Director's Note | The Ballad of Dan O'Malley: A Football Tragedy
Ahead of their opening week, read about The Ballad of Dan O'Malley: A Football Tragedy straight from their esteemed director, Therésa Borg.
Chatting to Paul Mitchell this am, I thanked him for inviting me into the world of footy, the world of this play, a world I had limited access to growing up as a kid from a migrant family of five sisters. I’ve loved the daredevil, the physicality, the grace the play demands in the moments dedicated to putting the game onstage. I’ve loved thinking about honour and the compromises passionate people make with power in order to maintain or promote their personal ambitions, and the example this sets for the young people they love and mentor. I’ve loved hanging with this committed bunch of Melbourne makers, who all love their footy, and most of all I’ve loved messing around in my own mother tongue, Aussie dialect from the ‘burbs and the humour that goes with it, dry as a Salada. I hope you can all feel the love that went into making this story: love from all of us at Monstrous to all of you. Always.
Therèsa Borg is a director, writer and performer. She is a graduate of University of Melbourne (B.Ed. Sec (Music)) and twice of The Victorian College of the Arts (Opera Studio, Masters: Writing for Performance). Her directing credits include Titanic starring Anthony Warlow at Melbourne Town Hall, Sweeney Todd, starring Anthony Warlow and Gina Riley at Her Majesty’s Melbourne, The Light in the Piazza at Arts Centre Melbourne, Disney Under the Stars at SOH/ Myer Music Bowl, Paw Patrol Live! at Wembley Arena, The Happiest Man on Earth at Sydney Opera House and twice voice- directing the Muppeteers in New York City. Her operatic directing credits include productions of The Consul and La Cenerentola to outstanding reviews. Therèsa is currently Associate Director to Neil Armfield on Death of a Salesman starring Anthony La Paglia.
The Ballad of Dan O'Malley: A Football Tragedy plays August 12-22 at Explosives Factory.
What a compelling introduction to a production that connects football, ambition, ethics, and personal responsibility. The story appears to explore difficult choices within a world people care deeply about, giving the performance plenty of emotional depth. I enjoyed learning more about the creative perspective behind it. Reading about www.attn2detail.info alongside arts discussions added another interesting layer to my browsing.
this director's note offers a compelling personal perspective on bringing a football story to the stage. theresas reflection on her own background and the themes of honour and ambition adds a thoughtful layer. the mention of working with the local dialect and humour feels authentic. it sounds like a production crafted with genuine affection for both the sport and the community it represents. Lyrics Into Song
theresa borg's director's note offers a compelling personal perspective on bringing football culture to the stage. her reflection on growing up with limited access to that world adds a meaningful layer. the discussion about honour, ambition, and mentorship within the play's context is particularly thoughtful. it's clear this production comes from a place of deep affection for both the sport and the local dialect. Image 2
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It's fascinating to hear about the director's personal journey and how it influenced their approach to this football-themed play. The blend of physicality and emotional depth sounds captivating, and I'm curious to see how it all comes together on stage. For those interested in football and its impact on individuals, you might also find akedo coloring pages a fun way to engage with the sport's culture.