In the Company of Actors

In the Company of Actors (DVD) (*)

Out of Stock

Language Selections:
English ( Dolby Digital Stereo )
English ( Subtitles )

Product Origin/Format:
Australia ( PAL/Region 4 )

Running Time:
75 min

Aspect Ratio:
Widescreen (1.78:1)

Special Features:
Interactive Menu
Scene Access

Movie filmed in 2007 and produced in:
Australia ( Australia, New Zealand )

Directed By:
Ian Darling

Written By:
Ian Darling

Actors:
Robyn Nevin ..... Herself
Cate Blanchett ..... Herself /
Hedda Gabler ..... Himself / Judge Brack
Hugo Weaving ..... Herself / Thea Elvsted
Justine Clarke ..... Himself / Jorgen Tesman
Anthony Weigh ..... Himself / Ejlert Lovburg
Aden Young ..... Herself / Julie Tesman
Julie Hamilton ..... Herself / Berte
Annie Byron ..... Himself
Andrew Upton

Synopsis:

It's rare that audiences have the opportunity to watch actors perfect their roles in the sacred space of the rehearsal room, but in this documentary detailing the Sydney Theater Company's production of Hedda Gabler at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York, theater fans are afforded the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do precisely that. It's five weeks until opening night, and the weight of anticipation is beginning to bear down. With a cast that includes Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, Anthony Weigh, and Justine Clarke, there's no question that the stage is filled with some of Australia's finest actors. Holding this impressive collective of talent together is director Robyn Nevin -- a consummate perfectionist who isn't satisfied until every line has been perfected and every move blocked. And she's got proper cause to be concerned, too; while theater fans are well familiar with Hedda Gabler, this particular production is a modern interpretation of the familiar tale adapted by Andrew Upton. After three weeks of 18-hour days spent perfecting the play in their sweltering Sydney rehearsal room, the crew is now set to travel to Brooklyn, NY, in the heart of winter. But how will a reputedly sophisticated and decidedly outspoken New York audience receive this radical interpretation of this familiar favorite?

In 2004, a new adaptation of Hedda Gabler by writer Andrew Upton premiered to great acclaim at the Sydney Theatre Company. Almost two years later, the original performers--Cate Blanchett, Hugo Weaving, Justine Clarke, Anthony Weigh, Aden Young, Julie Hamilton, Annie Byron--begin preparing for the presentation of the STC's production at the prestigious Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York. The documentary follows the process from the first readings where every word is analyzed and questioned, to the rehearsals where movements and gestures are recalled or re-determined, and finally the performance. Gives a rare look at the creative process involved in shaping a production, with actors, director Robyn Nevin and stage technicians working closely together. Demonstrates that behind every seemingly effortless performance is a complex, detailed, technical and exhausting process.

This product was added to our catalog on Monday 16 March, 2009.