The New York Times describe the play Request Programme by German playwright Franz Xaver Kroetz as: 'Devastating... heart-wrenching.... extraordinary'.

It is a highly unconventional play. The stage instructions describe a middle-aged woman returning home at the end of her workday. She changes clothes, makes a simple meal, listens to the radio, dedicates some time to a craft hobby, cleans up, prepares for bed. One final devastating act occurs as the play’s climax. The entire performance is conducted in real-time over 70 minutes, without a single word uttered.

This silent monologue, this portrait of loneliness, is arguably more relevant and devastating today as fifty years ago when it was written. Through its meticulous observation of the mundane, the central character, though mute, speaks for all the voiceless and socially isolated individuals in our community.

Current social research reveals the depth of our loneliness. The Australian Psychological Society in conjunction with Swinburne University of Technology published research in 2018 showing 25% of all Australians reported feeling lonely for most of every week. For leading social researcher Hugh Mackay, this one in four statistic pointed to a ‘… virtual epidemic of loneliness’ even before the Covid19 pandemic hit.

In what is believed to be a Tasmanian Premiere of this work, legendary Tasmanian theatre director Robert Jarman directs acclaimed actor Jane Longhurst in this second of her Black Bag Trilogy performances, the first being Happy Days by Samuel Beckett presented as part of Mona Foma in Launceston and Hobart in January 2021.

Request Programme by Franz Xaver Kroetz

Translated by Katharina Hehn

Performed by Jane Longhurst

Directed by Robert Jarman

Lighting Design by Nicholas Higgins

Sound Design by Jacky Collyer

Set Design by Jon Bowling

Set Construction by Paul Colegrave

Stage Management by Saxon Hornett

Presented as part of Beaker Street Festival 2022 in association with Blue Cow Theatre and Detached Cultural Organisation.

7pm Friday 5 and Saturday 6 August

4pm Sunday 7 August

7pm Friday 12 and Saturday 13 August

4pm Sunday 14 August

Venue:

Detached Cultural Organisation (The Old Mercury Building, opposite the Town Hall)

91-93 Macquarie Street, Hobart TAS 7000

TO BOOK TICKETS FOLLOW THIS LINK