Blackbird

Presented by: Solus Productions

April 2 - April 13

The Studio

2 FOR 1 OFFER availbale on all tickets for the rest of the season - Offer is calculated at the checkout.

A nuanced two-hander about the dangerous influence and magnetism of traumatic events.

At his workplace, 55-year-old Ray Brooks is shocked to be visited by a young woman, 27-year-old Una Spencer. Fifteen years earlier, they had a sexual relationship for three months when Una was twelve and Ray was forty; subsequently, Ray had been jailed for three years for statutory rape.

Ray takes Una to the office break room, where the two engage in a long and difficult confrontation involving Una's continuing struggles to understand and come to terms with the abuse and her intensely conflicting emotions, which pivot between anger, curiosity, confusion, and even a persistent attachment to Ray, whom Una loved – and she believed that he loved her. The fearful Ray, who is himself trying to forget the past and the potential feelings he had for Una, parries her demanding questions and descriptions of her feelings and experiences, all the while uncertain of her intentions.

“ The gifted David Harrower's intense Blackbird promises to be the most powerful drama of the season... masterly, mesmerizing... extraordinary... a miracle." - The New York Times

FOUR STARS! "This haunting, powerful, incendiary work is the sort of faring theater far too absent from our stages these days." - New York Post

"A provocative, shocking and worthwhile new play. Playwright David Harrower is definitely a name to watch." - New York Daily News

"A fascinating and unnerving ninety-minute cat-and-mouse tale of revenge and sexual intrigue, with genuine theatricality and undeniable shock value." - Associated Press

"It's a wonderfully engaging intellectual conflagration with a very slow burn... a dark and beguiling play which stays with you... a remarkable play." - CurtainUp

"An Ibsenite inquiry into the past... psychological insight, creation of characters and nice sociological detail... Poignant." - Evening Standard (London)Stay tuned…

For alterations from the show The Mercy Seat to Blackbird or for cancellation of tickets as a reuls to the change please contact manager@holdenstreettheatres.com

or call 8225 8888

The Studio at Holden Street Theatres

Holden Street Theatres, 32-34 Holden Street, Hindmarsh, Kaurna Country

Step-free mobility aid access through the main entrance with an accessible bathroom.

 

Duration: 70 minutes

Evenings: April 2 - 6 & 10 - 13

ALL SHOWS 8:00pm

Venue & Bar Open 1 hour before the show starts and stays open one hour after the show ends.

Age Suitability: PG

General Admission: $35.00
Preview: $25.00
Concession: $30.00

(A shared 2.50% Card Processing Fee is applied to the Gross)

High Audio Content

Meet the Team

  • Tony Knight

    DIRECTOR

    TONY KNIGHT was educated at Sydney Grammar School, trained at the Drama Centre London, and is a B.A. (Hons.) grad from Sydney University. He was the Head of Acting at Australia’s National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), training some of Australia’s most celebrated national and international actors, such as Cate Blanchett, Sam Worthington, Alex O’Loughlin, and Anna Torv, as well as local Adelaide actors, including Elena Carapetis, Adam Tuominen, Sarah Snook, Ben Welford, and Kate Box. Tony has taught, directed and lectured in many parts of the world, including Australia, the USA, Japan, Romania, Singapore and Tonga. He has spoken at numerous international and national conferences.

    In January 2018 he delivered three public lectures at the Australian National Portrait Gallery on ‘The Identity of the Australian Actor’. Currently living in Adelaide, South Australia, Tony is currently teaching, directing and producing in Adelaide. He has worked for SA Casting, Angela Heesom Casting, and TAFE CPA. Prior to The Maids, his most recent production was Gardner McKay’s Toyer at The Bakehouse Theatre, featuring Stefanie Rossi and Marc Clement, with whom Tony has joined to form STARC! Productions.

  • Marc Clement

    PERFORMER

    Marc Clement has been an actor for over 30 years in theatre and film. He is cofounder of the successful STARC productions and has branched out with another company SOLUS Production, delivering edgy and thought provoking plays across all genres. Marc theatre credits include lead role of Alfie in Alfie, Mr. Orange in Reservoir Dogs, Johnny in Frankie & Johnny, Deeley in Old Times, Cast in for State Opera's HAMLET (2019) and many many more. Marc has been nominated by the Adelaide Critics Circle for 'Individual award' 'Best Play (Constellations)' and 'Best body of Work'(2020)

    Marc also teaches acting at 5 acting schools around Adelaide and is heavily involved in the film industry, winning awards for 'Best Director' and 'Best Editor' He is also a musician and is finishing his first two hander musical 'Busker to Broadway' in a rock opera style.Marc is looking forward to the challenging role of RAY in Blackbird. Known for his comedic and physical style of acting, This will be some new shoes to step into and I'm excited by the task ahead'

  • Monika Lapka

    PERFORMER

    Monika is thrilled to delve into the complex and tragic character of Una in SOLUS Productions’ performance of ‘Blackbird.’ Previously appearing on stage as Chloe in the Adelaide University Theatre Guilds’ production of ‘Arcadia’ (2022) and as Pauline in Therry Theatre’s production of ‘Good Grief’ (2023), ‘Blackbird’ will be Monika’s debut at Holden Street Theatres. With a background in classical ballet, Monika studied dance from a young age in Adelaide, furthering her training at WAAPA. Having trained as an actor under Tony Knight and Marc Clement she is excited to be working alongside them in this harrowing and thought-provoking play.

  • Solus Productions

    PRODUCER