Magpie by Elise Greig
Mordecai, a novelist dealing with a bad review, returns to her family’s Brisbane home for the first time in decades following the death of her father. The home conjures echoes from her distant past: the muggy summers, the smell of rotting mangoes, and the perpetual arguments between her Romani mother and father.
When she discovers her old journal – an innocent tapestry of ideas, drawings, and imaginings – Mordecai is drawn back to 1961 and a long-abandoned investigation into her parent’s unhappiness. Pushed along by her childhood friend Splinter, Mordecai sets out to uncover the long dormant secrets that cursed her family and led to her leaving home at fifteen.
Spanning from young love to aging cynicism, Magpie is a coming-of-age story that will thrill and delight like lemonade ice-blocks and a swim on a hot day.
Photo Credit: Justine Walpole
| SEASON DATES | Wednesday 27 May–Saturday 08 June 2019 |
| VENUE | Underground Theatre, Brisbane Powerhouse |
| DURATION | 90 minutes, no interval |
| AGES | Suitable for 15+ |
| PLAYWRIGHT | Elise Greig |
| DIRECTOR/DRAMATURG | Ian Lawson |
| DIRECTOR | Matt Scholten |
| LIGHTING DESIGNER | David Walters |
| SOUND DESIGNER | Guy Webster |
| DESIGNER | Josh McIntosh |
| STAGE MANAGER | Jenna Ward |
| CAST | Barb Lowing |
| Kathryn Marquet | |
| Julian Curtis | |
| Michael Mandalios | |
| VOICE ARTIST | Luisa Prosser |
"More than just a belated coming of age story, it is a moving experience with a poignancy that sneaks up on you."
"The depth of its themes and craftedness of its script will surely ensure the productions complimentary design and cast performances pair with Greig's writing perfectly to highlight the complex and unique mind of a fascinating writer"
"The depth of talent drawn to this production reflects the calibre of new work entering the Australian theatrical canon."
Elise Grieg
Elise Greig is an actor/playwright/director who has been recognized by the Matilda Awards on four occasions for her outstanding contribution to Queensland Theatre. Elise received a CentreScreen Award for her performance in Good Girls (Short Film Corner Cannes & New Filmmakers NY) and has three Goldie Awards for her voiceover work. As a playwright, Elise’s play Magpie was longlisted for the QPDA and in 2019 premiered at Brisbane Powerhouse in partnership with Playlab Theatre and Metro Arts. Elise’s most recent play Night Sky Over Our Town was developed through Qld Conservatorium Griffith University, a production she also directed, along with Buccino’s It’s Only Life and a celebration of Stephen Sondheim, Putting It Together.
Acting credits include: The Clints Come Again Reunion Cabaret (regional tour and Redlands Performing Arts Centre), Anatomy (BC, EG, Big Scary Animals and Metro Arts), That’s What She Said (Metro Arts), The Bull, The Moon and the Coronet of Stars (QT Quality Time), Reagan Kelly (Rocket Boy), Poison and Swallow (Metro Arts and EG), Spring Awakening (Metro Arts and Underground), A Little Night Music (Brisbane Philharmonic), Long Gone Lonesome Cowgirls (La Boite/QBFM), The Spirit of The Land (La Boite), Secret Bridesmaids’ Business (La Boite/QPAC), Explosions (QTC), Summer Rain (QTC) and Modd Madame Butterfly (QTC). Elise has worked extensively in film and TV, appearing in over 30 TV commercials and most recently played Ma Brown in Young Rock. Elise is currently the voice of Mrs.Kangaroo in Peppa Pig.
Magpie is supported by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body. Playlab, Metro Arts and Magpie are supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
Magpie is supported by Creative Partnerships Australia through MATCH Lab. Developed by Playlab through our Alpha Processing and Beta Testing programs.