January 31 - February 6, 2024
In theatre, timing is everything By SHANE DOUTHIE
AFTER directing a successful season of ‘Family Album’ for Allegro Theatre Company in Yarrawonga, Brenda Spilva couldn’t believe it when she saw audition announcements for Margaret Hickey’s latest play, ‘Clarissa and Pip’ at the Wangaratta Players. Brenda had watched performances of Margaret’s work in the past and was so impressed she devised ‘Family Album’, linking together a collection of some of the playwright’s monologues and duologues, with Margaret’s permission, into the one show. “I had just finished ‘Family Album’ so I was naturally drawn to find out more about ‘Clarissa and Pip’,” Brenda said. “I have read a lot of Margaret’s scripts and had the honour of devising and directing the Allegro performance. “It was my directorial debut and I felt Margaret’s scripts were incredible to work with from a direc-
tor’s point of view with her ability to weave in so many emotions, character dynamics, humour and heartfelt moments. “And given the play centres around friendship of two women in their late 40s, I felt I could very much relate to the themes in the play.” The play centres on two women; lifelong friends who have been there for each other through all of life’s ups and downs and now entering the next stage of their lives. The question is: Whether friendships can always survive through every challenge the pair face? Brenda said the role of Clarissa really stood out to her when reading the audition excerpts. “I felt very connected to Clarissa’s role in those early stages of preparing for the audition and knowing this would be Joanne Pane’s directorial debut was another reason I wanted to audition,” she said.
◆ MARGARET HICKEY FAN: Brenda Spilva had just finished directing a production featuring Margaret Hickey’s work when auditions were announced for the playwright’s new play.
■ Continued page 6
YOUR HEALTH
VET CORNER
TOOL TALK
GONE E FISHING NG
with ROXY
with FNPW Backyard Buddies
with MICK
with ROB
Business Accounts Community-focused banking that supports your success Visit bankwaw.com.au for full terms and conditions. BankWAW is the registered business name held by WAW Credit Union Co-Operative Ltd.
bankwaw.com.au