BLUE/ORANGE
BLUE/ORANGE by Joe Penhall
Directed by Stuart Halusz. Featuring Jarryd Dobson, Andrew Lewis and introducing Tinashe Mangwana.
Race, madness and medical ethics collide in Joe Penhall's Olivier award-winning, exquisitely sharp modern classic.
This production is made possible through project funding from the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
WA PREMIERE
SEASON DATES 20 Aug – 3 Sept
Burt Memorial Hall, 38 St Georges Terrace, Perth
Following the performance on Tuesday 23rd August there will be a post-show Q&A with the cast and creatives. This is a great opportunity to meet the team and hear about the creative process behind the production!
“Joe Penhall has the rare gift of engaging both emotion and intellect and making you care desperately about the outcome” The Guardian
“Blue/Orange explores the connection between ethnicity and perceptions of mental health…it illuminates the way psychiatry can be strategic – and anatomises the politics of medical care.” Evening Standard (London)
“In the great way of comedy, Blue/Orange touches on great themes: self-advancement at the expense of others and perceptions of sanity.” The Independent (London)
Evening Standard Theatre Award – Best Play 2000
Critics’ Circle Theatre Award – Best New Play 2000
Laurence Olivier Award – Best New Play 2001
Christopher stands on the cusp of release from a psychiatric ward. The problem is he still thinks oranges are blue. Psychiatrists Robert and Bruce are juggling the moral compass between their own personal and professional gain as they argue over whether Christopher should be released back into society. Bruce believes he still needs professional help whereas Robert, his senior, feels he would be better placed amongst ‘his community’…and besides ‘he’ll be less of a drain on resources’.
Stinging satire, burning writing and vibrant humour, this Olivier award-winning play asks the questions about mental health, ethnic prejudice and the stigmas around schizophrenia.
Stuart Halusz, Artistic Director THEATRE 180, says, “I am thrilled to be directing a stellar cast in this compelling modern classic which challenges our notion of ethnic prejudice and mental wellness in society.”
Duration 2hrs 15min (with interval)
Blue/Orange was first performed at the Cottesloe Theatre, Royal National Theatre on 7 April 2000. Michael Codron and Lee Dean transferred the Royal National Theatre’s production to the Duchess Theatre, London, on 30 April 2001.
Blue/Orange received its American Premiere at the Atlantic Theatre Company, Neil Pepe, Artistic Director; Beth Emelson, Producing Director, New York City, 2002.
Blue/Orange is presented by special arrangement with United Talent Agency
Image: Stewart Thorpe Photography
“I have just arrived home from the most amazing production and stage performance! Words fail me…the script was incredible…the intensity was like I have never seen before… The story was so relevant in the past, and today - even more so… thank you for bringing this important message to the audience, when the community needs to share and support others - not only the patients, but the families and people who are caring for them as well.”
- Sue Brenthian
“I watched the Blue/Orange play tonight, and you guys ABSOLUTELY KILLED IT! I’ve never laughed so much at a theatre, it was so funny and clever…you have made me want to get into theatre even more…Congratulations on the play!”
- Feya Wright
“A great play that opens up important conversations about mental illness and racist profiling… Indeed the play and subject matter are not only entertaining but educate people who may not have experienced cultural profiling, mental illness and working in hierarchical government systems…I can honestly say this play captures the very essence of the human condition.”
- Pauline Miles
“Giant congratulations! You have provided yet another intelligent, thought-provoking, dynamic, epic night at the theatre!”
- Alex Jones
"The script is sharp and honed to perfection, the characters are complex and multi-faceted, and THEATRE 180 play everything to precision."
- Fourth Wall Media
"Expertly constructed, cleverly directed and beautifully performed drama, that keeps its audience intrigued and fascinated throughout."
- Stage Whispers
The Team
Writer
Joe Penhall
Director
Stuart Halusz
Cast
Jarryd Dobson
Andrew Lewis
Tinashe Mangwana
Sound Designer
Noah Iluvich
Set & Costume Designer
Neil Sheriff
Accent Coach
Julia Moody
Production Manager
Garry Ferguson
Stage Manager
Rachael Canning
Assistant Stage Manager
Finlay Pedler
Thank You To:
you can support us
As an independent, not-for-profit theatre company, we welcome any form of support. Donations of $2.00 or more are tax-deductible.
The THEATRE 180 Public Fund (ABN: 33 042 434 145) is a tax deductible fund listed on the Australian Government’s Register of Cultural Organisations maintained under Subdivision 30-F of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.
ALL DONATIONS ARE MAINTAINED IN A SPECIAL PUBLIC FUND ADMINISTRATED BY THEATRE 180 AND THESE FUNDS WILL ONLY BE USED FOR THE PRINCIPAL PURPOSE OF THE ORGANISATION.
THEATRE 180 Public Fund
Robin Tunnicliffe FCPA CPM, Jenny Davis OAM, Stuart Halusz
Make A Donation
Whether large or small, any donation will help THEATRE 180 in a variety of ways – by providing much-needed resources to support our administration costs, or to help fund a particular area of our work such as set/props construction, wardrobe, Emerging WA Artist mentoring or script development.
Partner with THEATRE 180
THEATRE 180 works with a number of organisations and individuals in a variety of ways to achieve different outcomes. Please contact us to find out more.
Leave A Legacy
A bequest to THEATRE 180 will help to ensure that many more audiences will continue to benefit from the stories we tell, for many years to come.