Melbourne-based Q44 Theatre brings Unsolicited Male – a #MeToo inspired play written by award-winning Australian playwright Ron Elisha, directed by Suzanne Heywood and starring Kym Valentine – back to the stage at Chapel Off Chapel in Prahran, for a limited return season from July 26 – August 7.
Two main characters; Zeke an accountant in his late forties and his PA Wendy are working late one night and decide to go out for a meal, but things don’t go to plan, in fact things go much too far. Set in a suburban accounting firm, Unsolicited Male is an intimate and confronting exploration of the subtle nuances and complexities of workplace relationships – the inevitable connections that can develop, and the fine line between friendship and flirtation.
“It was remarkable the number of people who divulged that they’d had similar experiences, and we got that feedback all the time – more people need to see this show,” says director Suzanne Heywood. “A lot has happened in the world since then and I think there’s a new moment in time, right now, that’s ideal for this particular piece.”
Written by Ron Elisha in response to the #MeToo movement and Harvey Weinstein story, Unsolicited Male aims to turn the spotlight away from Hollywood and onto the everyday lives of ordinary men and women, where many of the same issues are being played out behind closed doors and asks important and difficult questions about power dynamics and gender stereotypes.
Rated MA15+ Unsolicited Male contains confronting sexual scenes and themes, however Kym Valentine, who plays the lead character of Wendy and is an active Domestic and Family Violence Advocate says; “People should come and see this play because it’s a hell of a ride. I think Ron really captures a very difficult balance between humour and drama.”
Known for her roles as Libby Kennedy on Neighbours and Baby in Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story Onstage, the Tropfest 2019 Best Actor Nominee actress, will be joined by popular improv-comedian Russell Fletcher as Zeke, alongside seasoned Q44 Theatre actors Gabriella Rose-Carter as Chelsea – the sister and Anthony Scundi as Noah – the life coach. Will Atkinson and Andy Barry-Brown will alternate in the role of Marshall – the waiter.
Independent and not-for-profit; Q44 Theatre is a collective of writers, actors and producers who are passionate about making thought-provoking and accessible theatre. Q44 believes in the power of theatre and storytelling to spark conversations, to make people think more, feel more and laugh more.
Season dates: July 26 – August 7
Session Times: All performances at 7:30pm, except for Sundays at 6pm
Venue: Chapel Off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel Street Prahran
Bookings: via Chapel Off Chapel – https://chapeloffchapel.com.au/show/unsolicited-male/
www.q44theatre.com.au

• Cheryl Threadgold