Local talent shines in dark inner city comedy
Clovelly resident Danielle O’Keefe directs a talented cast of local actors in Devil May Care’s acclaimed production of Songs of Grace and Redemption at the TAP Gallery theatre in Darlinghurst.
Returning to stage following a successful preview season at the Sydney Fringe Festival, the play follows five 30-something city-dwellers as they stray into Soley’s Bar.
Dark and gritty in parts, the play delves into the plight of the characters as they each face a turning point in their lives and deal with the opportunities thrown their way.
O’Keefe says the play explores the idea of choice by encouraging the audience to reflect on their own lives, opportunities and choices while immersed in the journey of the characters.
“The play is questioning ‘where do you want to be?’ What’s stopping you doing something? When opportunity knocks (sometimes quietly) don’t be afraid to open to door,” she said.
“Of all the work I’ve done this is the most relevant to me and my stage in life now.”
The coincidences that draw this group of misfits together unravel into a funny and tender urban fairytale as their weaknesses are exposed to us, and to each other.
O’Keefe believes the play will strike a chord with audiences watching the characters overcome real obstacles and struggle to accept that life hasn’t quite turned out as planned.
“The beauty of this piece is that it does have its dark moments but you walk away with a sense of hope,” she said.
John Donnelly’s script is both funny and poignant. He uses a generous dose of the risqué to capture the human condition in all its vulnerability.
“It’s really well written. Everyone who has read the piece fell in love with it immediately,” O’Keefe said. “A lot of people are coming to see it again because it’s a completely different show from the Fringe Festival. The stage at the TAP is smaller so the audience is right there with the cast, involved in the action. I think this play lends itself to that level of intimacy.”
Songs of Grace and Redemption will be at the TAP theatre from November 2 to 20. To book, visit www.moshtix.com.au or call 1300 GET TIX. Cost: $27 ($22 concession).
– By Aneta Ilievska
