Beresford, Michael (2008) Tiptoe. [Creative Work]

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Abstract

Michael Beresford's Tiptoe is all about history and memory, tapping into the rich vein of narrative that still lies hidden under the surface in the mining towns of North Queensland. The play is Beresford's riposte to those who, like our former Prime Minister, would have us reshape the past nearer to the heart's desire. Its plot centres on the repressed secret of three spirited old biddies whose memories of the gold-rush days in Charters Towers, the town they playfully call "Charlie's Trousers", encompass their childhood encounters with a couple of eccentric, disreputable bag ladies known as Annie Bags and Tiptoe Jen.

Research Statement

Research Background	The play, Tiptoe had already been read at the Enter Stage Write Conference in Cairns in November 2006, and had several written drafts prior to the intensive development that occurred over the lecture recess period in April of 2007. Following several written drafts the play was scheduled as part of Jute’s 2008 season and was presented by Jute Theatre at the Cairns Centre of Contemporary Arts for a 2 week showing, beginning on July 4th. The quality of the writing attracted two artists, of a national standing in Carol Burns and David Fenton.
Research Contribution	Along with works by playwrights Kathryn Ash and Stephen Carleton Tiptoe, (now available through Playlab press) brings further representation to the Australian gothic as a genre in Australian playwriting. All playwrights have their plays set in North Queensland, and all share a particular gothic resonance. Further, the play champions new Australian writing from the regions.
Research Significance	It had always been my aim to see this play produced for a professional production in Cairns. This was an ambitious proposal since staging a new work for the stage on a professional level is limited in a regional centre. The critical and commercial success of this play as evident in local and national reviews and its subsequent publication made it a significant research outcome.
Item ID:	9845
Item Type:	Creative Work (Live Performance - Play - NTRO)
Media of Output:	Theatre performance of an original play
Event Details:	Tiptoe JUTE Theatre, Cairns, QLD 4th - 19th July 2008
Keywords:	Australian theatre; contemporary theatre; JUTE Theatre
Related URLs:	Organisation Organisation
Date Deposited:	13 Apr 2010 00:50
FoR Codes:	19 STUDIES IN CREATIVE ARTS AND WRITING > 1904 Performing Arts and Creative Writing > 190404 Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies @ 100%
SEO Codes:	95 CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING > 9501 Arts and Leisure > 950105 The Performing Arts (incl. Theatre and Dance) @ 100%
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