Theatre

Broken River

A mother's love is not enough, as she attempts to dissolve her children's sibling rivalry.

Dates 16 - 19 Oct
Time 7:30pm, 2:30pm (75 minutes)
Venue Gasworks Arts Park - Studio Theatre

$30.00 - $40.00

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A hand holds a drinking glass, pouring its contents out onto the ground. A river of water rapidly spills out of the drinking glass with three people clutching to a raft and the fourth body, broken, flows away downstream. Three people desperately hold onto the raft for their lives. Virginia, the boy's mother, floats away from the raft, downstream.

Four faces of the performers in Broken River

Past Event

Theatre

Image Credit: Mike Fletcher

Written by: Darren Brealey
Directed by: Elizabeth Way
Produced by: Cosmic Players

When a mother's love is not enough, she never quits attempting to dissolve her children's sibling rivalry.

Virginia suffers from cancer and dementia, requiring her two boys’ support. She unforgivingly clings to her sense of humour, her memories, and her way of life. Virginia's not giving up. She's a mother, a woman, and when she must be manipulative, calls upon her two boys, enforcing demands and obligations through guilt and fear.

Virginia, a Matriarch, a survivor of a harsh life, fought her way through tough times for herself and her boys. She dreamed of a life with a wealthy man to would take care of her every whim and care, but reality dealt a cold harsh blow.

Her two sons have no choice but to work together to sort out their mother's Final Will and Testament. Love is on trial.

About Cosmic Players

Darren Brealey's debut launch into writing and producing came in the guise of his first full-length play, The Meeting Place in the 1996 Melbourne Fringe Festival. New York Broadway choreographer Matt West was the sole financial supporter. The Meeting Place was a critical and public success with Ralph McLean, 3RRR radio station critiquing the play:
“The Meeting Place was a simple even old-fashioned story of family and loss. I rarely cry in the theatre - at least for emotional reasons - but there I was enjoying some new talent. And I was bawling, with the joy of it and of the magic of a good yarn well put, the tears running down my cheeks like a bloody baby.” The play was selected by the Board and Staff of the Melbourne Fringe and Awards Judges, awarding it a Special Recommendation Award.

Since the incredible success, Darren teamed up with friend, Actor, and Director, Elizabeth Way, working together as a strong creative team, producing multiple Fringe Festival shows in Melbourne.

The production, Three Shorts contained a crowd favourite, Champagne Ladies’ singled out for particular praise:
“With Three Shorts, Darren Brealey has written an eclectic mixture of observations that manage, somehow, to connect ... with the satirical ‘Champagne Ladies’ definitely my favourite” (Stage Whispers Magazine).

A winning combination of comedy and drama, Performing The Goat gained positive audience reaction and critical comments:
“Darren Brealey delivers four humorous and often terrifyingly accurate portrayals ... four short plays that capture colloquial Aussie stereotypes and presents them with hilarious accuracy” (Buzz Cuts).

Shattered Reflection, is confronting and controversial tackling the serious problem of white-collar addiction to alcohol and drugs. Zachary Lurje, Arts Journalist wrote:
“Writer, Darren Brealey, is to be commended for such well-drawn and developed characters. The strength of Shattered Reflection comes in these interesting characters that you can relate to”

brokenriver.online

Duration: 75 minutes
Age suitability: M
Event warnings: Some Nudity, Strong Coarse Language.
Content warnings: Violence, Emotional Abuse, Domestic Violence, Staged Violence, Misogyny, Sexual References, Use Of Replica Weapons, Elder Abuse, Homophobia, Adult Sibling Rivalry.

All Gasworks venues are wheelchair accessible, and there is an accessible bathroom close to the Gasworks Main Theatre. Guide dogs are welcome at Gasworks.

Gasworks Arts Park - Studio Theatre
21 Graham St, Albert Park, VIC, 3206

Wheelchair Access

Gasworks Arts Park - Studio Theatre is wheelchair accessible.

Assistive Hearing

Gasworks Arts Park - Studio Theatre is hearing loop accessible. Please advise of access requirement when buying tickets.

This venue is wheelchair accessible. The wheelchair accessible entrance is at the primary entrance for the venue.

This venue has reserved accessible parking and on-street parking at the venue which can be used by permit holders.

Get directions See all events at this venue See detailed venue & access information

Full: $30.00 - $40.00
Concession: $35.00
Group 6+: $32.50
Extra Applause: $55.00
Blak Tix: $35.00
Hump Day Discount: $30.00

Member discounts available

This event is eligible for 25% off full price Fringe Dweller tickets. Just add the tickets that you want then login at checkout and you'll get the cheapest tickets. If you're not a member yet, simply add a membership to your cart and you'll be able to access Fringe Dweller prices straight away.

"... award-winning and a superbly written, powerful drama with several excellent performances.", Midland Express (Jeff Jones)

darrenbrealey.co.uk

"... real actors, a real director, real performances, challenging us, making us think and feel." - Cultural Development team leader - The Guardian (Kylie Kitchen)

darrenbrealey.co.uk

Sessions: In Person Events

A single $5.50 transaction fee applies to your booking.

Date	Time	Venue
Monday, 16 October 2023 Sold Out	7:30pm	Gasworks Arts Park - Studio Theatre Sold Out	Past Event
Tuesday, 17 October 2023	7:30pm	Gasworks Arts Park - Studio Theatre	Past Event
Wednesday, 18 October 2023 Hump Day	2:30pm	Gasworks Arts Park - Studio Theatre Hump Day	Past Event
Wednesday, 18 October 2023 Hump Day	7:30pm	Gasworks Arts Park - Studio Theatre Hump Day	Past Event
Thursday, 19 October 2023	2:30pm	Gasworks Arts Park - Studio Theatre	Past Event
Thursday, 19 October 2023 Sold Out	7:30pm	Gasworks Arts Park - Studio Theatre Sold Out	Past Event