Photo by Bob Seary
It seems so very long ago I wrote the play, “His Room”. It would have been 2006 when I was writing it. It had been a story I had in mind for so long. Infact, the first play I ever wrote back in year 4 was called, “The Lost Boy”. I seemed to have this unusual paranoia as a child that I’d be adducted. This seemed to manifest in my mind for many years before I wrote this play about a lost child who never came home and his family haven’t been able to move on.
“So what’s better, to be dead and loved, or alive and invisible?”
I’ve looked at putting on the show before, but have never found the right home. This seemed like such an important work to me and I wanted it to be nurtured. As someone who writes a lot of comedy, this painful drama felt like it needed special treatment. Then when the opportunity for the True West season at my old stomping ground, Parramatta’s Riverside Theatre, came up – it seemed perfect.
I’d talked to the talented Liane Norman about directing this play for years, as we’ve been looking for the right project to work on together. I’ve always knew I wanted Lynden Jones and Christine Greenough as Steve and Maggie respectively. I admire them both so much, both as people and actors and knew they were what was needed for these tough roles. Add to the mix, Amanda Marsden, Gabriel McCarthy and Barton Williams; and there’s an amazing little ensemble.
I was fortunate enough to travel back to Sydney, stay in my childhood home and see the show 4 times last week. Wow did I weep. The production was heartbreaking. I felt very fortunate that so many of my wonderful friends came to see the show, even some flying up from Melbourne to see it.
So there’s only 3 shows left over the next 2 days. There may be a lot going on in Sydney this weekend with Fringe, but do yourself a favour – head to Parramatta and see my heart on the stage. Also you’ll see some powerhouse performances.
“And somehow he’ll find his way back to me, back to his rightful home.”
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