May 6, 2011

AWARD WINNING PLAY GETS A READING AT CIRCA THEATRE   

Our Great leader is having his late morning nap. Two members of the Security Service are stationed outside Our Great Leader’s room. Problem. Our Great Leader has slept past his scheduled time. Problem. The two Security Service guards must wake Our Great Leader ‘without disturbing him.’ Problem. Our Great Leader’s sleep appears to be permanent. Problem. Which member of the Party do they report this catastrophe to? Problem. Will two Security Service members sworn to guard Our Great leader ‘with their lives,’ be accountable for his death? Problem. The two Security Service guards despise each other. Problems…

Problems by Joe Musaphia was shortlisted in PLAYMARKET’S 2011 Adam NZ Play Award. This annual Award recognises and celebrates the best in new writing for the theatre. Problems received a Special Mention and a Circa Theatre and PLAYMARKET sponsored reading.

The reading, directed by Ross Jolly, is set to take place at Circa Theatre on 14 May 2011 at 2pm and is open to the public free of charge.

Director of PLAYMARKET Murray Lynch says “this is a very funny comedy with a delightful premise and two wonderful parts for actors. Though the political setting is timeless it resonates for our current world. Joe is renowned for his humorous writing and with this play he hits the funny bone right on target.” 

Joe’s first play Free was produced by the New Zealand Players in 1960. Since then he has written extensively for film, television, magazine, newspaper and radio including a children’s television programme, Joe’s World, which he also acted in and compered. This was followed by two years as actor and co-writer with Roger Hall for New Zealand’s first television comedy revue, In View Of Circumstances.

His stage plays, all of which have been produced in New Zealand and Australia, include The Guerrilla (1971), Victims (1973), Obstacles (1974), Shotgun Wedding (1980), and his most successful play Mothers and Fathers (1975) – the first New Zealand play to progress from a sellout season at Wellington’s Downstage Theatre to the State Opera House. Joe’s most recent success was Ugly Customers, first produced by Circa Theatre in 2004 and subsequently in several productions around New Zealand. 

Problems
By Joe Musaphia
Free Public Reading at Circa Theatre
14 May 2011
2pm