Theatre@Risk
Past Productions & Reviews 2005

Originally performed 4–20 November 2005 at Fortyfivedownstairs

Designed by Peter Corrigan
Sound design by Kelly Ryall
Lighting by Nick Merrylees
Stage Manager Jo Mullins
Music composed and performed live by Phil McLeod

“Yet again, Theatre@risk occupies the cutting edge of contemporary Melbourne theatre with this thriller from one of Germany's most-performed playwrights, Roland Schimmelpfennig. A sharp, tight script; a many-layered performance style that references Greek tragedy and film noir; intelligent and imaginative direction from Chris Bendall; and subtle performances from the five actors contribute to the enormous enjoyment.”

“Lighting that silhouettes figures both in and out of the action, and moody cello music played by composer Phil Mcleod, build suspense.”

“Bolton gives a wonderfully chilling performance — in an almost deadpan rendition of obsession that can only be understood by her actions, not her words or her facial expression. The confused Frank has too few clues to read her correctly. Wardlaw gives the character just the right touch of ultimately fatal indecisiveness.”

- Helen Thomson, The Age, November 8, 2005

Set & Costume Designer: Kellee Frith Lighting Designer: Nick Merrylees
Original Music & Sound Design: Kelly Ryall Movement Consultant: Simon Kingsley Hall
Stage Manager: Genevieve Cizevskis Producer & Photography: Kirrilly Brentnall

“Flawless troupe... Hunt this one down right now."
– Inpress, 2005

“Jude Beaumont is outstanding as Matilda”
– The Age, 2005

"A carnival like set, limbo competition and jaunty soundtrack combine with O'Neill's snappy dialogue to set the tone for the rest of the performance - proving that a moral tale is a squillion times more effective when it's told in an abstract way with irony and satire”
– Inpress, 2005

“Now in its fifth year, Theatre@Risk remains true to its manifesto of producing theatre that's left of mainstream and politically conscious. The company prides itself on trying new ideas in form and content and deliberately shies away from narrative orthodoxy. Stalking Matilda fulfils all such criteria.”
– The Australian, 2005

“While Stalking Matilda explores the popular theme of asylum seekers seen in an increasing number of recent productions, much credit must be given for its original composition.”
– State of The Art, 2005

WINNER OF R.E. ROSS PLAYWRIGHTS AWARD
CORCADORCA PLAY OF THE YEAR - NOMINATION

NSW PREMIER'S LITERARY AWARD - SHORTLISTED

VICTORIAN PREMIER'S LITERARY AWARD - SPECIAL MENTION

Producer: Kirrilly Brentnall
Set & Costume Design: Isla Shaw
Lighting Design: Adam Howe
Original Music & Sound Composition: Kelly Ryall
Stage Manager: Phillip Costello

“Theatre @ Risk has proved itself to be one of the most important independent theatre companies in Australia right now.”
- John Bailey, Beat, 2005

“The stories themselves are absorbing, and the many links with contemporary political life become more and more obvious. But it is the synergy set up by the actors, slipping in and out of different roles along with their rudimentary costumes, that energises the whole piece, and makes such a risky proposition succeed.”
Helen Thomson, The Age, June 6 2005