Hollywood Ending November 21, 2012

As the year draws to a close, Griffin Independent together with Arts Radar brings you a play so here, so now, it’s barely in existence. Hollywood Ending is a wickedly satirical, poison-tipped story about the hacks behind the most controversial film of the year – a piece of atrociously written propaganda that managed to enrage the world.

In an attempt at one last shot to make something that matters, washed-up porno director Don gathers an entourage of previous collaborators to realise his artistic vision. But can he pull-off something bigger than Ben Hur with a lunch-money budget? Hollywood Ending dives into the gutters of Hollywood, and confronts the kind of toxic desperation it can breed.

Hollywood Ending was developed under a new initiative Rapid Write, which introduces a lightning-fast, rock ‘n’ roll concept to Australia from London’s Theatre503, and is directed by newly-appointed artistic director of PlayWriting Australia, Tim Roseman. The hottest Australian playwrights were given the opportunity to pitch ideas in response to the developments, dreams and dilemmas of the world right now. With a restricted timeframe of just eight weeks to get this topical and responsive story onto the Griffin stage, selected writer CJ Johnson is conjuring a fictional exploration of these now infamous characters.

Of the process, incoming Artistic Director and Dramaturg Lee Lewis said, “Rapid Write is the craziest process I have ever worked on. Tim Roseman is either a genius or a madman, and CJ is unbelievably brave to take on this challenge. This is a comedy that is dangerously difficult to write but a story that concerns us all today. Working on a play which is directly connected to current global politics and questions the relationship of artists to those politics is refreshing and confronting.”

Casting is currently underway with Caroline Craig the first to be confirmed for a role. Her recent credits include Underbelly, Speaking in Tongues (Griffin), Loot (Sydney Theatre Company) and Blue Heelers. Further casting announcements will be made as they become available.

Writer CJ Johnson’s recent credits include The Dog Logs, Barnesy, The Harbour and You, Backpacker! and The Young Tycoons for Darlinghurst Theatre Company. His screenplay Backpacker was one of three short-listed finalists for the TropFest Feature Program in 2006.

Hollywood Ending is at the heart of contemporary theatre-making and pushing the boundaries of the Australian artistic landscape.

Going from blank page to stage in just 8 weeks, theatre doesn’t get more immediate than this.

‘Theatre503’s commitment to developing the very best new plays is awe-inspiring. Their commitment to nurturing the next generation of theatre-makers ensures the most inspirational, cutting-edge work takes shape on their stage’ – Kevin Spacey, Artistic Director, Old Vic Theatre

SEASON INFORMATION

HOLLYWOOD ENDING
By CJ Johnson
SBW Stables Theatre, 10 Nimrod Street, Kings Cross
Director Tim Roseman
Designer Rita Carmody
Dramaturg Lee Lewis
Lighting Designer Hartley Kemp
With Caroline Craig
Previews 21 & 22 November
Season 24 November – 15 December
Monday-Friday 7pm
Saturday 2pm & 7pm
TICKETS
Bookings 02 9361 3817 or www.griffintheatre.com.au
Adult $30 | Concession/Preview/Matinee $23 | Seniors/Group+8 $26 | Under 30 $26
$15 Rush tickets – limited number available Monday evenings at the door. Monday Rush supported by Foxtel – all tickets unsold one hour prior to performance are $15 (max 2 tickets per person)