FRIDA AND DEREK (2017)

By Robert Jarman

Thursday 16 March 2017:  Villarett Gardens, Kimberley

Saturday 18 March 2017: Hatherly Birrell House, Launceston

Wed 22 & Thu 23 March 2017: Claremont House, Claremont

Tue 28 March – Sat 1 April 2017: Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens

Developed by Robert Jarman and Blue Cow Theatre. A World Premiere production.

A celebration of the lives of two of the 20th Century most idiosyncratic, charismatic icons: Mexican surrealist painter Frida Kahlo and English punk film-maker Derek Jarman.

The lives of these striking individuals share surprising parallels. Both had almost mystical regard for colour, both practiced their art with exuberant excess, opulence and flirtation, and both kept exotic gardens. Derek was a loud and proud gay activist; Frida a committed communist. Pain, injury and illnesses stalked Frida for her whole life, while Derek’s final year was veiled in blindness.

These fascinating characters have captured the world’s imagination. In “Frida and Derek”, Blue Cow set them free in Tasmania’s gardens.

ENSEMBLE

Rod Anderson
Bryony Geeves
Sue Hayes
Melissa King
Thomas Pidd
Fiona Stewart 

CREATIVE / PRODUCTION TEAM

Writer/Director Robert Jarman
Designer Nicole Winspear
Musician/Musical Director Fiona Stewart
Stage Manager Michael Bishop
Production Manager John Xintavelonis
Set Construction Les Winspear

WHAT PEOPLE SAID ABOUT “FRIDA AND DEREK”

Of Frida: “Kahlo’s story comes alive through excellent scripting and acting, clever staging – on a tiny riser! – and music performed by the exceptional Fiona Stewart and the cast.”

And of Derek: “You come away with a fresh appreciation for a genuinely trailblazing character. This is thoroughly enjoyable, ballsy theatre and all credit to the cast for delivering a new show with aplomb.” – Tim Cox, ABC Radio

 “Visually arresting, socially incisive, intensely focussed on the lives of their subject matter, Frida and Derek is a wildly inventive and surprisingly nimble two hours of theatre. … Director/ Writer Robert Jarman has fashioned a personal and highly original homage to artists and their art making.” – The Mercury