It may not be everyone’s first choice as a theatre space, but Ararat’s notorious J Ward has scored a regional coup in hosting two plays seen for the first time outside of Melbourne.
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Ararat will host a double feature of hard-hitting, new Australian theatre productions – in the first time either have been are being shown outside of capital cities.
Ararat Performing Arts Centre will bring A Prudent Man and Swansong to audiences on Saturday night.
The productions come fresh from major Fringe Festivals throughout Australia, to a unique setting, J Ward – where the Ararat Lunatic Asylum’s once housed most depraved and most dangerous men in Victoria.
The Ararat Performing Arts Centre programming coordinator Dianne Toulson said holding the two one-man shows in J Ward would further heighten the power of them.
“What an amazing space to do a ground-breaking show,” Ms Toulson said.
“These two shows cleaned up at the national Fringe Festivals.
“They’re the next big thing in Australian theatre.”
Ms Toulson said she was thrilled to being such “an amazing culture experience” to Ararat.
A Prudent Man, written and directed by Victorian playwright Katy Warner, is a darkly comedic political thriller.
Ms Toulson said exploring what makes politicians, particularly right-wing leaders, tick, was relevant with the rise of Donald trump as President of the United States and other examples of nationalism worldwide.
Swansong, written by Conor Macdermott Roe and directed by Greg Carroll, is a haunting picture of existence at the margin.
It is powerful and will challenge audiences, Ms Toulson said.
“It’s accessible, affordable, first-class theatre you’d be lucky to see in Melbourne and the shows are getting rave reviews,” Ms Toulson said.
- A Prudent Man will be held at J Ward on Saturday, April 29 at 7.30pm.
- Swansong will be held at J Ward on Saturday, April 29 at 10pm.
- Tickets can be booked online through www.araratpac.com.au, by phone 5352 2181 from 11am to 3pm Tuesday to Friday.