BITE program announced

After issuing a call for entries in March this year, the Seymour Centre is proud to announce the two successful productions chosen as part of the 2010 BITE program (Best of Independent Theatre).

After issuing a call for entries in March this year, the Seymour Centre is proud to announce the two successful productions chosen as part of the 2010 BITE program (Best of Independent Theatre).

With a high calibre of applicants from across Australia, the two shows each performing a three-week run this Spring will be The Chronic Ills of Robert Zimmerman: AKA Bob Dylan (A Lie) and A Solitary Choice.

“The calibre of applications was exceedingly high, with shows applying from interstate as well as from Sydney. It was a tough decision but we’re thrilled to be welcoming two such strong productions to the Seymour in October and November,” said Seymour Artistic Director and General Manager Tim Jones.

With the support of Arts NSW and The University of Sydney’s Centre for Continuing Education, the Seymour Centre’s BITE program, now in its fifth year, nurtures innovative theatrical talent by offering successful independent productions a three-week season at the Inner West’s favourite arts hub.

Penned by award-winning Sydney poet, playwright, and journalist Benito Di Fonzo, The Chronic Ills of Robert Zimmerman: AKA Bob Dylan (A Lie) is a reverently ironic homage to the man born Robert Allen Zimmerman, better known as Bob Dylan; also bringing to life a cast of contemporaries Dylan and non-Dylan fans will instantly know. Booked out in a short run in the Old Fitzroy Theatre early this year, and lauded by audiences and critics at the 2009 Adelaide Fringe Festival, the show will wow music lovers and Dylan fans from October 20 to November 6.

Performing in NSW for the first time, from November 10-27, A Solitary Choice has recently returned from a critically-acclaimed season at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where reviews centred on the incredible performance of its solo actor Tamara Lee. Written by Adelaide-based Sheila Duncan this powerful one-woman piece centres round a woman facing difficult decisions following a passionate affair.

The University of Sydney’s Centre for Continuing Education will be running two one-day events as part of their support of BITE. Following the performance of The Chronic Ills… on October 26, join playwright Benito Di Fonzo, journalist Glenn A Baker and Dylan expert Mark Sutton as they explore Dylan’s life and the challenges in creating this work for the stage. Following the 23 November performance of A Solitary Choice, Dr Leslie Cannold will lead a discussion with a panel of prominent women and the audience to debate the ethics of difficult decisions.

For more details, ring the Seymour Centre on (02) 9351 7940.