In a nameless totalitarian state, a writer finds himself the subject of interrogation over a series of gruesome child-murders that seem to mirror the plots of his own stories. As the investigation delves deeper, shocking truths are revealed when the writer's twisted tales begin to come to life, blurring the line between fiction and fact.
The Pillowman is a suspenseful and wickedly funny psychological thriller that explores the dark corners of the human imagination and the thrilling power - and danger - of storytelling itself.
This viciously funny and seriously disturbing play from Martin McDonagh - award-winning playwright (The Beauty Queen of Leenane, The Lieutenant of Inishmore) and filmmaker (In Bruges, Seven Psychopaths) - walks the very fine line between comedy and cruelty. The Pillowman is as black as comedy gets.
New Theatre is very pleased to welcome back Luke Rogers (Waiting for Godot), after graduating from the NIDA Directing course in 2012, to take charge of this production.
“In a totalitarian dictatorship, the seemingly innocent act of telling a story is never that simple. The play explores the nature, freedom and responsibility of artists and asks to what extent is an artist responsible for the actions of others in response to their work”, says Luke.
“It’s the blurring of the lines between reality and fiction, comedy and violence, that make this a fascinating and gripping piece of theatre. The Pillowman weaves an extraordinary range of images into its theatrical vocabulary: from a gritty police-cell drama to Brothers Grimm-style fantasy."
"It’s a violent comedy of manipulation, misinformation and miscommunication where art itself is under interrogation and the legacy of what we leave behind is under threat.”
“Ultimately, this play is about the power of storytelling and our need to find meaning and answers within the worlds we create for ourselves. Sometimes there are many, often there are none."
"As Katurian says: ‘It’s puzzle without a solution’. Herein lies the suspense, the intrigue and the imaginative wonder of The Pillowman, where the sheer innocence of the words ʻOnce Upon A Time…ʼ become something so much more powerful, dangerous and threatening.
“I am delighted to be returning to New Theatre to work with a dynamic team of artists, to create an exciting new production of this fantastic play for this stage.”
The Pillowman
Season: 16 March - 13 April 2013
Venue: New Theatre
Address: 542 King St, Newtown NSW
Bookings: 1300 347 205 or online at: www.newtheatre.org.au
Image: Bob Seary
For more information, visit: www.newtheatre.org.au for details.
