Sydney audiences are in for a treat this May, as two original one-woman shows take the stage in a powerful double bill at Flight Path Theatre. Featuring the Sydney premieres of RUN RABBIT by Victoria Abbott and MELON by Ella Randle, this pairing brings together two dynamic and daring voices for an evening of boundary-pushing independent theatre.
Presented by Sunburnt Productions Co. , MELON is a raw and honest deep-dive into addiction, abuse and self-forgiveness. Penned by Griffin Award long-listed playwright Ella Randle, and performed by Amber Gilmour , MELON is a gritty, visceral and, at times, darkly funny solo piece that asks if we can reconcile our mistakes, or are we defined by our worst moments? Following sold-out seasons and accolades in Perth—including a Performing Arts WA Award nomination for Best Independent Theatre Production— MELON marks Sunburnt Productions Co.’s Sydney theatre debut.
In a bold, hilarious and chaotic counterpoint, RUN RABBIT by Aotearoa (NZ) theatre-maker Victoria Abbott brings her internationally acclaimed, genre-busting, smash and grab solo work to Sydney. Inspired by her formidable Scottish ancestor Black Agnes, famous for holding out in a castle with unladylike flair against a 5 month siege by the British, RUN RABBIT tears through 680 years of rage, resistance, and reclamation.
Fierce poeticism, explosive physicality and cutting humour are all combined by solo performer Abbott , whose CV boasts performances with Pop Up Globe and Auckland Theatre Company and TV credits including Top of the Lake: China Girl and Netflix’s Power Rangers: Seasons 1-3 . The show has toured to packed houses across New Zealand, collecting numerous accolades including the Tour Ready Award and Best Theatre Performance at Auckland Fringe.
Both MELON and RUN RABBIT unearth deeply personal yet universally resonant stories, in a double bill that champions the kind of fearless and bold storytelling that Sydney audiences relish. Sunburnt Productions Co. , co-founder and producer Kyra Belford-Thomas says “Both plays interrogate the ways women navigate hardship and survival, in totally different and unforgettable ways.” According to RUN RABBIT producer Madeleine Withington , the double bill is one to watch; “ Two hours, two women and two unmissable shows. ”
May 22 – 31
Bookings: flightpaththeatre.org
