DIVING FOR PEARLS

Kevin Harrington has acted in everything from Neighbours to Underbelly, but his latest appearance takes him into the world of a classic Australian drama. Written in the 1980s by Katherine Thomson, Diving for Pearls focuses on the effects of globalisation on a small seaside community and its residents. During our chat I learn Kevin was attracted to the strong script and the opportunity to portray a man’s reactions to circumstances which are universal and topically relevant. He believes the piece is equal in stature to anything written by David Williamson and should be considered a modern Australian classic. He points out that unlike most Australian dramas, written for and by the middle class, Diving for Pearls focuses on working class people. In addition, the themes of the play, especially the effect of losing manufacturing industries, echo concerns of the present.

Harrington plays Den, the working class protagonist. It is easy to see how the role would have appealed to a man who grew up as the son of a factory worker in Melbourne’s western suburbs. The actor had little exposure to the theatre as a youngster and served the classic apprenticeship of class clown before turning to professional performance. His advice to anybody considering a career in the industry is ‘to listen’. It’s simple advice that I was happy to follow with this engaging and generous representative of Australia’s acting community.

Written by Leann Richards

Aug 23-25, NIDA Parade Playhouse, 215 Anzac Parade, Kensington, $26-59, 1300 795 0120, ticketek.com.au

Alternative Media Group is giving you the chance to see Diving for Pearls for FREE. For your chance to WIN a double pass, click here.