In her daring new, satirical cabaret 'Cultural Time Bomb', Sharni Page skilfully portrays three women struggling with the aftermath of an unnecessary tragedy. One shared experience. Three different responses.
(PRWeb) March 16, 2007 -- Drawn from recent headlines, 'Cultural Time Bomb' is a daring new satirical cabaret that delves deeply into themes of violence against women. Starring actor and playwright Sharni Page, three women share their harrowing experiences in a moving, yet uncompromising show.
Set from a woman's point of view, 'Cultural Time Bomb' is a confronting study that dissects and discusses Australian culture, values and beliefs. It explores life changing damage - both physical & psychological - suffered by its characters as a result of gang-rape.
The lives of two modern women are seen through the eyes of Lola - a German cabaret performer in the 1920's. During a journey set in her underground world - a bluestone, dungeon-like space - audience perception of the show is strongly influenced by Lola's satirical presence.
The eclectic mix of songs from all eras includes Stephen Sondheim, Charles Strouse, Cole Porter to 1920's German composer's Kurt Weill and Frederich Hollander. Rock bands No Doubt and The Tea Party also feature prominently.
Sharni Page says she is intrigued as to how sexual expression between men and women can lead to a violent, traumatic experience.
"I wanted to find out why the expression of human sexuality between women and men becomes blurred to the point where it leads to life-threatening violence", says Sharni Page. "Recent media reports on this subject seem to suggest that communication of sexuality is not only distorted - it is often dangerously misinterpreted."
A graduate of the Western Australian Academy of the Performing Arts, Page stresses that while the material in 'Cultural Time Bomb' is shocking and based on fact, it is not presented as an exercise in 'male gender bashing'.
As one person raising an issue, Page says she just wants to pose questions for others to think about later.
"If anything 'Cultural Time Bomb' asks whether men and women want to be accountable and responsible for their own actions and behaviours rather than use their cultural environment as an excuse", says Page.
High profile court cases in 2006 have highlighted the topic of violence against women as well as attitudes and behaviours within relationships in Australian society.
Topical and highly relevant, 'Cultural Time Bomb' is a show that no Australian should miss.
Presented by Caz Reitop's Dirty Secrets at 80 Smith St., Collingwood from March 22-24th, 30 &31st at 7:30pm. Tickets are $20 adults and $17 for a concession and can be booked on 9415 8876 or at the door.
BOOKINGS:
'Cultural Time Bomb'
Caz Reitop's Dirty Secrets
80 Smith St., Collingwood
7.30pm March 22-24th, March 30 &31st
PRICE $20 / $17 concession
9415 8876 or at the door
ABOUT 'CULTURAL TIME BOMB'
Three women struggle with the aftermath of an unnecessary tragedy. One shared experience. Three different responses.
Lola is a world-weary German cabaret performer in the 1920's. Lola's mentality is: do what you can to get by, be at peace with your lot - that's the way life is. Acting as a conduit for the audience, Lola provides accessibility while guiding them through a very dark narrative.
Through Lola, we meet two contemporary Australian women: Anna and Sam. As a result of unspeakable acts of violence, both are emotionally detached and full of self hate.
Introverted and withdrawn, Anna uses self harm to numb a traumatic and painful memory. Meanwhile Sam has evolved into a predatory huntress - both physically aggressive and manipulative.
Through their eyes the audience is forced to confront an uneasy examination of the extreme events that lead rapists to commit crimes that leave women to deal with tragic consequences.
Topical and highly relevant, 'Cultural Time Bomb' is a show that no Australian should miss. Starring Sharni Page, it is directed by Amanda Mouellic, with musical direction by Nicholas McMahon and choreography by Lisa Sontag.
An eclectic mix of songs from all eras will appeal to a wide range of people. From Broadway tunes of Stephen Sondheim and Charles Strouse to Cole Porter's sophisticated and sometimes ribald lyrics to 1920's Germany courtesy of Kurt Weill and Frederich Hollander .
The infectious ska-pop sound of No Doubt and psychedelic rock and blues of The Tea Party also feature prominently.
ABOUT SHARNI PAGE
It was as 'Lucy' in The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe at age 12 when Sharni's eyes were opened to the world of performing. Diverging slightly to complete a BA in Psychology and Media, Sharni then moved to Perth to complete a BA in Musical Theatre at WAAPA in 2000. Stage credits include, 'Laura' in D'osostias, (Parallelo productions), 'Zoe' in The Gates, (MTC), 'Fougere' in The Four Twins (VCA Director's Season), 'Hermia' in A Midsummer Night's Dream (Australian Shakespeare Company), touring Australia playing trumpet and performing as the kit kat girl 'Lulu', in the Sam Mendes production of Cabaret (IMG/Fran & Barry Weissler), of which she won a Green Room award for Best Ensemble. 'Irma Leopold' in Picnic at Hanging Rock (Lux Radio Theatre), 'Lucy' in Scratching for Answers (Knockabaout Theatre), Penny Machinations (Fringe Festival 2006) and winner of most special event 2005, Camelot and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (The Production Company).
Screen credits include 'Olivia' Blue Heelers (Channel 7), 'Alison' in Big Reef (Beyond Simpson Le Mesurier/Channel 9), as well as the feature film Emulsion and the short films The Interview (2004), Love on a Roll (2001), and Clerks (2000), not to mention dabbling in a few commercials for Coles, Holden, and McCains. Sharni has also been involved in the development of two new musicals: Dreaming the Pink Dingo (Homemade Musicals) and The Wild Blue (Homemade Musicals) as well as the new screenplay Be Near Me (Screenplay).
Sharni's writing credits include: Web of Life (a play with music), Cultural Time Bomb (cabaret), and Don't Give Up Your Day Job (a 10 minute play - Short & Sweet festival, Melbourne 2005 & Sydney 2006).
KAM
Kuber Auckland Management
Brisbane
Ph: + 61 7 3368 1700
Fax: + 61 7 3368 1711
Email: Brisbane AT KublerAuckland.com
Sydney
Ph: + 61 2 9362 8700
Fax: + 61 2 9362 8711
Email: Sydney AT KublerAuckland.com
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Sharni Page
Singer, Actor, Playwright, Voiceover Artist
M: 0417 017 097
e: sharni ATsharnipage.com
W:
www.sharnipage.comSean McIntyre
Wise Words Media
Media and Communications Solutions
ABN 60 363 406 503
M: 0011 61 0413 397 441
e: sean.mcintyre AT wisewords.com.au
W:
www.myspace.com/wisewordsmediaPress Contact: SEAN MCINTYRE
Company Name: Wise Words Media
Email: email protected from spam bots
Phone: 0011 61 0413 397 441
Website: www.myspace.com/wisewordsmedia
Press Release Source: EMediaWire
