Jane Eyre in Fremantle

A new production of Jane Eyre opens today in

Harbour Theatre's Final Production for 2011 is the Australian Premiere of Robert Johanson adaptation of:

Charlotte Brontë’s "Jane Eyre"
Adaptation by Robert Johanson
Directed by Nicola Bond.
A Community Theatre Production By Special Arrangement with Origin Theatrical Pty Ltd
Port Cineaste Building
70 Adelaide Street, Fremantle, Australia

There have been many adaptations of Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre over the years but probably none so entertaining and dramatic as Robert Johanson’s 1998 adaptation which is brought to stirring life by Harbour Theatre for their final production for 2011.

First published in 1847 this ever popular, enduring story has been adapted for stage, film and television many times including the most recent 2011 film starring Mia Wasikowska and Michael Fasbender.
Award winning director and Applecross resident Nicola Bond has taken on the challenge of mounting Harbour Theatre’s production embracing all aspects of what has been described as “a fast-paced, atmospheric and compelling re-telling of one of the most enduring stories in the English language”
“Jane Eyre is a story often considered ahead of its time due to its portrayal of the development of a thinking and passionate young woman who is both individualistic and desiring for a full life, whilst also highly moral” she says.
“Many adaptations tend to omit much of Jane’s early life however, Robert Johanson’s script manages to remain true to the original story. The play tells the story of Jane Eyre who, orphaned as a baby, struggles through her nearly loveless childhood and becomes governess at Thornfield Hall where she meets and falls in love with its enigmatic owner Edward Rochester. However, all is not as it seems and Jane must struggle once more to find the happiness that she so craves. ”
“Although Jane suffers much she is very self-reliant and I have aimed in this production to not portray her as a damsel in distress.”
Nedlands actor Kathryn Riordan is thrilled to have been chosen to play Jane from an enormous number of auditionees. “Jane Eyre is a role that most female actors would aspire to play. She has a high degree of self-respect and moral conviction but despises the hypocritical puritanism so prevalent in her day. This part enables me to indulge in the romance of the story as well as bringing out Jane’s inner strength”.
Director Nicola Bond adds “a production of this magnitude relies on the utter dedication of the entire team and I am very fortunate to have actors of formidable talent together with an enormously talented back stage crew”

SEASON DATES:
December 2nd, 3rd, 7th, 9th, 10th, 14th, 16th and 17th 2011, commencing at 7:30pm
MATINEE: Sunday December 4th & 11th commencing at 1.30pm

Complete cast here.

EDIT: Style_Discovery has published on Flickr a whole set of pictures of the production.