Press Release: Burnt Piano

By Justin Fleming

Karen Idlewild (Dee Smart) was born under a sign – the sign of Waiting for Godot. Following a terrible accident, she becomes obsessed with the parallels between her life and the famous play, believing she has been under its influence since birth. Moving with her son, Jonah (Nat Jones / Nick Virgona), and father, Peter (Michael Ross), to Paris, she hopes to meet Samuel Beckett (Don Reid), the man she believes will give some meaning to her personal tragedy.  Suzanne, Beckett’s wife (Zika Nester) is determined to protect Sam’s privacy. Meanwhile, Karen’s father thinks his daughter should pay more attention to Jonah, especially considering their difficult family history, while Jonah has his own solutions.

Director Sandra Bates is delighted to be working with playwright, Justin Fleming during Ensemble’s 50th birthday celebrations. Sandra was just ahead of Justin in acting classes at Ensemble Studios back in the late 60’s and they acted in their first professional production together at Ensemble Theatre in Luther in 1971, then had their first plays produced by Ensemble as part of the Festival of Australian Playwrights in 1981.  The four adult actors in this production all trained at Ensemble Studios. Don Reid is a founding member of the theatre and Zika Nester has taught at Ensemble Studios for more than 40 years, since 1967.

‘a complex, intelligent and humorous work…intoxicating.’  Sydney Morning Herald

‘Fleming writes with an enviable beauty and clarity… recommended!’  Sun Herald

‘A work of considerable authority and distinction… an amazingly successful portrait of Beckett’  Harold Pinter

‘Absolutely splendid… a rewarding theatrical experience… Highly recommended’   The Age

Season Details: Burnt Piano

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Merran 0419 999 607 / Kate 0402 080 443
merran@merrandoyle.com.au / kate@merrandoyle.com.au