by Alana Valentine
Directed by Alex Galeazzi
Cast: Abigail Austin, Jane Phegan, Elaine Hudson, Rebekah Moore, Jason Montgomery, Peter Flett
In this Southern gothic fantasia, writer Alana Valentine uses the life of famed American novelist Carson McCullers, author of The Heart is a Lonely Hunter and The Member of the Wedding, friend of Tennessee Williams and dinner companion of Marilyn Monroe, to weave a tale of individuality battling the constraints and prejudices of small town conservatism.
Loosely biographical, the play follows Carson’s journey through Southern freak shows, New York drag bars and Parisian cemeteries, as she explores her identity, creativity and sexuality. SINGING THE LONELY HEART is a humorous and poignant study of sacrifice and triumph, told in a compelling magic realist production style.(Poster Photography by Waded, Production Photograph Bob Seary).
“This is theatre as good as it gets; ready for any major stage, here or overseas. … Moving, compassionate, tough, taut and terrific!” Brad Syke, Sydney Stage Online
“Transports us with something theatrical and magical … one of the most artistically polished and consistent productions I’ve seen at the New” Martin Portus, Sydney Star Observer
20 July to 5 August 2006