Swashbuckling adventure with master of discipline

Sword fights, comedy, melodrama – and even a touch of male nudity – will bring Melville Theatre’s stage to life this March with Zastrozzi, The Master of Discipline.

Sword fights, comedy, melodrama – and even a touch of male nudity – will bring Melville Theatre’s stage to life this March with Zastrozzi, The Master of Discipline.

Written by Canadian playwright George F. Walker and directed by Kirilee Lennerts, it’s inspired by Percy Shelley’s 1810 novel of the same name.

The play follows the charismatic criminal mastermind Zastrozzi who cuts a swathe of destruction across Europe in the 19th century, as he plots revenge against a naïve and disturbed artist.

Lennerts was inspired to direct Zastrozzi, The Master of Discipline after seeing a Black Swan Theatre production with Marcus Graham in the title role six years ago.

“The play made me excited about theatre,” she said.

“Very few plays are as physical and dynamic as Zastrozzi, as well as having such wonderful characters.

“So much of theatre is still unless it’s a musical. But Zastrozzi dares to be different; it entertains and challenges audiences by asking the question of who would you really root for – the villain or the hero?”

Involved in theatre since high school, Lennerts has performed with several theatres in the past six years including Garrick and Blak Yak Theatres and also has a bachelor of arts in contemporary performance.

Zastrozzi is her first time directing and she admits it will be a challenge.

“But I have a great cast and crew so I know it is going to be an excellent show,” Lennerts said.

Zastrozzi, The Master of Discipline plays at 8pm, March 3, 4, 5, 10, 11 and 12 with a 2pm matinee on March 6.

Tickets are $17, $13 concession. Book on 9330 4565 or email melville.theatre.company@gmail.com. 

Melville Theatre is on the corner of Stock Road and Canning Highway, Palmyra. More information is available www.meltheco.org.au.