Boston Marriage

Ipswich theatre lovers would do well to get themselves along to to see Queensland Theatre Company’s opening play of 2015. Boston Marriage, by the wonderful and prolific David Mamet (Glengarry Glen Ross, Speed-the-Plow and countless other plays and films) promises lots of laughs and the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright’s typical wit and skilful storytelling abilities. The cast includes favourites Amanda Muggleton, Helen Cassidy (Sisters of War) and Brisbane-born NIDA graduate, Rachel Gordon (Blue Heelers).

2013’s Matilda Award-winning director, Andrea Moor (Venus in Fur), is well qualified to take the helm, not least because she studied the acting technique originated by Mamet and actor William H. Macy, called Practical Aesthetics. It encourages an uncluttered approach to performance, allowing the full complexity of the text to dominate. She’s since taught the technique and continues to teach it at places such as NIDA and WAPPA.

Boston Marriage is a ‘girl gets girl’ romance set in the Edwardian era in Boston. Bostonian ladies Anna and Claire live together on the fringes of the elite, with Anna having started accepting expensive gifts from a wealthy married man who’s besotted by her. Meanwhile, Claire starts seducing a much younger woman and wants Anna’s help. With typical Mamet precision, the play chips away at the pretensions of high society and class distinction, while also taking a look at the compromises needed to make a marriage work.

Audiences are promised a deliciously wicked night at the theatre, with the opportunity to also enjoy some stunning period costumes designed by Stephen Curtis, one of Australia’s leading costume designers.

Nice to know - Cast members are available for 'meet and greet' afterwards. Programs are free.

Need to know - Boston Marriage is only in Ipswich for one night and tickets are selling fast so be quick.

Buy tickets here

by Vicki Englund