Valley Song September 4, 2008

This beautiful play from one of the twentieth century’s legendary theatre makers comes to Riverside Theatres from Thursday 4 September for four performances only. The Merrigong Theatres Company’s production of VALLEY SONG brings to life a personal tale from Athol Fugard, recognised as South Africa’s greatest playwright.

In a tiny village in a valley in the South African countryside live 17-year-old Veronica and her aging grandfather, Buks. Her strong desire to leave the valley and follow her dreams is matched only by his determination to protect her and resist the inevitable changes enveloping them. A newcomer to the village further threatens the simple life they have lived for so long.

VALLEY SONG is not only a personal tale, but explores how our hopes, dreams and fears shape us, a metaphor for the future of post-apartheid South Africa. The production stars the talented Philip Hinton and Alexandria Steffensen.

“Athol Fugard is such a prominent playwright in South Africa so I jumped at the chance to be in the play,” said Alexandria Steffensen. “It’s such a beautiful story”.

Alexandria Steffensen was born in Johannesburg and is an acting graduate of Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. She has appeared onstage in Camarilla for the Merrigong Theatre Company and Jet of Blood for Ignite Productions. She also played a role in George’s Miller’s Happy Feet.

Phillip Hinton began his stage career in South Africa, and then in 1963 returned to the UK working in repertory and musical comedy before joining the Royal Shakespeare Company. Phillip appeared in TV drama for the BBC including Softly, Softly, Z Cars, Colditz and John Halifax. In 1974 Phillip settled in Australia and has worked here extensively in theatre, film and television.

‘This extraordinary play is what theatre should be.” - Wall Street Journal (USA)

“Athol Fugard’s poignant celebration of the new South Africa”- New York Times

“Poignantly beautiful…perhaps no other playwright of our time so deftly interweaves the political with the personal.” - Variety (USA)

Director Anne-Louise Rentell
Designer Simon Greer
Lighting Designer Martin Kinnane
Music Composer Daryl Wallis

VALLEY SONG
VENUE: Riverside Theatres, Cnr Market and Church Streets, Parramatta
DATES: Thursday 4 Sept- Saturday 6 Sept
TIMES: Thurs, Fri, Sat at 8:15pm & Sat matinee at 2:15pm
SINGLE TICKET PRICES:
Thurs Eve & Sat Matinee Adults $44, Conc & Groups $39, 30 & Under $31, 16 & Under $23
Fri & Sat Eve Adults $47, Conc & Groups $42, 30 & Under $34, 16 & Under $26
RIVERSIDESAVER PRICES:
Thurs Eve & Sat Matinee Adults $38, Conc & Groups $33, 30 & Under $28, 16 & Under $20
Fri & Sat Eve Adults $41, Conc & Groups $36, 30 & Under $31, 16 & Under $23
BOOKINGS: Riverside Box Office 02 8839 3399 or www.riversideparramatta.com.au

Official Website: http://www.riversideparramatta.com.au