Requiem for the Twentieth Century

At the turn of the century, Cassandra is bestowed an unusual gift from the Russian mystic and prophet Rasputin. Granted eternal youth, Cassandra falls passionately in love with an Australian light horseman she meets in Egypt, but is nevertheless unable to alter the terrible events that unfold before her eyes, events that will change the course of history forever. She travels through time and geography from Gallipoli to Geurnica and from Berlin to Britain. She works with theatrical tyrants Meyerhold and Lorca, interviews Picasso and Dali, sings with Marlene in the Tingle Tangle Club and meets Madame Curie as her doomed devotion to the handsome Australian soldier shapes her life. Requiem for the Twentieth Century is a love story, embracing all the passion, ideas and fashion of these turbulent and inspiring times.

Originally performed 17 Nov – 3 Dec 2006 at New Ballroom, Trades Hall
With: Jude Beaumont, Isabella Dunwill, Angus Grant, Andre Jewson,
Odette Joannidis, Alex Pinder, Simon Maiden, Adrian Snodgrass, Emma Lucas, Sean Louth-Robins, Justyna Kiczor and Andrea McCannon
Director: Chris Bendall
Producer & Video Design: Kirrilly Brentnall
Set and Costume Design: Isla Shaw
Sound Design: Kelly Ryall
Lighting Design: Richard Vabre
Associate Producer: David Frazer
Musical Director: Victor Bizzotto
Stage Manager: Ali Whiting
Production Assistant: Emily Sexton
Assistant Stage Manager: Sarah Liistro

 

Cameron Woodhead of ‘The Age’ writes:
“Tee O’Neill’s Requiem for the 20th Century is a daring and hugely ambitious theatrical epic. .. conjured through terrifically versatile performances……Director Chris Bendall imbues this docudrama with riveting momentum, using every inch of a massive stage…”
Click here to read the full review

And Jan Chandler writes for the Australian Stage Online:
“A theatrical tour through the 20th century – you’d surely have to be mad to attempt such a work! Well no, not really, just ready, willing and able to take a risk, to attract a multi-talented cast and crew, to select your events, and to weave the whole into a great story that engages your audience. Writer Tee O’Neill and the aptly named Theatre @ Risk have taken on this daunting task and carried it off with style…
Click here to read the full review

Excerpts from other reviews:
“The performances are strong, Dunwill is feisty and sympathetic as Cassie and Grant balances Red’s early boyishness with his mature dignity and bookishness. The supporting cast play multiple roles with alacrity and their chorus work is engaging. Director Chris Bendall composes attractive stage pictures and imbues each scene with energy. ” Kate Herbert, Herald Sun, 29/11/06

“Requiem has some touching and effective moments and impressive individual performances… it has a quirky sense of humour that cuts to the heart of history” Bill Perrett, Sunday Age, 26/11/06

Purchase your copy here!
Licence to perform The Dogs Play here