Arwain – a new SOAPI production
Arwain is a set of two plays by our own Jenifer James, produced by SOAPI and directed by Robyn Freedman. It will be performed at the Cobargo School of Arts Hall on 31 October and 2, 7 and 8 November.
Arwain consists of two plays inspired by myths, with the presence of a guiding figure cementing the narrative and acting as a foil for the more flawed and vulnerable characters. Arwain means guide in Welsh.
When we first read Jenifer James’s DANSE Macabre we knew we had to get it on stage for audiences to experience this beautiful play about lust, love and eternal longing. Jenifer’s dialogue is a delight with her characters lamenting, raging, charming, berating and soothing the audience, coaxing them through the story. You will be absorbed by the suspense, the puzzle, and the beauty that is DANSE Macabre.
Kaos, the second play in the Arwain set explores more eternal themes but is also more confronting. Kaos is a jack-booted romp through a 21st century living room populated by Ancient Greek gods. These are not the gods who inspired centuries of love poetry. They are the gods of chaos, trickery, oblivion, war and famine etc. This is not the family you want to live next door to or visit. When a couple of hapless travellers arrive, the outcome is not pretty, but it is brutally funny.
Again, Jenifer’s command of language creates fascinating characters and the production highlights the ghastly mix of ambition, lust, violence and raw appetite for suffering tempered with some common sense, survival and even a little compassion. These are big personalities – you will love them.
The performances are on Friday 31 October at 7.00pm, Sunday 2 November at 2.00 pm, Friday 7 November at 7.00 pm and Saturday 8 November at 7.00 pm.
The ticket price is $30 and senior and youth discounts will be available. You can book a table for six for $150. BYO drinks and snacks but glasses will be provided. Tea, coffee and water are supplied at no charge.
To book on the TryBooking site (just put TryBooking in your browser) and search for ‘ARWAIN Cobargo’.
Robyn Freedman
Photo: Jenifer James and Robyn Freedman working on the production of Arwain