The Search for Signs of
Intelligent Life in the Universe
- 12 Jun – 18 Jul 27 Upstairs Theatre
The 80s Broadway hit that defined an era returns to the stage.
“I am now creative consultant to these aliens from outer space; they come from another dimension. They’re a kinda cosmic fact-finding committee. Amongst other projects, they’ve been searching all over for signs of intelligent life. It’s a lot trickier than it sounds.” – Trudy
In 1985 Lily Tomlin’s legendary comic characters became a satirical classic when Jane Wagner stitched them into a show that became Broadway legend. It’s a wise-cracking parade of humanity, swirling around Trudy, a bag lady who doesn’t miss a trick. The aliens want her to prove there’s some redeeming feature to the species. She’s seen the lot, and, well, our report card ain’t looking grand.
The great Robyn Nevin (Neighbourhood Watch) plays Trudy under the direction of showman Simon Phillips (Grief is the Thing with Feathers). Poignant, funny and above all entertaining, here’s something different.
We read this when someone found it on a shelf and the wit, the humour, and the sheer theatricality was a refreshing delight. It’s a fine piece of writing from the first few years of the Reagan Presidency, when America – and so the world – began speeding into…well, whatever the hell this is we’re in now. It’s in a sure set of hands with Simon, and it’ll be a treat to watch four brilliant Australian women bring these creations to life. Zahra Newman is something of a legend. And anyone who saw Robyn as arabbi in Angels in America or as the lovably grumpy Anna in Neighbourhood Watch knows her Trudy will be one of the year’s highlights.
Eamon
