Local playwright’s Illuminati opens in Gosford in March

Uniting Productions will present Central Coast playwright Sally Bartley’s first full-length play from March 15-24.

Bartley, who has written several successful short plays, decided to expand Illuminati from a shorter piece.

“I originally wrote it as a one act play for a small Wyong Drama Group festival,” she said.

“Afterwards so many people said they’d love to know what happened to the characters after the first therapy session, I decided to turn it into a full-length play with the shorter play forming the first scene.

“It was fun to explore the back stories of the characters and take them on a journey of ‘illumination’.”

The play deals with an anger management class run by Sean, the facilitator.

Participants include Axel, who believes he has been dealt a dud hand in life; Poppy, a hippy who is busy watching Big Brother; and Milly, who knows what she wants but can’t find her voice.

Their individual problems and what has brought them to this point are gradually revealed.

The play challenges the audience to travel with each character to their resolve.

It explores the human condition with empathy and humour.

“I wanted to write a play about conspiracy theories as I find them interesting, a little bit hilarious and a little bit dangerous – good writing fodder,” Bartley said.

“It seems that conspiracy theories fall into two categories – the silly little ‘Paul is dead’ ones and the bigger Big Brother, New World Order, political ones – and I wanted to showcase both.

“The idea came to me that some sort of group therapy session with angry people would be the perfect vehicle.”

Director Ron Baker said the script was clever, with distinctly different well-drawn characters journeying to more positive outcomes.

“We are so lucky to have a cast who like to explore and discuss character development and relationships and who offer thoughtful suggestions which enhance the performance,” he said.

The production features Gavin Critchley, Duncan Mitchell, Donna Cromer, Rebecca Flint, Liane Porter, Karen Pendleton, Blake Rissell and Michelle King.

It plays at Gosford Uniting Church from March 15-24.

Book at coastboxoffice.com