World Premiere of Eurasian Comedy ‘The One’

Ensemble Theatre is thrilled to present the world premiere of THE ONE, directed by esteemed director Darren Yap (C.A.A.P.’s Double Delicious, Merrigong Theatre Company’s Letters to Lindy, Griffin Theatre’s  Diving for Pearls) and written by award-winning playwright Vanessa Bates (Barking  Gecko Theatre’s A Ghost in My Suitcase, Sydney Theatre Company’s Darling Oscar), in a new eccentric story about being Eurasian and where you fit in society.

Mel has a lot on her plate, never mind caring for her mother’s prized poodle! In this sizzling hotpot of food, culture and identity, THE ONE colourfully unravels the complexities of what it means to be Eurasian in contemporary Australia.

Angie Diaz (Amazon’s Nine Perfect Strangers, TV’s Underbelly, Power Rangers) plays lead character Mel, with Gabrielle Chan (TV’s Hungry Ghosts, Jasper Jones, Here Out West) playing Helen, her mother returning to Australia from Malaysia. They are joined by Shan-Ree Tan (Ensemble Theatre’s Nearer the Gods, Sydney Theatre Award winner for Yellow Face) who plays Eric, Mel’s brother, Damien Strouthos (TV’s The Twelve, Home and Away and Stan’s The Tourist) who plays Mel’s partner Cal and Aileen Huynh (TV’s Neighbours, Cleverman) who plays waitress Jess.

Mark Kilmurry, Artistic Director Ensemble Theatre:

I am so thrilled Vanessa Bates’s fabulous comedy The One is finally on our stages directed by the wonderful Darren Yap, commissioned and developed by the Ensemble Theatre. Vanessa’s play is a very funny look at the clash between tradition and contemporary culture with a focus on a family reunion and the lengths we go to for parental approval.

We are very excited with the teaming of Vanessa and Darren and this superb cast. I am also indebted to the very generous support of Jane Tham and Philip Maxwell for helping this play reach the stage.

In this energetically funny and affectionately provocative new family comedy, award-winning playwright Vanessa Bates colour fully unravels the complexities of what it means to be Eurasian in contemporary Australia.


Season Details

Venue: Ensemble Theatre
Date: 22 July -27 Aug 2022

For more information click HERE

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