The Rover by Aphra Behn Program

25 - 27 MARCH BURKE STREET STUDIO THEATRE 8 Burke Street, Wooloongabba

TheRover orTheBanish'tCavaliers

CRICOS 00233E

AphraBehn's

TheRover orTheBanish'tCavaliers

byAphraBehn PRODUCER Professor Paul Sabey DIRECTOR Jacqui Somerville VOICE AND DIALECT COACH Dr Melissa Agnew

Welcome It gives me immense pleasure to welcome you to our production of The Rover by Aphra Behn.

Performed by our 3rd year Bachelor of Acting students, The Rover showcases their amazing talents. Leading up to this moment, these students have worked tirelessly in class to gain techniques in acting, voice & speech, movement, singing, Jazz dance and sight reading. They have presented in-house productions of Haroun and the Sea of Stories, Philistines and Twelfth Night (which was delivered during lockdown over Zoom). Their first public performance in 2020 was the new Australian play Night Sky Over Our Town, a reimagining of Thornton Wilders’ iconic play Our Town, written and directed by Elise Greig.

I would like to thank all of the staff who have helped the students in their journey.

Special thanks to Jacqui Somerville for her support of the 3rd year students as Director of The Rover, and also in her leadership position as Senior Lecturer in Acting.

Finally, I would like to thank you for joining us for what I’m sure will be a wonderful evening. As performers we need an audience, so please continue to support our students in future projects.

Professor Paul Sabey Head of Performing Arts Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University

From the Director The Rover - Carnival, disguise and misrule “All women together ought to let flowers fall upon the tomb of Aphra Behn, for it was she who earned them the right to speak their minds.”

Virginia Woolf When I read this quote the first time, I didn’t really know what was meant by it. I was fairly new to Aphra Behn and stumbled across her work and in particular The Rover, when looking for plays for the students to do for their final shows. I have fallen in love with her boldness and now completely acknowledge how important her contribution to the canon of theatre has been. Some of the finest new actresses originated the roles of Angellica Bianca (Nell Gwyn) and Florinda (Elizabeth Barry). Aphra Behn, it seems led an extraordinary life, as the first ever published female playwright, as well as poet, and sometime spy.

The play’s action is organised by two love triangles. In the first, Don Pedro attempts to arrange the marriage of his sister, Florinda, either to his friend, Don Antonio, or to the wealthy Don Vincentio, while Florinda attempts to secure her own marriage to Colonel Belvile, the play’s sentimental hero. In the second, Florinda’s sister – Hellena – attempts to evade life in a convent by seeking out a witty match in Willmore, the ‘Rover’ of the play’s title and leader of a gang of exiled English cavaliers. For most of the play, Hellena must compete with the courtesan Angellica Bianca for Willmore’s affections.

It has been wonderful to explore this fascinating play with the Class of 2021 Acting students. They have engaged with the themes and are tackling the linguistic demands of the text admirably. They have worked tirelessly during rehearsals onstage and off; taking their production roles very seriously, whether with costumes, marketing, hair and make up, set and props or sound and lighting. They have diligently practised with the fabulous fight director Jason McKell and his assistant Lara Rix to produce some effective swashbuckling moments, and Restoration dancing with Lois Redman.

Working on plays like this wouldn’t be possible without a superb voice person at the helm.

Dr Melissa Agnew has helped the students find so much in the text and nuance of the period and genre. A big thank you to Bridget O’ Brien our Stage manager, who has been a welcome addition to the Burke Street technical team, her work on The Rover has been invaluable. It has been a pleasure to work with Keith Clark, Amy Hauser and the crew from the ‘big Con’.

Many thanks to the staff and students of the Performing Arts department who have allowed us as a company to rehearse in a bigger space.

Jacqui Somerville

Jacqui Somerville DIRECTOR Jacqui worked as an actor, theatre director, writer and producer for more than twenty years in the UK before coming to Brisbane to lead the Bachelor of Acting course at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University (QCGU). She has directed numerous productions (some award winning) nationally, internationally, on the London fringe and off West End, as well as directing many productions in various drama schools. Jacqui has led educational projects for Royal Shakespeare Company, Out of Joint, Shakespeare’s Globe, Oxford Stage Company, Headlong and Filter and taught and directed at RADA, East 15, Guildford, Bretton Hall, LIPA and Rose Bruford College of Theatre & Performance. Jacqui joined QCGU from Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, London, where she was the Head of Acting & Musical Theatre as well as the Head of Postgraduate Studies.

Other positions held include Artistic Associate with Oxford Stage Company/ Headlong; Education Consultant/Associate Director at Donmar Warehouse London with Declan Donnellan; Resident Assistant Director at the RSC (working closely with Cicely Berry and John Barton) and Associate Director with Max Stafford-Clark.

She made her Australian directing debut with QCGU in 2018 with the then 3rd year Musical Theatre students performing Sondheim’s Company at Brisbane Powerhouse. This will be her inaugural public production for the 3rd year Bachelor of Acting students. She frequently works with the music and opera students at QCGU and returns in May to direct the Val Machin scenes.

FOR THE PRODUCTION Lighting Designer Sound Designer Production Manager Stage Manager Lighting Operator Movement Support/Choreography Fight Director Assistant Fight Directors Assistants to the Director ASMs Lighting Sound Costumes Props Set Marketing/Socia Media Research Voice Captain Dramaturgy Movement/Choreography Stage Combat Music Communications COVID Safety Officer Program

Keith Clark Owen Arnold Amy Hauser Bridget O’Brien Stu Cochrane Lois Redman Jason McKell Lara Rix, Brodie Greenhalgh Charlie Baz, Liam Wallis, Brigitte Freeme Kaitlin Evans, Dominic Graves Adam Kay, James Tait Josh Bull, Alexia Swain, Adam Kay Elizabeth Mahoney, Natalie Ferris, Lucas Stokes, Alexia Swain, Emily Crow Lucas Stokes, Dominic Graves, Charlotte Hollet Tallen Hall, Bailey Smith, Charlie Baz, Charlotte Hollett, Dominic Graves Charlie Baz, James Tait, Rachel Thomas Elizabeth Clarke, Liam Wallis Rachel Thomas Liam Wallis Charlotte Hollett, Brigitte Freeme Liam Wallis, Dominic Graves, Lucas Stokes Natalie Ferris, Kaitlin Evans Natalie Ferris Bailey Smith Dominique Fegan

The Cast Thurs 25 March @ 7.30pm & Sat 27 March @ 2.30pm Don Antonio Dominic Graves Don Pedro Charlie Baz Belvile Lucas Stokes Biskey / Father Josh Bull Willmore James Tait Stephano Liam Wallis Frederick Adam Kay Blunt Bailey Smith Sebastian / Blunt’s Tailor Tallen Hall Florinda Elizabeth Clarke Callis Elizabeth Mahoney Hellena Emily Crow Sancho / Soldier Rachel Thomas Valeria / Bravo / Officer Alexia Swain Angellica Bianca Natalie Ferris Woman Brigitte Freeme Moretta / Phillipo Kaitlin Evans Lucetta / Diego / Page Charlotte Hollett Masqueraders Josh Bull, Kaitlin Evans, Brigitte Freeme, Tallen Hall, Charlotte Hollett , Elizabeth Mahoney, Alexia Swain, Rachel Thomas, Liam Wallis

The Cast Fri 26 March @ 7.30pm & Sat 27 March @ 7.30pm Don Antonio Charlie Baz Don Pedro Dominic Graves Belvile Josh Bull Biskey / Father Lucas Stokes Willmore Liam Wallis Stephano James Tait Frederick Adam Kay Blunt Tallen Hall Sebastian / Blunt’s Tailor Bailey Smith Florinda Elizabeth Mahoney Callis Elizabeth Clarke Hellena Rachel Thomas Sancho / Soldier Emily Crow Valeria / Bravo / Officer Alexia Swain Angellica Bianca Brigitte Freeme Woman Natalie Ferris Moretta / Phillipo Charlotte Hollett Lucetta / Diego / Page Kaitlin Evans Masqueraders Elizabeth Clarke, Emily Crow, Kaitlin Evans, Natalie Ferris, Charlotte Hollett, Bailey Smith, Lucas Stokes, Alexia Swain, James Tait

Charlie Baz Charlie was introduced to acting via improvisation in Theatre Sports at high school. This ignited a burning passion and devotion for acting and storytelling. He began studying a Bachelor of Acting at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University in 2019, where he has been cast in a range of diverse roles, including Antonio in Twelfth Night, and Wally in Night Sky Over Our Town. He is also a devoted scriptwriter, filmmaker and relishes playing bass guitar. Charlie looks forward to bringing more characters to life, both on stage and on screen as he further develops his passion for acting.

Josh Bull Originally from Tasmania, Josh performed in a number of professional and community productions, including feature film The Nightingale, directed by Jennifer Kent. Seeking to further hone his craft, Josh commenced the Bachelor of Acting course at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University in 2019. He has since portrayed Mr. West in Night Sky Over Our Town, Duke Orsino in Twelfth Night and Bessemenov in Philistines, while also working regularly as a freelance voiceover artist. Josh adores the challenge each new performance brings, as well as the ability an actor has through storytelling to make a tangible impact on audiences.

Elizabeth Clarke Growing up in Rockhampton with a keen interest in theatre, studying performance at a university level felt like the dream next step for Elizabeth. During the Bachelor of Acting course at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, she has played Viola in Twelfth Night, Polya in Philistines, and Hattie West in Night Sky Over Our Town, a new work by Elise Grieg. She has also had a ball performing in new works created by her peers. Elizabeth is excited and grateful to be doing what she loves and is looking forward to a future of further discovery and development of her craft.

Emily Crow Born and raised in Rockhampton, Emily’s love of storytelling was realised when she performed the pivotal role of Toto in a school production of The Wizard of Oz. After completing Piano and Speech and Drama exams during high school, she was accepted into Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University’s Bachelor of Acting course. Emily has developed her skills, craft and style through roles such as Tatyana in Philistines, Emily in the new Australian play Night Sky Over Our Town and Viola in Twelfth Night. Emily’s passion for storytelling drives her commitment to developing as a professional performer, particularly in airing the tales of regional Australia heading into the industry.

Kaitlin Evans Kaitlin fell in love with the performing arts very early on in life. She obtained an Advanced Diploma in Musical Theatre from the Australian Dance Performance Institute prior to commencing the Bachelor of Acting course at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University. Kaitlin has honed her skills in acting through roles including Maria in Twelfth Night, and Avery in Elise Greig’s Night Sky Over Our Town. Her studies have provided her with not only skills in and a passion for acting, singing and dance, but also in writing and directing. Kaitlin recently appeared in Netflix’s Romance on the Menu.

Natalie Ferris Natalie comes from a rich international background, inspiring her curiosity of the world and love for storytelling. She was born in Tokyo, Japan, where her acting, singing, and dance training began. In 2012, Natalie moved to Australia where she continued to develop her deep passion for performance. At Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, Natalie has had the privilege to extend her skills in roles such as Yelena in Philistines, Mrs Gibson and Assistant Director and in Night Sky Over Our Town — a new work by Elise Greig, and Feste in Twelfth Night, where she was also the composer of many original musical pieces.

Brigitte Freeme Brigitte’s passion for the performing arts was set in motion at a very young age, training her whole life in acting, dancing, and singing. This passion was cultivated in her various high school experiences with Shake & Stir, in particular her role as Helena In A Midsummer Night’s Dream. During her time in the Bachelor of Acting course at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, Brigitte has played Tatyana in Philistines, Olivia in Twelfth Night, and Emily West in Night Sky Over Our Town. Brigitte thrives on new experiences and looks forward to contributing her voice to an ever growing and changing industry.

Dominic Graves Dominic is a truly passionate and dedicated performer, ever striving to break barriers in order to become the best actor and person he possibly can. His love for performing began at a very young age when he discovered the art of storytelling after joining a youth theatre ensemble on the Sunshine Coast. Since commencing a Bachelor of Acting at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University in 2019, Dominic has developed his skills in a variety of roles such as Dr Gibson in Night Sky Over Our Town - a new Australian play by Elise Greig, Pyotr in Philistines, and Antonio in Twelfth Night.

Tallen Hall Tallen has always had a passion for storytelling and found acting in his adolescent years.

Before commencing the Bachelor of Acting course at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, he acted in a variety of short films and amateur productions. At QCGU, Tallen has had the opportunity to play Teterev in Philistines, multiple roles in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night and Skylar in Night Sky Over Our Town. During his studies, Tallen has had the formal training and guidance to help develop his craft to a professional standard and is looking forward to continuing his growth as an artist in the industry.

Charlotte Hollett Charlotte discovered her love for performance at the age of five through acting and dance classes. Throughout school, her passion for storytelling grew during her time as a member of the Queensland Theatre Youth Ensemble, performing in Past, Present, Future Tense (2017) and 600 Ways to Filter a Sunset (2018). Since commencing her Bachelor of Acting at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, she has had the privilege to develop her skills in roles such as Tatyana in Philistines, Jessie in Night Sky Over Our Town and Maria in Twelfth Night.

Adam Kay Born in Israel, Adam’s passion for Acting has sent him on an international journey of learning and craft development. He earned an Associate Degree from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, New York in 2017 before moving to Australia to study at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University. He was a member of the Israeli National Theatre where he played Chadwick in Punk Rock and Ensemble in Ghetto, which toured across Israel and Europe. University credits include Epihodoff in The Cherry Orchard, Aragon/Tubal in The Merchant of Venice (American Academy), Nil in Philistines and Sebastian in Twelfth Night (QCGU). Adam speaks fluent Hebrew.

Elizabeth Mahoney Elizabeth’s love for performance and storytelling was ignited at the age of ten when she was given the role of July in a local production of Annie. Her involvement in many following productions flamed her passion and led her to the Bachelor of Acting at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University. During her studies, Elizabeth has developed her skills in roles such as Yelena in Philistines, Olivia in Twelfth Night and Miss Stinson in Night Sky Over Our Town, an adapted new Australian work by Elise Greig. Elizabeth is a curious and driven performer, determined to hone her skills and immerse herself in all facets of the performing arts.

Bailey Scott Smith Bailey has been passionate about performing and entertainment his entire life. During his studies at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, he has played the roles of George in Night Sky Over Our Town, Sir Andrew Aguecheek in the Zoom-based production of Twelfth Night and Teterev in Philistines. Bailey is an aspiring playwright and guitarist with advanced levels in both electric and acoustic. He has experience in working backstage, in jobs such as set design, lighting and some minor experience in the technical side of audio and lighting setups. Bailey is eager to begin his professional career as a performer, entertainer and author and he hopes to continue learning every day in the years to come.

Lucas Stokes Lucas found his love of acting when he started high school and has been enraptured in the creative fields ever since. Gaining distinctions in all his Trinity Speech & Drama exams, including receiving the Barbara Sisley Award for the highest mark in Queensland in 2015, Lucas’s early acting ventures wouldn’t stop there as in 2017 he was given a scholarship to AIPA’s acclaimed month-long International Actors’ Masterclass in Los Angeles. In his time at the Conservatorium, he’s played such memorable characters as Perchikhin in Philistines and Malvolio in Twelfth Night.

Alexia Swain From a young age Alexia realised that through performance she could transform herself and play multiple different characters. In doing so, she could share her character’s story with the audience. She trained in Martial Arts achieving her black belt 2nd Dan where she gained discipline and resilience. During the Bachelor of Acting course at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, Alexia has developed her skills in roles such as Stage Manager in Night Sky Over Our Town, Miss Tina Blech in Twelfth Night, and Akulina in Philistines.

Alexia is a versatile, spirited performer who is dedicated to improving her craft.

James Tait James is a 20-year-old Australian actor, graduating In the class of 2021. During his time at Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, he has appeared as Nil in Philistines under the direction of Jacqui Somerville, Sebastian in Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, directed by Travis Dowling and Skyler in Night Sky Over Our Town, a new Australian play written and directed by Elise Greig. Outside university, he co-directed and featured as lead character Marley in the new work To Who? James is also a talented basketball player and an advanced guitarist.

Rachel Thomas Rachel has always had a passion for storytelling. After being accepted into the Queensland Theatre Youth Ensemble, this passion soon manifested into a dream of a lifelong career as an actor. She has since been a grand finalist in the Queensland Youth TheatreSports competition (2017), become a published playwright with the work Define ‘Adult’ (PlayLab, 2018) and featured in The Family Law Season 3 (SBS). While at the Conservatorium, Rachel has strengthened her diverse range and skill set. Notable performances have been Akulina in Philistines (2019) and Hellena in The Rover (2021).

Liam Wallis Since his commencement of a Bachelor of Acting at the Queensland Conservatorium, Liam has developed, refined and explored his skills as an actor, creative and artist. Liam has a deep care and passion for his craft and the unique way in which he can connect with people, developing works that melt, thrill and instil change in his audiences. He is infinitely grateful and excited to work in the professional industry. His credits include Vasily Bessemenov in Philistines (2019), Duke Orsino in Twelfth Night (2019) and George Gibson in Night Sky Over Our Town (2020).

FOR THE CONSERVATORIUM Acting Director Associate Professor Peter Morris Deputy Director Associate Professor Peter Morris (Engagement)

Head of Performing Arts Senior Lecturer in Acting Business Manager Performing Arts Administration Technical Officer Front of House Manager

Professor Paul Sabey Jacqui Somerville Stuart Jones Cathy Healy, Dominique Fegan Amy Hauser Michael Hibbard

S T O R E Y B O A R D E N T E R TA I N M E N T P R E S E N T S

N ATA L I E B A S S I N G T H WA I G H T E PA U L I N I MARK FURZE ALEXANDER LEWIS ROB MILLS ◆

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AND

IN

DIRECTED BY

T Y R A N PA R K E

4 S H O W S O N LY !

8-10 JUNE

C O N C E RT H A L L , Q PA C

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B O O K AT Q T I X . C O M . A U

WITH THANKS Jason McKell

Anna Conomos

COMING SOON

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Grease

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Mr Burns

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Class of 2021 Acting and Musical Theatre Showcase 23 - 25 September Burke Street Studio Theatre Bookings: queenslandconservatorium.com.au / 136 246

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