'birth death
& everything between'
In March and April 2004, our inaugural Visual Art and Theatre Event, 'Birth, Death and Everything Between', opened to critical acclaim. It was not only the critics who lauded the show: Sydney’s audiences also bestowed praise well beyond expectations. With over 80 artworks on display and a theatrical production featuring an ingeniously interwoven pastiche of dramatic and comic monologues, 'Birth, Death and Everything Between', was presented at the wonderfully bohemian arts-space, Darlinghurst’s TAP Gallery.
This extraordinary show guided the audience on a journey through the cycle of life. 'Birth Death and Everything Between' chronologically charted the 9 major stages of life: Birth, Childhood, Teens, First Love, Marriage & Family, Mid-Life, Retirement, Illness & Frailty and Death.
The fantastic theatre production featured a collection of monologues, song and poetry: including works taken from Foetal Attraction by Australia's Kathy Lette and Melbourne's author Helen Garner's short story 'Our Mother's Flood'. Thrown into this eclectic mix was the song ‘One Foot in the Grave’ by Eric Idle of Monty Python fame, and WH Auden’s famous ‘Funeral Blues’ which famously featured in the feature film ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral’.
In keeping with merelyplayers strong principles to support Australian artists, 'Birth, Death and Everything Between' also featured dynamic, original and then un-published works by new Australian writers: Vince Melton, Brett Maverix, Tania Yuki and Alexia McIlroy-Kelly.
Directed by merelyplayers' artistic director Bryan Cutts, 'Birth, Death and Everything Between' featured an eclectic cast: Brett Maverix, Rachel McNamara, Cass Cumerford, Kate Lascelles, Malcolm Forbes, Mary-Anne Halpin, Felicity J. Ward and Peter McAllum. This great production also boasted the talents of 7 year old PLC student Madeleine O’Dea and, 10 year old Hannah Davies-Conyngham. |
To add to all the excitement, the art exhibition and competition was a stunning success. Over 80 artworks were on display, each artist vying for various prizes including a People’s Choice award, decided by the popular vote of the general public and audiences to the theatrical production.
The reviews poured in:
Lisa Greenaway of www.theprogram.net.au wrote: "A timely reminder that a story told simply and well is one of our most powerful forms of art. …a night of illuminating and entertaining theatre… we are drawn into nine very potent worlds through the simple power of storytelling.
No bells and whistles, no elaborate costumes or lighting or props - just strong stories that ring familiar, told with gravity and humour.
Out in the gallery, a collection of artworks address the same issues - relationships, perceptions, loss, life, birth, death... one more very good reason to go check this out." |
Annalouise Paul of Radio Skid Row said: "The show was extremely entertaining and the performances very good. Peter McAllum was a stand out as he took us along the journey of his life as a young shearer, his marriage and unexpected divorce… I would recommend this show to anyone that is looking for an entertaining night out…" Some of the unsolicited emails from the general public were a wonderful surprise…
"I saw the show last night and thought it was fantastic. Very moving and well put together.... (please) continue to create great theatre."
"A really touching and well rounded performance, with very believable and likeable characters. Great work!"
"…the best piece of affordable theatre…"
"The quality of all the work was exceptionally high and testimony to all the hard work, planning and time that went into getting this event happening. Well done Bryan Cutts…".
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"...
And all the men and women merely players..." 
