Gothic comedy of revenge

Right: Airlie Dodds Paula Arundell and Shari Sebbens. Photo by James Green

Sydney Theatre Company shares Griffin Theatre Company’s acclaimed 2015 production of The Bleeding Tree by Angus Cerini, with new audiences at The Wharf from 9 March to 8 April 2017.

The original cast of Paula Arundell, Airlie Dodds and Shari Sebbens are reunited with director Lee Lewis, designer Renée Mulder, lighting designer Verity Hampson and composer Steve Toulmin to remount this production.

A gothic thriller, a revenge comedy and a murder ballad all in one, The Bleeding Tree is set in rural Australia, a shot shatters the night. A mother and her two daughters have just welcomed home the man of the house – whom they despise – with a crack in the shins and a bullet in the neck. The only issue now is disposing of the body.

This celebration of women fighting back against spousal abuse won a swag of awards, including Helpmanns for Best Play for Angus Cerini, Best Direction for Lee Lewis and Best Female Actor for Paula Arundell.

Lee Lewis has been Artistic Director of Griffin Theatre since 2013. The Bleeding Tree at STC will run almost concurrently with her production of The Homosexuals or “Faggots” by Declan Greene at SBW Stables Theatre from 17 March to 29 April. Angus Cerini, a winner of STC’s Patrick White Playwrights’ Award, has had his work presented by companies throughout Australia including Sydney Theatre Company, Malthouse Theatre, Arena Theatre Company, Melbourne Workers Theatre, Union House Theatre and Platform Youth Theatre.

Cast: Paula Arundell, Airlie Dodds, Shari Sebbens

Director: Lee Lewis. Designer: Renée Mulder. Lighting Designer: Verity Hampson. Composer: Steve Toulmin

Wharf 1, Sydney Theatre Company, The Wharf, Pier 4/5 Hickson Rd, Walsh Bay

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