Romeo And Juliet on MDMA

Benjmin Henson Helms the NZ Premiere of Love Story Described as Romeo And Juliet on MDMA

Q Theatre’s 2017 Matchbox Season presents
THE EFFECT
A Fractious Tash production
Written by Lucy Prebble
Directed by Benjamin Henson

A love story amidst a clinical drug trial, written by one of the UK’s most exciting playwrights, is about to be transformed by revel-makers and boundary-pushers, Fractious Tash. Benjamin Henson’s off-kilter vision and unstoppable cast will bring the NZ premiere of shatteringly intelligent work The Effect to Q Theatre Wednesday 2nd – Saturday 12th August as part of Q’s 2017 MATCHBOX Season.

Connie sees Tristan. Tristan sees Connie.
Hearts pound. Pulses soar. Thoughts race. Pupils dilate. Palms sweat. Balance reels. Lips burn. Is this the side-effect of only one thing...Their dangerous, electrifying, first-sight love...Or the explosive, experimental drug surging its way through them?
Severed from the world as test subjects for a revolutionary new drug, it is Connie and Tristan's chemistry that comes under the microscope - their laser-like connection cannot be denied, but what's causing it? Is it ethical? Is it real and can it ever last?

New Zealand is fast becoming desirable to large pharmaceutical companies for its high standard health care system and abundance of volunteers, with hundreds of trials occurring each month. Prebble's profound play spearheads the growing discussion, examining love, depression and the limitations of neuroscience.

The Effect, won the Critic's Circle Best Play Award in London before transferring to Broadway, with The Telegraph lauding the work an; “astonishingly rich and rewarding play, as intelligent as it is deeply felt.” Known for her racy hit TV series Secret Diary of a Call Girl, staring Billie Piper, Prebble was soon snapped up by the National Theatre to take on the financial scandal and collapse of the Texas Energy Company in her world-reknowned play ENRON. The British writer has gained international attention for her bold and original scrips, with The Telegraph calling her “One of the UK’s hottest new playwrights.”

Taking the stage in this intimate four-hander are an experienced cast of Will Wallace (Step Dave, Harry), Jessie Lawrence (Why Does Love, Summer Shakespeare’s As You Like It), Sheena Irving (Man of Mode at National Theatre, London, Dear Murderer), and Daniel Watterson (Dirty Laundry, Pop-Up Globe’s Olivia in Twelfth Night). Henson brings his tried and tested provocative flair to the work, pushing the traditional theatrical boundaries to the absolute limit, with unforgettable results, by teaming up with Movement Director Lara Liew (Dynamotion, Wet Hot Beauties). Lauded as “a fantastic spectacle director” by Theatrescenes, Henson’s cutting-edge approach and the boisterous innovative style of the company lend itself perfectly to the visionary work of Prebble.

This psychological and absorbing drama immaculately brings together the best local minds with the story of one of the UK’s most impressive contemporary voices.

Praise for Fractious Tash:
“Gutsy performances and high production values” – Metro Magazine, Not Psycho, 2015

“The sort of show that redefines the rules of theatre, Not Pyscho appeals to both the theatre veteran and the fresh-faced newbie. “Hitchcock but not” Henson’s latest project continues his reign of experimental bangers” – Whats Good, Not Psycho, 2015

"You will be forever disappointed that you did not engage with this outstanding production.
It's simply that complete" – Theatreview, Titus, 2016 (Pop-Up Globe season)

“Everything seemed so unique; and while life is just that, zillions of unique moments, most don’t feel quite as magical or impossibly finite” – Gather & Hunt, Titus, 2016

The Effect plays:
Wed 2nd – Sat 12th August, Q Theatre Loft, Auckland CBD, at 7pm
Tickets from Q Theatre. For bookings visit www.qtheatre.co.nz or phone 09 309 9771

The Effect is presented as part of MATCHBOX, the Q Theatre creative development programme.

Q Theatre is an independently owned and operated performing arts venue in Auckland’s CBD, committed to the sustainability and success of arts and culture. Every year Q co-presents a season of shows through its creative development programme, MATCHBOX. MATCHBOX enables the best emerging and professional New Zealand performing artists to bring their ideas to life on stage. Through a three-step selection process Q curates a MATCHBOX Season that pushes boundaries, showcases Q’s transformative venue, and delivers unique experiences for audiences.

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