BUG
BUG is a dark, comic thriller written in 1996 by American writer/actor Tracy Letts, which was turned into a feature film in 2007. Letts was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for his play August: Osage County in 2008.
Agnes lives in a seedy motel on the edge of the Californian desert. Living a twilight existence, fuelled by alcohol and drugs, she is haunted by the memory of her missing son. When a handsome stranger enters her world, he brings with him an unexpected infestation. Soon the motel room becomes a haven for forces out to destroy them both, as they try to navigate threats including a criminal ex-husband, the crack-pipe and the CIA.
BUG is as compelling as it is disturbing,
says director Anthony Skuse We are seduced by Letts’ writing and by the play’s dark, comic edge.
Conspiracy theories collide with the desire to make a meaningful connection with another person. Who or what is lurking? Is there room for intimacy amidst the enemies — inside and out? BUG taps into our anxieties about personal and political responsibility; it examines the fractures of broken trust.
Set within a single room, BUG will be performed by an exciting Australian cast including Jeanette Cronin (Holding the Man, The Taming of the Shrew, Terra Nova, The Boys), Catherine Terracini (Sydney Ghost Stories, Richard 3, Colder, The Cold Child) and Matthew Walker (Home & Away, Children of the Silk Road, Sydney Ghost Stories).
Directed by Anthony Skuse (References to Salvador, Dali Make Me Hot, Bad Jazz, pool (no water), Terrorism, The Cold Child, Live Acts on Stage); Designed by Rita Carmody, Produced by Katy Alexander, Lighting Designed by Matt Cox, Production Managed by Todd Eichorn, Stage Managed by Bec Martin, with Voice Coaching by Carmen Lysack, and Assistant Direction by Paige Rattray.
In August 2010, Sydney Theatre Company presents America’s greatest theatre ensemble, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, with their internationally-renowned originating production of Tracy Letts’ 2008 Pulitzer and Tony-Award winning August: Osage County. (Enquiries: Tim McKeough 9250 1703).
BUG provides Sydney audiences with an excellent opportunity to see Letts’ earlier work. Picture This Productions recently produced the highly successful Sydney Ghost Stories at the Old Fitzroy Theatre. Picture This Productions is an ensemble of actors and creatives who pool their own resources to work together on exciting new Australian and international work in which high-quality writing, ensemble work and audience engagement is key.
Picture This Productions and Griffin Independent present BUG By Tracy Letts
12 May – 5 June 2010
- Venue
- SBW Stables Theatre | 10 Nimrod St, Kings Cross
- Previews
- 12, 13 May, 7pm
- Season
- 15 May – 5 June, 7pm
- Matinee
- 5 June, 2pm
- Prices Tickets
- $30/$26/$23 (booking charges may apply)
- Booking
- 8002 4772 or griffintheatre.com.au
- Special Gala Fundraising Performance
- Thursday 20 May — Q&A, meet and greet with cast members, celebrity guests, free drinks and prizes. $60 tickets
- Monday Rush supported by Foxtel
- All tickets unsold one hour prior to performance are $15 (max 2 tickets per person)
Media Enquiries
Emma Collison Publicity, 02 9362 9700, 0418 584 795, emma@emmacollison.com
Griffin Theatre Company, Jen Cannock P: 02 9332 1052, M: 0432 534 971 jennifer@griffintheatre.com.au
Griffin acknowledges the generosity of the Seaborn, Broughton and Walford Foundation in allowing it, since 1986, the use of the SBW Stables Theatre rent free, less outgoings.