HEROES
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Written by Gérald Sibleyras translated by Tom Stoppard Directed by Lara Macgregor proudly presented by MAZDA Dunedin City Motors at Fortune Theatre, Dunedin From 25 Aug 2012 to 15 Sep 2012 Reviewed by: Barbara Frame (Otago Daily Times); Terry MacTavish; |
2006 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy
ACHINGLY FUNNY AND PIERCINGLY SAD
Heroes is Tom Stoppard's award-winning adaptation of Gérald Sibleyras' enchanting and delightfully whimsical comedy Le Vent des Peupliers, that took Paris by storm.
Set in central France in 1959, this is the story of three cantankerous World War I veterans who are residents of a French Military Rest home.
Young and mischievous at heart and still with an eye for the ladies, Gustave, Philippe and Henri meet every morning on their quiet terrace, spending their days looking over to the poplars trees on the horizon beyond and dreaming of escape. Will today be the day they finally make it to Indochina - or perhaps only as far as the top of the hill?
STARRING: Peter Hayden, Geoffrey Heath and Simon O'Connor
These three veteran actors come together for the first time in Tom Stoppard's translation that has been described as “at once funny and poignant, clever and whimsical.”
Director Lara Macgregor says “It is hard not to fall in love with this story, with these three forgotten gents that once served their country through one of the harshest wars. Tom Stoppard is such a clever wordsmith. He has made this play incredibly accessible to an English speaking audience.”
A prolific playwright, Stoppard is known for writing serious comedies. He is also known for his many play adaptations. Heroes premiered in 2005 at London's Wyndham Theatre and continues Stoppard's trademark style with a gentle observation of old age, memory and future hope told rather comically through the story of three aging veterans.
“Stoppard's brilliant translation makes heroes a must – this kind of quality never gets old.” The Times
“Laughter galore plus a tear or two in 90 minutes of sheer class.” Sun
“Theatrical hit, a boulevard comedy bull's-eye… achieves a seductive fusion of the comic, sad and absurd.” The Evening Standard
Interview with Tom Stoppard and Gérald Sibleyras
HEROES
Written by Gérald Sibleyras, translated by Tom Stoppard
Production Dates: 25 August – 15 September
Venue: Fortune Theatre, 231 Stuart Street, Dunedin 9016
Performances: Tuesday, 6pm / Wednesday - Saturday, 7.30pm / Sunday, 4pm
(no show Monday)
Tickets: Gala (first 5 shows) $32, Adults $40, Senior Citizens $32, Members $30,
Tertiary Students $20, High School Students $15, Group discount (10 +) $32
Bookings: Fortune Theatre, 231 Stuart Street, Dunedin; (03) 477 8323
www.fortunetheatre.co.nz
KEY EVENTS/DATES
Saucy Readings / Thursday 16 August meet at 12.15pm in the Dunedin Public Library. Reading will commence at 12.30pm followed by afternoon tea. This is a FREE event.
Opening Night / Saturday 25 August, 7.30pm
Member's Briefing / Sunday 26 August join Fortune Theatre Artistic Director Lara Macgregor for a lively informal chat about the making of Heroes.
Forum / Tuesday 28 August Q & A session with the cast and crew post 6pm show. This is a FREE event.
Fortune Sociable Club / Wednesday 29 August meet in the bar at 6.30pm and meet like-minded individuals and get connected.
Father's Day / 2 September Spoil Dad by taking him to dinner with one of Fortune Theatre's Great Night Out Partners then attend Heroes. Contact Larissa Dyke in Marketing for more information.
Audio Described Performance / Sunday 9 September an audio described performance offered in collaboration with Experience Access for visually impaired patrons and friends. Audio Described Touch Tour at 2.30pm before 4pm matinee. Bookings essential.
Signed Performance / Tuesday 11 September a special 6pm signed performance for hearing impaired patrons.
Cast: Peter Hayden, Geoffrey Heath and Simon O'Connor
Set Designer Matt Best
Costume Designer Maryanne Wright-Smyth
Lighting Designer Peter King
Sound Designer Lindsay Gordon