INVERELL actor and teacher Ben Daley has a rare opportunity this weekend to work on stage with three of the greats in Australian theatre and writing at Barraba’s Play-house Hotel.
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Ben will join former Head of Directing for the National Institute of Dramatic Arts, Terence Sharpe OAM, and Playhouse theatre owner and veteran actor Andrew Sharpe and playwright and author Bob Ellis for a play reading of ‘An Evening Without Clive James’.
“These are the people that you study at university. When you’re talking about Australian theatre, these are the people, so I am very humbled by the idea, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous,” Ben said with a grin.
The piece is a spoken collection of Clive James’ poetry, verse and prose read on stage without sets or props. The voices of the actors carry the production with piano accompaniment by Kate Reid.
“So for people who enjoy audiobooks, poetry readings, a play reading really fits into that mould of performance,” Ben said. The invitation came when the company wanted to add a local touch to their ensemble. Andrew knew Ben’s work and made a connection.
“They thought they’d use someone who lived locally, to join the company on this particular run, so Andrew gave me a call.”
Ben said with the evolution in Australian theatre in the past 40 years, getting perspective from those who had been in the vanguard would be a welcome opportunity.
“I’m very much looking forward to some conversations with these practitioners, hearing of their experience and thoughts on theatre.”
An Evening Without Clive James is at the Barraba Playhouse Hotel tonight at 6.30pm and Sunday at 3.30pm. Tickets are available through the Playhouse 6782 1109 or play@playhousehotel.com.
