Sydney Theatre Company and HWL Ebsworth Lawyers present
Travesties
As the First World War raged throughout Europe, three of the most acute minds of the Twentieth Century – James Joyce, Tristan Tzara and Lenin – sought sanctuary in Zurich.
Enter Henry Carr. Minor British Consul official. Dedicated follower of fashion. Shameless self promoter. Performer in Joyce’s 1917 amateur production of The Importance of Being Earnest.
Told from the perspective of this historical non-entity, Carr – comforted by the passage of time and the vagaries of memory – (inaccurately) places himself at the centre of events, elevating his own importance in a period of intellectual invigoration and rigor; a time filled with the promise of cultural and social transformation.
In this classic comedy, Tom Stoppard juxtaposes the ridiculous pomposity of the brilliantly unremarkable Henry Carr against the exuberance and wit of some of the greatest talents of the last century. This is Stoppard at his best: a medley of debates pertaining to literature, philosophy, history and politics, spun from dialogue that glistens with language games, puns and wit.
2 hours 30 mins including interval
Travesties - Monday 30 March at 6:30pm
This performance was cancelled due to the power outage experienced across Sydney CBD. Tickets may be exchanged for an alternative performance of Travesties. Patrons unable to attend an alternative performance may obtain a full refund from the original point of purchase. Sydney Theatre Company (02) 9250 1777. Sydney Opera House (02) 9250 7777.
Reviews
"*****This is a play you have to see..." Time Out Sydney
"Richard Cottrell's splendid revival of Travesties reclaims the play...a terrific cast...The star is Jonathan Biggins as Carr...a superb performance." The Australian
"**** an exhilarating verbal ride through art, history and politics.... this exuberant production is hugely entertaining." The Sunday Telegraph
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My friends and I were blown away by 'Travesties'. Tom Stoppard's incomparably excellent writing only rivalled by the cast's sheer brilliance at interpreting those difficult, sometimes very repetitious lines with colour, flare and artistic articulation! ALL THOSE LINES!! Rehearsals must have been exhausting! Costumes, stage settings, choreography were all totally brilliant and so eye catchingly attractive! Cast - you really were amazing...we were totally in the palms of your hands for the entire performance! Wonderful; Theatre like I have not seen for years... - Sue
This play was fantastic! Even when I could see multitudes of the uncountable little, fiddley puns and historical ironies whooshing straight over my head, it was still just as enjoyable. My compliments to the chef! Tom Stoppard and STC are both genius - El
A wonderful evening - great acting, superb script, gorgeous costumes and set, plus a big smile on your face when you leave! What more could a theatregoer wish for? - Lorraine
Thoughtful but fun at the same time. I loved it, as did my sister who's new to theatre. Even if some of the literary references fly over your head at first, you'll settle into the play and have a ball of a time. I'm also in love with the set and costumes. Typography was used perfectly and everyone in the audience squealed in delight when the set transformed. You'll have to see it for yourself. Go now. Go watch it. You won't regret it! - Pristine
I really enjoyed this production. There were so many levels and it took lots of concentration, but I think it is good to make the audience work a little. We become more involved and feel a greater sense of achievement and involvement after leaving. The Importance of Being Earnest is one of my favourite plays, so knowing much of the script and recognising the twists that Stoppard added to Wilde's wit was both fascinating and hilarious. A feast of fast moving brilliance. I did not know much about the political aspects portrayed in the play, so had a little bit of homework to do afterwards to enlighten myself, but was still able to collect some interesting insights into Stoppard's view on various issues... A difficult piece of theatre well executed. Well done Sydney Theatre Company - Rob
This play really disappointed me, particularly as I had been looking forward to seeing another Tom Stoppard play. I found it obscure, difficult to follow and, seemingly, requiring more knowledge than I had. I have to say that it seemed tedious and convoluted. The stage settings and costumes were excellent. I am, however, looking forward to the other plays we are to see - Judith
Travesties is a triumph and one of those most delightful of theatrical experiences where something entertaining, hilarious, and ridiculous slowly transforms on reflection into something replete with meaning and insight, reminding us that only works of real substance can be that silly and get away with it. Cuckoo! Travesties is a triumph and one of those most delightful of theatrical experiences where we see a cast and crew working very hard and having way too much fun. Cuckoo! Travesties is a triumph and one of those most delightful of theatrical experiences that remind you how little the "grey sets/stark lighting/literal, factually bound/doom and gloom" set have to say. Cuckoo! Travesties is a triumph and one of those most delightful of theatrical experiences that remind you how much can be achieved with lashings of imagination, intellect, talent, and craft. Cuckoo! - Peter
Loved the play and thought the performances were just terrific. The cast and crew have done a wonderful job. I first saw the play in 1975? at the Melbourne Theatre Company and it blew me away then (I am a big fan of Joyce), and this performance was just as good. I took my 14 year old son, who with the benefit of an early briefing, really enjoyed it. I intend to get my 17 old son and some of his friends to see it next. Short of Shakespeare, this is as good as it gets in my view. - Gary
I agree with Sue, sheer brilliance. I was captivated from the opening scene and 2 and a half hours flew by. If only I had seen it a few weeks earlier I would be back again and again. I have been living in London for the past 3 and a half years and I am surprised at the quality (from all aspects) of the theatre (especially STC productions) since I have returned. Sydney now produces shows at the same level (or if not better) as London. Jonathan Biggins and Toby Schmitz were phenomenal and had me belly laughing, intrigued and smiling for days afterwards. One of the best shows I have seen for many years. - Zoe
