MICHAEL Griffith’s beautiful and contemporary plays are beginning to turn heads around the country, and now The Wedge Performing Arts Centre is taking advantage of his expertise.
As the talented playwright prepares to bring his own production of The Magnolia Tree to Sale at the end of May, Griffith has taken time out of his busy schedule to mentor cast and crew of 42 George Street.
42 George Street is the first play to be produced inhouse at The Wedge. Written by Longford’s Melesa Eldred, the play is set against the backdrop of events that shaped Australia and follows the lives of three families.
“Melesa’s work is gutsy, very real and has well drawn characters,” Griffith said.
“The script is original and brave and if Melesa continues writing, she could develop into quite a significant Australian playwright.”
Michael Griffith’s production of The Magnolia Tree stars talented Australian actress Tottie Goldsmith and is the story of a family, whose love for each other still resides underneath all their deep distrust and simmering rage-a family whose fractures could be healed by coming together to commit a murder.
Griffith sees a strong similarity between his work and that of Eldred’s.
“My scripts are vocal and make a stand, and I can see this coming out in Melesa’s work,” he said.
“When I read the script I felt I just had to help.”
The Magnolia Tree will be performed at The Wedge this Thursday from 1.30pm and 8pm.
42 George Street will be performed at The Wedge from July 16 to 25.
For tickets, visit www.thewedge.com.au or 100 Foster St, Sale, or phone 5143 3200.
