Adam Mitchell, Associate Director of the Black Swan State Theatre Company, is the artist-in-residence at the Hayman Theatre for their current production Attempts on her Life.
His second work at Curtin, award-winning Mitchell describes Attempts on her Life as a contemporary performance piece.
‘I directed the Australian classic Away at Curtin in 2004, Attempts on her life is the opposite in many ways being that it is piece of contemporary performance,’ Mitchell said.
‘It’s for an audience who wants something more challenging than the usual night at the theatre.’
Essentially a play of 17 fascinating scenarios based on the elusive life of a woman known only as Ann, the audience is asked to follow the threads to create a full picture of who this woman is and why she is in such demand.
‘The work blends scenes with song and live and recorded film. It should be an experience for all the senses,’ he said.
Since graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (English) from Curtin in 2000, Mitchell has gained a lot of experience directing for different theatre companies in Perth as well as touring overseas as director and performer.
But, he says, he really enjoys working with Curtin students.
‘The theatre arts course is one of the most practical in the country – they arrive in the industry with a broader knowledge and skills base in making theatre than graduates from many other institutions.’
Mitchell says his one-man show that played at the Edinburgh Festival was really a jumping-off point for creating his own work and to further develop his interest in cabaret and theatre with music.
A board member for the Blue Room, Mitchell also holds a professional company position on the board of Stages Playwriting Consortium, which exists to help and guide new and emerging writers.
Attempts on her Life is currently showing at the Hayman Theatre until August 1, 2009. For more information visit the Hayman Theatre website.
