Media Release - Noisy Shadows
Written By Branwen Millar
Directed By Rachel Lenart
Noisy Shadows, a play written by Branwen Millar (Wellingtonian of the Year, 2001) and directed by Rachel Lenart
(Bouncing With Billie, Theatre Militia's Symposium), makes its New Zealand debut at BATS Theatre from 21st - 25th of
March. Millar and Lenart are joined by collaborators from all over the Wellington theatre community including key
players from Theatre Militia, a recent Toi Whakaari graduate, Victoria University theatre graduates, sound designer
Emile De La Rey and two theatrically trained Posties.
Noisy Shadows is an existential, evocative piece of writing that explores our relationship with the media and the
comparatively frivolous inner despair of the individual amidst global chaos. Carlie (Sarah Hampton) searches for the
event that will change her life, while Jen (Tania Nolan) provoked by an obsession with current events, tries to
reconcile her desolate world views when a personal tragedy forces her to reassess all she thought she knew. Robbie
(Simon Smith) provides insight, depth and support and Curtis (Nathan Buller) finds change easier than he expected.
Director Rachel Lenart says, "The play evolves with a fluidity and grace that is compelling. Millar's text is
intelligent, thought provoking and informative without ever becoming didactic. Her work resonates deeply with truth,
delicacy and humanity."
Millar composed Noisy Shadows while on a student exchange at the University of Santa Barbara last year. The play was
performed in California to sell out seasons and critical acclaim. Beating ninety scripts from the Californian region,
the play was awarded the Dorothy E Corwin Award for Best New Play, the first time this award had been presented to a
non-American. This show has since been developed and adapted to suit and entice a New Zealand audience.
Noisy Shadows fuses both naturalistic and absurd performance styles with surreal, stylised design. Expect beautiful,
truthful performances, stunning visuals, spectacular sounds and plenty of peanuts…
On Tania Nolan in The Play About the Baby – "Tania Nolan gives a beautifully nuanced performance… both seductive and
motherly." – Lynn Freeman, Capital Times
On Simon Smith in Despatch – "…the enigmatic villain, chillingly portrayed by Simon Smith…" – Lynn Freeman, Capital
Times
On Theatre Militia – " Producer Aimee Froud and director Rachel Lenart ensure the show prances on a solid foundation of
research, intelligence and insightful humour. Their team is fully-aligned." – John Smythe, National Business Review
On Noisy Shadows - "Amazing! Vibrant, original and theatrically inventive. This is the voice of a new generation of
playwrights."- Santa Barbara News-Press, California
What: Noisy Shadows by Branwen Millar
When: 21-25 March 2006, 8pm
Where: BATS Theatre
1 Kent Terrace
Cost: $16/ $12
Phone: (04) 8024175 to book.
ENDS