A Life in the Theatre

**BY DAVID MAMET**
Directed by Pierce Gordon
2nd March - 25th March, 2023

Director’s Notes

A phrase that comes to my mind when first thinking of the art of theatre-making, is theatre is a blue-collar job. A phrase many wouldn’t normally associate with the arts, with the art form of theatre seemingly having been around for as long as time itself.

This is something that David Mamet highlights and pinpoints regularly in A Life in the Theatre. He paints a gorgeous, nostalgia-fuelled tapestry of the meticulous inner-workings of a long-standing repertory theatre company. This is where we meet Robert, a savvy veteran performer, who is facing the latter years of his illustrious career, and John, a young up and coming actor who has travelled from the US seeking truth and prosperity when it comes to his craft. We follow these two men through a tumultuous season of highs and lows.

A Life in the Theatre explores many themes, yet one that continues to break through, is a search for meaning. It highlights what we all felt one way or another through the trying time that was the first waves of Covid-19. Jutting things into perspective for us all. Forcing everyone to ask themselves those pertinent questions: what is the meaning of this thing called life? And what is important in life?

This creation process has been just incredible from top to bottom. Having worked with Jesse Richardson and Francis McMahon as Assistant Director on Of Mice and Men during 2021, I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to direct them in this piece. I will forever appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with them on this challenging project. Francis has worn multiple hats through this project, having built the entire set and being a key collaborator in every department of this production. I appreciate his hard work, commitment, and overall vision. This project isn’t what it is without Francis McMahon. For Jesse, I can only imagine how daunting it is as an award-winning film director to take on the challenge of returning to the stage after a lengthy absence. But he has done it with charm and a generosity of spirit. As an emerging director I have learned so much in the room from Jesse, and I will forever appreciate the advice and support that he brought to every rehearsal. Like all theatre-making, it’s been hard at times but immensely rewarding and I couldn’t have done anything without this incredible team.

My talented assistant director, Caitlin Hill, was my right-hand man through this process and brought a keen director’s eye to the rehearsal room that could not be replicated. She was integral in giving this show life, she supported not only me but our entire team in seeing out this collaborative vision, making this show what it is.

Bill Haycock, not only built the world of A Life in the Theatre but was a huge help in mining key moments from the script. He has been a joyous presence in the room throughout the entirety of the rehearsal process, and we appreciate his specificity and knowledge of theatre history.

Nathaniel Knight, made the world aglow and made our set come alive. And we appreciate him giving so much of his time, during his busy schedule.

Ben Lynskey, who not only helped us market the show but was influential in the orchestration of the soundscape of the show.

To our Stage Manager, Petria Leong, and ASM, Ebony Leong. We thank you for your time and dedication to this project. This show doesn’t run without you two.

The production team would also like to thank the following people for their contributions to this project: Fraser Smith, Glenda Johnson, Trevor Huttley, Rosa Hirakata, Maria Cleary, Sophia Drakos, Brisbane Arts Theatre, Denise Richardson, Ballet Theatre of Queensland, Justin Harrison, Geoff Squires, Daryl Sparkes, David Walters, Kristy Sexton and Dan and Fiona Kennedy and the entire Ad Astra Executives and Constellation Team.

The Theatre Industry, like any other, still has its social and political issues to wrestle. Written in the 1970s, it’s interesting to see how much has changed (the death rattles of repertory theatre) to how much has not (gender equity and the treatment of women in positions of power), we preserve this text not to perpetuate these issues but to highlight the need to continue tackling them.

This production was an absolute blast and I hope you enjoy it as much as we did making it.

We’ll see you in the foyer!

About the Play

West End. Broadway. Brisbane…

From the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright of “Glengarry Glen Ross” comes a hilarious and heartwarming tale of two actors exploring the meaning of life.

Legendary stage actor, Robert (Francis McMahon, “Elvis” “Ticket to Paradise”), takes aspiring stage actor, John (Jesse Richardson, “A Godless Country” “Elvis”), under his not-so-benevolent wing as they traverse a season of plays, bars, and gigantic egos…

A must-see comedic experience which will have you laughing out loud whilst tugging at your heartstrings…

“Possibly the best play of the year…” — Anonymous

Cast

John - Jesse Richardson

Robert - Francis McMahon

Creatives

Director - Pierce Gordon

Production Design - Bill Haycock

Lighting Design - Nathaniel Knight

Sound Design - Ben Lynskey

Assistant Director - Caitlin Hill

Stage Manager - Petria Leong

Assistant Stage Manager - Ebony Leong

Photography - Fraser Smith

Show Poster

Reviews

“It has been a long time since I have laughed so much in the theatre as in the first show of Ad Astra’s 2023 season “A Life in the Theatre”. The very entertaining 80-minute two-hander is especially so for theatre folk, given that the hilarious and heart-warming tale is of two actors exploring the meaning of life.”

Meredith Walker - Blue Curtains Brisbane | Read full review

“Quirky, thought-provoking and tantalizing, Ad Astra is noted for its boutique productions that just tap into different concerns that affect our society..”

Lilian Harrington | Absolute Theatre | Read full review

“Overall, ‘A Life in the Theatre’ is a comedic and intimate look behind the curtain at the life of actors. For those in the industry, it is a must see as it rings true to the lives of so many performers. Ad Astra’s production, under the talented direction of Gordon, was an incredibly professional, polished and captivating show. A must see for anyone that has ever wondered what happens backstage in the theatre.”

Yasmin Elahi - Theatre Travels | Read full review

“An absurd satire and love letter to theatre, director Pierce Gordon brought the text to life with such nuance; acknowledging the slice of the theatre industry it represents and finding parallels to contemporary theatre practices.”

Virag Dombay - Nothing Ever Happens in Brisbane | Read full review