The Kursk September 15, 2009

Critical Stages presents
The award winning thriller
The Kursk
By Sasha Janowicz
At Riverside Theatres from September 15-19
The Kursk is a true story based on the ill-fated submarine Kursk written by
Australian playwright, Sasha Janowicz. The Critical Stages production of The
Kursk will play Riverside Theatres from September 15-19.
In August 2000 a nuclear submarine vanished during the training of a major
naval exercise coordinated by the Russian Navy. The pride of the Russian fleet,
the Kursk, was discovered 80 meters deep, on the ocean’s floor with 23 sailors
trapped inside. Rescue attempts were inhibited by severe weather conditions and
the drama intensified when suspicion of foreign involvement surfaced. The whole
world waited desperately for the survivors to be rescued.
The stage production of The Kursk follows Admiral Popov’s struggle to save the
crew of the submarine and prevent a nuclear disaster. A proud and obstinate
man, Admiral Popov is very untrusting of foreigners who come to assist the
rescue mission. The Kursk captures the claustrophobic world of the submarine
and the terrifying ordeal the sailors endure. A young man writes love letters to his
wife from the ocean floor as she prays for his return. The pressure is extreme
and the stakes are high as families and loved ones wait desperately for news.
The fates of their loved ones hang in the balance while rescuers fight against the
impossible in the real life thriller.
Playwright, Sasha Janowicz travelled to Russia to uncover the facts surrounding
the wreckage. He was also sent an anonymous package which included a
submariner captain’s uniform complete with medals. The Russians donated their
time, artifacts and uniforms for the project to assist in telling the true story of the
Kursk.
The Kursk is directed by Brisbane based director Michael Futcher. In 2000 he
directed A Beautiful Life, which toured nationally and won 4 Green Room
Awards and he also won a best director Matilda Award for The Kursk in 2007.
Michael directs a cast of experienced actors including Edward Foy, Eugene
Gilfedder, Dirk Hoult, Sasha Janowicz, Amanda Mitchell and Julienne
Youngberry.
The Kursk won 3 Matilda Awards for Best New Australian Play; Best Direction;
and Best Independent Production. It’s an inspiring story of hope, courage and
love which captures the suspense and humanity of the real life event.
*All the characters, except Admiral Popov, are collective. They use real names but they are
based on stories of many people connected to the tragedy. All the information used in the play,
except the CNN newscast, came from Russian language print and electronic publications and
author’s personal interviews.
“Will have you on the edge of your seat” ABC Radio
“A gripping theatrical performance.” Australian Stage Online
Directed by Micheal Futcher,
Sound Design by Luke Lickfold
Sound Design by Jason Glenwright.
THE KURSK
Riverside THEATRE, Cnr Church and Market Sts, Parramatta
DATES: September 15 - 19
TIMES: Tues 15 Sept 7.30pm, Wed 16 Sept 7.30pm, Thurs 17 Sept 6.30pm, Fri
Sept 18 7.30pm, Sat Sept 19 2.15pm & 7.30pm
TICKET PRICES:
Tues – Thu & Sat Matinee Adults $45, Conc $40, 30 & Under $32, 16 & Under
$28
Fri & Sat Evening Adults $48, Conc $43, 30 & Under $35, 16 & Under $31
BOOKINGS: Riverside Box Office 02 8839 3399 or
www.riversideparramatta.com.au