Polly Teale's Brontë in Brisbane

Polly Teale's Brontë Australian premiere opens today, September 9, in Brisbane:

Metro Arts and ThreeSisters Productions Present
Brontë by Polly Teale, directed by Sue Rider

With special permission from Dominie Pty Ltd.

'We will use men's names; no one will know, but us.'

It is 1845. Branwell Brontë returns home in disgrace. Plagued by alcohol and drug addiction, he has been dismissed after a scandalous affair with his employer's wife. As he descends into insanity, bringing chaos to his household, his sisters go on writing their extraordinary novels...

Brontë examines how three women who had never experienced the world outside their village, never known love, and lived in an era when females weren't permitted to borrow from the library, could author some of the most passionate, sensual, popular fiction of all time. The Brontë stories continue to captive contemporary readers: Jane Eyre remains the second-most widely-read book in the English language.

Brontë explores the private lives of Charlotte, Emily, and Anne Brontë, where fact and fiction, reality and fantasy collide. Venture into a literary detective story where the power of the imagination haunts and inspires its creators, and triumphs against all odds.

Metro Arts Independents and ThreeSisters Productions, in association with Brisbane Writers Festival, will present the Australian premiere of Brontë, by Polly Teale, from September 9 to 27 2008. Brontë features acclaimed director Sue Rider, with set design by Kitty Taube, and featuring well-known local actors Kerith Atkinson, Ron Kelly, Hannah Levien, Kathryn Marquet, Rebecca Roberts, and Kevin Spink.

Brontë marks the launch of ThreeSisters Productions, an innovative, professional independent theatre company, committed to showcasing local talent and empowering young audiences.

Season: Tues 09 - Sat 27 September 2008
Thursday 11 September - Brisbane author, Nick Earls - guest speaker after the performance of Brontė.
When: Tue: 6:30pm
Wed - Sat: 7:30pm
Where: Sue Benner Theatre, Metro Arts, 109 Edward St, Brisbane
Tickets: Adults $20/ Conc. $16/ Preview $12/ Group (10+) $12

You can follow the run-up to the premiere on this website aptly (and with evident good taste) named The Brontë Blog. Interviews with the actresses, set designer, composer (Kylie Morris) and lots of pictures of the rehearsals. A must see.

EDIT: The Brisbane Times also announces the play.

Categories: Theatre