A new satirical play delving into the challenges faced by actors and filmmakers in Sydney’s creative scene is set to premiere at the Sydney Fringe Festival in Redfern.
The production, titled “I Worked With Heath Ledger Once…”, will run from 26 to 28 September at 107 Projects Redfern. Written and directed by Jarred Keane, the play is billed as “a real play about a fake documentary” and aims to blend humour with deeper themes of ambition and identity.
Story Background
The play centres on Maya, a young film student, who decides to make a documentary about an aspiring actor nearing 35 with a “make it or quit it” pact. As Maya faces pressure to tell a more personal story about her complicated past and issues faced by BIPOC in modern-day Sydney, she begins to intervene in the actor’s life to create a better ending for her film.
Keane describes the play as “a comedy… sort of” and explains its origins: “Originating as a disposal idea for a sketch/short film for the internet in between COVID lockdowns, I knew it was ‘the most unoriginal idea ever’ to make a Mockumentary about actors. Thankfully, I didn’t throw it away, but took that as a challenge to find something original and fresh where you’d least expect it.”
Community Focus
107 Projects Redfern, the venue hosting the play, is a repurposed car garage that now serves as a multipurpose creative hub. Since 2011, it has provided affordable facilities for artists, including exhibition and performance spaces, studios, and co-working areas.
The venue’s focus on community aligns with the play’s themes, offering a fitting backdrop for a story about Sydney’s creative industry. Its commitment to supporting local artists reflects the struggles and aspirations portrayed in the production.
Behind the Scenes
Keane reveals the personal nature of the project.
“This play is deeply personal for me as not only my first outing as a theatrical director, but as the writer – I have put so much of my life and the experiences of people close to me in this, I’ve never felt more vulnerable and terrified.”
The production features a cast of eight and additional crew members who will film and edit scenes to be played throughout as part of the “documentary” element. This unique approach blends live theatre with filmed content, creating a hybrid experience for the audience.
Themes and Relevance
Producer Westley Cornwell emphasised the play’s exploration of ethical dilemmas in pursuing creative dreams.
“This play offers a unique and humorous look at the struggles of actors and filmmakers, all while addressing deeper themes of ambition, identity, and the ethical lines we cross in pursuit of our dreams. It’s a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever faced a crossroads in their career,” he stated.
“While it is a Mockumentary, this is not at all about ‘mocking’ or making light of the struggles and dreams of creatives, it is about the universal need to be seen and heard. Both of the lead characters are intent on controlling how people see them, in fighting all of the expectations on them, but they make decisions that will hurt them in the long term simply because they are afraid of facing the entire scope of their identity,” Keane adds.
The play holds particular relevance in the current cultural climate, addressing the increased attention on diverse stories and the challenges faced by creatives in the industry.
Cast and Crew
The production boasts a diverse cast including Nat Astwood as Jennifer, Laren Bigg as DJ/Dominic, Richard Cotter as Clark, Lisa Hanssens as Ms Angelo/Kathleen Fennell, Jarred Keane as Jeremy, Koa Mcintyre as Ambrose/Raiden, Jade Nicholson-Lamb as Nikki, Ani Sidzamba as Maya, and Ricky Price as Terry.
Behind the scenes, Westley Cornwell serves as producer, with Lyndsey Fay Macnaught as production assistant and Indy Jo Woodward handling BTS videography.
Performance Details
The play will run for 115 minutes, with four performances scheduled:
– Thursday, 26 September at 8pm (Tickets: $39)
– Friday, 27 September at 8pm (Tickets: $49)
– Saturday, 28 September at 2pm (Tickets: $39)
– Saturday, 28 September at 8pm (Tickets: $49)
“My hope is that people will see themselves in these characters, that they will double over laughing, and walk away with something personal and indescribable for themselves in their own journey of self-love. I optimistically believe that to be human is to find connection, and that even the most foolish and foolhardy among us deserves to be loved,” Keane concludes.
Published 2-Sept-2024