Princess of Suburbia |
Synopsis:
A woman is alone in deep suburbia. In her state of depression she finds companionship in talk back TV. The woman is burdened by a recurring memory of the day her daughter did something appalling at a child beauty competition. Driven by the need to justify and explain the circumstances that led to this unspeakable event she fantasizes, confessing her story on a talk back television show. This play is steeped in the great Australian black comic tradition, a play which summons up all the archetypes of our society and lays them hideously bare. As the screamingly funny, yet ultimately chilling story unfolds, the performer moves from character to character – male, female, young and old – with incredible physical and vocal dexterity and pinpoint accuracy.
Seasons: Cement Box Theatre, Brisbane, October 2001.
Reviews: “Even more so than Betzien’s Kingswood Kids, which received a main house stint at La Boite during last year’s Brisbane Festival, this short play cries out to be seen by a wider audience.” Brett Debritz, Brisbane News
“Unlike the complacent contempt that normally characterises satires of middle – class life in Australia, The Princess of Suburbia has the courage to really hate.” Ben Eltham, The Courier Mail
“The audience's reaction subsides from hoarse laughter to stricken silence." Paul Galloway, Brisbane News
“The audience roars with laughter… side-splittingly funny” Katherine Lyall-Watson, Time Off
Awards: Light Globe Awards for:
Best Actor: Jodie Le Vesconte Best Sound: Pete Goodwin Best New Script: Angela Betzien Best Lighting: George Meijer Highly Commended Direction: Leticia Cáceres Best Production: Princess of Suburbia as part of Cooking up a Princess
Creative Team: Writer: Angela Betzien |
