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Adapted by Tom Wright and Benedict Andrews
Directed by Benedict Andrews
As the culmination of their three years together, Sydney Theatre Company’s renowned resident ensemble, the STC Actors Company, presents The War Of The Roses, an audacious epic of language and history.
Joining the STC Actors Company is STC Co-Artistic Director Cate Blanchett, on stage in Australia for the first time in almost five years, as well as Robert Menzies, making a welcome return to the Company.
Over eight hours, The War Of The Roses spans eight of Shakespeare’s history plays, from the elegance and melancholy of Richard II through to the barbarity and catastrophe of Richard III, via some of Shakespeare’s most startling and inspired creations. The bittersweet underworld of Falstaff’s nights, the boy-failure who becomes a war hero in Henry V, the nightmare world of a child-king in Henry VI, the incisive language of Queen Margaret, all refracted by a creative team acclaimed for their vivid re-imaginings.
Condensed into four distinct acts and performed in two parts, this landmark production examines what it means to rule, to enact war, to take power and to lose power. It is the story of the failure of a civilisation and its replacement with a new world order.
Renowned for his distinctly bold interpretations of classic texts, The War Of The Roses marks internationally lauded director Benedict Andrews’ second collaboration with the STC Actors Company, following their award-winning production of Patrick White’s The Season At Sarsaparilla in 2007.
The War of the Roses Part 2
ACT III Henry VI (parts 1-3)
ACT IV Richard III
Director - Benedict Andrews
Set Designer - Robert Cousins
Costume Designer - Alice Babidge
Lighting Designer - Nick Schlieper
Composer and Sound Designer - Max Lyandvert
With Cate Blanchett, Brandon Burke, Peter Carroll, Marta Dusseldorp, Eden Falk, John Gaden, Ewen Leslie, Steve Le Marquand, Hayley McElhinney, Amber McMahon, Robert Menzies, Luke Mullins, Pamela Rabe, Emily Russell
EAT DRINK TALK ART
Fri 16 Jan - The War of the Roses
STC Associate Director Tom Wright, actress Pamela Rabe and assistant director Tanya Goldberg share their experiences adapting and performing Shakespeare’s eight history plays in the theatrical epic The War of the Roses - Part 1 and Part 2. Hosted by Malthouse Theatre's Stephen Armstrong.
For more info on the Eat Drink Talk Art series, click here.
Company/production special thanks and acknowledgements.
PHOTOS: MARTIN MISCHKULNIG
“The success of this production lies in its audacity, its strikingly resonant imagery and its ability to convey splendour.” SX – 5 February
"The complete and indispensable Shakespearean event ...more" - New York Times (of The War of the Roses)
"Clever, courageous and inspiring theatre ... more" - Daily Telegraph (of Benedict Andrews)
"Extraordinary theatre ... more" - Time Out Sydney (Of Tom Wright's Women of Troy)
"The Sydney Theatre Company offers 'post-Bush Shakespeare' in The War of The Roses." - Time Out Sydney
“Seeing Cate Blanchett as Richard II is a tantalising prospect - one of many in the strong theatre program at the 2009 Sydney Festival...more” - Daily Telegraph
“SYDNEY Theatre Company is bringing Shakespeare's royal chronicle vibrantly to life...more” - The Australian
“The War of the Roses shows the power a playwright has to shape our perception of the past.” - The Daily Telegraph
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Minerva
14/01/09
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I was blown away - which surprised me considering I was sceptical about the boiled down version of the history plays. Urge everyone to buy the program. It's only ten bucks, works for both nights and has the most awesome York/Lancaster family tree. Cate Blanchett was terrific but people I'd never heard of were also wonderful: Ewen Leslie. Who the hell is he? How terrific, especially as Prince Hal! |
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Antaine Furlong
16/01/09
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I thought the First Act worked wonderfully... I think it got a little out of focus in Act two... you tend to notice this, when people are checking their mobile phones and trying to move in their seats... that you've lost them... I felt Act 1 power in the acting, Act 2 tend to sway with vulgarity and just trying to shock the audience... I wonder how Shakespeare would review it? Still a great experience |
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Mary Tang
30/01/09
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They toned down the glitter and turned up the mikes tonight, thank God, so at least Richard III did not have to suffer the indignity of having to fish glitter out of her cleavage like Richard II (Cate Blanchette) did in Part 1, and we can actually hear the dialogue. More blood; so overdone that the audience started to anticipate it and laugh before the splatter. Less zombies tonight and more action (more acting). Good show - 4 stars. |
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WHERE
SYDNEY THEATRE AT WALSH BAY
WHEN
January 6 Preview at 7pm, January 8 Preview at 7pm, January 10 Preview at 7pm, Janaury 13 Preview at 7pm, January 14 at 7pm, January 16 at 7pm, January 17 at 7pm, January 20 at 7pm, January 21 at 7pm, January 23 at 7pm, January 24 at 7pm, January 27 at 7pm, January 28 at 1pm, January 30 at 7pm, January 31 at 1pm, February 3 at 7pm, February 4 at 7pm, February 6 at 7pm, February 7 at 7pm, February 10 at 7pm, February 11 at 7pm, February 13 at 7pm, February 14 at 7pm
DURATION
Each part 3hrs 45mins, including interval
PRICES
Single tickets (Part 1 or Part 2):
Previews $60 (no concessions)
Season $30–$85
Full Cycle (Part 1 & Part 2): $120–$150
Booking and transaction fees may apply
Save up to 20% with a Festival Multipack
TO BOOK
Sydney Theatre Company
Book Online or phone
02 9250 1999
Ticketek
Book Online or phone
1300 888 412
PARKING
CLICK HERE to find the Secure Parking car park nearest to this event as well as great discount parking offers
