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Opportunities

Informal Play Reading Group 2020


Informal Play Reading Evening

IMPORTANT NOTICE
The Informal Play Reading Evenings have been postponed until further notice. Ellerslie Theatre takes the health and welfare of our members, volunteers and guests seriously. We follow Ministry of Health advice on COVID-19 regarding social distancing. There are pre-existing conditions for a few of our volunteers and the uncertainty of who may be present makes us join all our friends who have had to make the same decisions in being mindful and vigilant.


Join ETS for a relaxed evening as we read some fantastic plays together. This informal group meets periodically to give members the opportunity to read or listen to both complete plays, and interesting excerpts. New participants are welcome, and play suggestions are also invited.

These are the readings and dates scheduled for 2020.

THE SECRET GARDEN - POSTPONED
An adaption of Frances Hodgson Burnett's much beloved children's classic adapted by Neil Duffield and written for a cast of 7 men and 12 women. Mary Lennox, known as a difficult child, is sent from India to live at her uncle�s estate in England after her parents pass away. Misselthwaite Manor turns out to be a gloomy fortress. Her uncle is rarely home, and his young son, Colin, never leaves his room, convinced he�s an incurable invalid. To her surprise, Mary discovers a strange walled garden that has been locked up for years. With the assistance of Dickon, the gardener�s apprentice, Mary brings the garden back to life and discovers Dickon�s amazing ability to communicate with animals. The garden seems to have a wonderful, magical effect on all who come into it, allowing Mary to help restore Colin to health and to reunite him with his father.

ALYS, ALWAYS - POSTPONED
Written by Lucinda Cox, based on the novel by Harriet Lane. A psychological thriller excavating the fault lines that separate the entitled from the rest. Frances works on the books pages of a Sunday newspaper. She's quiet and capable, but nobody takes much notice: her face is pressed to the window, on the outside, looking in. One evening, driving back to London after visiting her infuriating parents, she comes across an overturned car crumpled on the side of the road. She waits with the injured driver, Alys Kyte, until the ambulance arrives. Later, when Alys's famous family gets in touch, Frances finds herself ushered for the first time into the world on the other side of the window. And she begins to wonder: what will it take to belong?

THE VILLAGE CHURCH and BABY DOLLS - POSTPONED
Two one-act plays by Tamara von Werthern.
The Village Church - A short play about faith, families, and fitting in. Tom and Marie, a couple in their sixties, have just made the move from London to a small village in the countryside. And everything's different out here. Marie is getting involved with the church community, just to find her way into village life. But Tom is a committed atheist, and a bit of a hermit. He won't listen to reason. Until events intervene, and he discovers a faith that's stronger than anyone expected.
Baby Dolls - A futuristic comedy about conception, state control and rebellion. Three women meet at a baby shower. But darker things than cupcakes and babygrows are on their mind.


RSVP
There are plenty of parts for readers, and listeners are also most welcome. RSVP for numbers or enquiries to Jocelyn McQuaid 09 626 3070 (jossmcq@slingshot.co.nz). Taking a little something for supper would be appreciated.