Ashleigh Cummings. Illustration: Julian Meagher
Samson
by Julia-Rose Lewis at the Belvoir St Theatre 2015
Director Kristine Landon-Smith
7 May - 31 May Downstairs Theatre
A gem about discovering beauty in unlikely places.
A co-production with La Boite Theatre Company
This is Julia-Rose Lewis’ first play and she has made something wondrous. On the one hand, Samson is an Australian coming-of-age story set in a country town. On the other hand, it is a completely disarming hodgepodge of unexpectedness and originality, of metaphysics and silliness, of religious faith and topless sunbathing.
Essie, Beth, Sid and Rabbit are growing up at the arse end of the arse end of the world. Boredom, decay and violence plague their lives. And grief, for the death of a friend. Grappling with their own existence and grasping hopelessly at the future, they find themselves imagining heaven and dreaming of hell.
Samson fizzes with truth; it is brutal yet gentle, funny yet sad, young yet old. At its heart is the startling idea that the death of someone important can be the start of something excellent.
Ashleigh Cummings (Puberty Blues, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries) makes her Belvoir debut in this gem about discovering beauty in unlikely places.
CAST
Benjamin Creek
Ashleigh Cummings
Belinda Jombwe
Charles Wu
Creative Team
By Julia-Rose Lewis
Director Kristine Landon-Smith
Set & Costume Designer Michael Hili
Lighting Designer Ben Hughes
Composer & Sound Designer Kim Bowers
Dramaturg Anthea Williams
Fight Director Scott Witt
Stage Manager Danielle Ironside
Stage Management Secondment Lara Qualtrough
Reviews for Samson...
"Kudos to the tight direction from Kristine Landon-Smith, who elicits just the right emotional pitch from her performers...This is a wonderful, hugely enjoyable new Australian play which deserves a wide audience." Chris Hook | The Daily Telegraph
"Grief, guilt, loyalty and loss of faith are just some of the emotions and themes explored in this often funny, occasionally touching coming-of-age drama from emerging playwright Julia-Rose Lewis."Jason Blake | The Sydney Morning Herald
"The four young actors turn in excellent, energetic performances…It’s fantastic to see some new, diverse actors at Belvoir, who live up to the high dramatic standards set by the theatre. " Ben Neutze | Daily Review
"The terrific young cast of four give passionate performances, full of vibrant energy and passionate commitment... Challenging and confronting..." Lynne Lancaster | Arts Hub