PLAY SYNOPSES
The Captains and The Kings
How well do we really know our families? How long will we leave things unsaid that should be aired?
It was a time of change. The time; 1968. The place; the O’Neill’s Guest House in Kempsey, New South Wales.
The patriarch of the family, David is suffering from a terminal illness. His wife Caitlin has organized a family gathering for what will be their final Father’s day together.
While Caitlin faces an unsure future, David is busy dealing with the ghosts of his past. For years he has distanced his daughters and now he has the chance to gain redemption.
“The Captains and The Kings” was shortlisted in the 1992 inaugural George Landen Dann Award.
Its world premiere was presented by the Centenary Theatre Group Inc. in association with The Edge Theatre Company at Chelmer Hall, Brisbane, on 11 November, 1995, by acclaimed theatre director and playwright, Ron Kelly.
“Gripping tale of a final Father’s Day .. Powerful .. Witty ..” The Satellite (22/11/95)
A Kind Of Belgium
Would you sit on a fence and watch an invasion take place? Right on your doorstep? When both the invaded and the invader were close to you?
Ray Rance (a real estate agent), Leo Crowshaw (a restaurant proprietor) and Lynne Fleming (a hair salon operator) work in a shopping precinct that’s been hit hard by financial downturn but is set to enjoy a recovery as a boutique tourist area.
A property acquisition is about to take place.
Jodie Crowshaw, Leo’s daughter, stumbles on to hidden dealings and must confront family and friends to pursue what she believes is just and right.
The story is seen through the eyes of Kane Boon, a street spirit, who was killed in the act of a robbery. His spirit is tied to a place which is about to be besieged and in defence of this space, he seeks to redeem his family name.
“A Kind Of Belgium” was first presented by La Boite Theatre Inc in association with their Springboards 2000 program at La Boite Theatre, Hale Street, Brisbane, on 17 July, 2000, by acclaimed theatre director Fraser Corfield.
Sylvia Terry
“Sylvia Terry” explores the events which occur when Sylvia and her mother Heather’s world is upended with her brother Neil’s involvement in a particularly heinous crime.
The severe public reaction and disgust is personified by Ruth, the next door neighbour, who is also driven by a more personal agenda.
Insights are drawn into Heather’s life as a pillar of the community by Sarah, an attending police officer, to show that even respected innocent bystanders can be burnt by the fire of public scandal.
“Sylvia Terry” enjoyed an enthusiastic reading within the 1998 Australian National Playwrights Conference in Canberra, in a session chaired by celebrated British playwright Sarah Daniels.
Goodbye Melaleuca
Artist Eric Corey has taken back a valuable painting that he once gave to his niece Jenny and her husband Alan. A line has been crossed that Eric cannot live with.
A confrontation over custody of a work of art raises questions of the value of artistic integrity and explores a metaphor for the “ownership” of children in custody cases.
“Goodbye Melaleuca” was shortlisted in the 1995 George Landen Dann Award.
It was presented at a rehearsed reading by Spotlight Theatre Company, Benowa, on June 7th, 1996.
Spades
Stuart and Claire have been married three years and in Claire’s eyes life is boring.
She is a solicitor’s secretary who prides herself on being able to call a “spade a spade”, to tell the truth without embellishment. In her eyes, Stuart shows more enthusiasm for golf than events that matter in their relationship.
There is one day of the year where the couple compete for each other’s affections by attempting to humiliate the other.
The events of this short film open with Claire’s message on the refrigerator “TOMORROW IS ..”. This is the day before that day.
“Spades” was filmed in Brisbane on 2nd & 3rd December, 2000. It was short-listed in the top ten films presented for the third annual Courier Mail What’s On Short Cut Film Fest. It was screened at the Brisbane Powerhouse, Newfarm, with all other finalists on February 2nd, 2001.
All rights whatsoever in these plays are strictly reserved. © Mark Barkley 2008
Applications for permission for any use whatsoever including performance rights must be made in advance, prior to any such proposed use.
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