Art Imitates Life in Canberra’s newest political drama – MP

The twists and turns, defeats and elations that take place in Canberra are really not that removed from the type of drama that plays out on stage. Last year the nation was glued to the television as in less than 24 hours our Prime Minister was removed and replaced by an in party coup, the tension and intrigue was Shakespearean.

 The twists and turns, defeats and elations that take place in Canberra are really not that removed from the type of drama that plays out on stage. Last year the nation was glued to the television as in less than 24 hours our Prime Minister was removed and replaced by an in party coup, the tension and intrigue was Shakespearean.
The interest of The Street Theatre had been piqued well before this as they commissioned Alana Valentine to create a work exploring the roles of women in politics in Australia. Their new play MP is based on interviews with politicians as varied as Julie Bishop, Tanya Plibersek, Judy Hopwood, Kay Hull, Kate Lundy and Vicki Dunne. The play looks behind the scenes at how they juggle their relationships with party colleagues, journalists, public servants, electoral constituents, staff advisors, friends and family members.
MP has been described as Australia’s West Wing and I spoke with actor Stephen Barker about this comparison: “Alana and Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing) are very different writers, but certainly in terms of the kind of feeling that you are likely to get as a member of the audience, it is that real sort of edge of your seat quality that some of the best political and social dramas can illicit from you.”
Alana Valentine is one of Australia’s most renowned playwrights with over 20 plays to her credit. Parramatta Girls, Watermark and Run Rabbit Run are but a few of those for which she has been commended. Her various awards include 2004 Queensland Premier’s Award for Best Drama Script, and the 2002 Rodney Seaborn Playwright’s Award.
The play stars Geraldine Turner as The MP with Stephen Barker, Leah Baulch, Andrea Close and Soren Jenson.
DATES               Saturday 1st October – Saturday 15th October 2011VENUE               The Street Theatre, Cnr Childers St and University Ave, Canberra City West.BOOKINGS        6247 1223 or www.thestreet.org.auPACKAGES         Dinner & Show packages available from the Hellenic Club in the City.