
WRITER
Irene Korsten
CAST
Colleen... Jane Clifton
Pia... Melanie Madrigali
Lauren... Rosemary Johns
LIGHTING DESIGNER
Tomas Gerasimidis
SET DESIGNER
Josh McNeill
COSTUME DESIGNER
Dylan Lumsden
STAGE MANAGER
Lauren Kemp
PR Assistance by Sassy Red PR (Eleanor Howlett)
MEET THE ARTIST -
Irene Korsten
Winner of a Green Room award for writing and Highly Commended at the Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards. Irene has written plays, one-person shows and stand-up comedy. Irene and the director David Wicks formed a life-long creative collaboration after both attending The Victorian College of the Arts, Drama. They formed Wild Boar Theatre Company in 2022.
Irene is also a graduate of RMIT’s Professional Writing and Editing Diploma and has worked with The Australian Screenwriters Guild, Adelaide Fringe, The Melbourne Comedy Festival, Castlemaine Arts Festival and La Mama Theatre.
EXTRAS
In Conversation with Irene Korsten
Read our Backstage Blog interview with Green Room Award winning writer Irene Korsten
Rehearsal Gallery
Have a behind-the-scenes look into the rehearsal room of Are You There?