Theatre

The Black Cat

Poe’s Gothic masterpiece - sinister crime and supernatural horror in an award winning production.

$33.00
Sessions & Tickets View Comments
An old disheveled priest-like character with a top hat and long beard, is outside an old prison door. He's looking upwards perhaps in prayer. Through an opening in the prison door, we see the face of second man who seems alarmed.
Photographed on stage, a man in a white shirt and black trousers, sits on a chair looking pensive while a banjo playing priest-like character, leans over him in mockery.
Photographed on stage, a character stands on a chair looking skywards perhaps in prayer. The scene is bathed in bright red light. An out of focus second character, with a banjo, is moving past him.

Image Credit: Leonie Van Eyk

An old disheveled priest-like character with a top hat and long beard, is outside an old prison door. He's looking upwards perhaps in prayer. Through an opening in the prison door, we see the face of second man who seems alarmed.
Photographed on stage, a man in a white shirt and black trousers, sits on a chair looking pensive while a banjo playing priest-like character, leans over him in mockery.
Photographed on stage, a character stands on a chair looking skywards perhaps in prayer. The scene is bathed in bright red light. An out of focus second character, with a banjo, is moving past him.

  • Performed by: Mark Penzak & Glendon Blazely

  • Original Music by: Glendon Blazely

  • Written by: Edgar Allan Poe

From a prison cell, a man struggles to understand fantastic events. Convinced that his cat is demonic, he charts his descent into unimaginable horror.

Adapted from Edgar Allan Poe’s classic Gothic masterpiece, this cryptic tale explores the inmost recesses and the outermost limits of the human soul.

Brought to life by Mark Penzak’s compelling acting and Glendon Blazely’s original music, both of whom have been performing for over thirty years, The Black Cat oozes with sumptuous language and grotesque imagery.

This is a must see for lovers of powerful theatre, storytelling and Dark Romanticism.

'Stunningly conceived' 'Terrific performance' 'Blown away' 'Brilliant!' - Audience reviews.

‘One of the delights of Adelaide Fringe...two masterful artists have created an excellent, memorable theatre work.’ Lisa Lanzi, Stage Whispers Review

Nominated for a Greenroom Award for Music. Winner of Best Theatre Weekly Award Adelaide Fringe.

About Mark Penzak & Glendon Blazely

The Black Cat was written by Edgar Allan Poe in 1843 and was adapted for theatre by Mark Penzak and Glendon Blazely.

Mark Penzak has been creating performances for over 30 years as writer, director and performer. His plays have performed at La Mama, Edinburgh & Melbourne Fringe, Melbourne Comedy Festival and throughout Australia, Scotland, England and Ireland. His work concentrates on powerful storytelling, for both children and adults, and is often accompanied by animation, puppetry and music.

Glendon Blazely has been a professional musician also for about 30 years. He plays guitar, banjo, mandolin, trombone, trumpet, musical saw, and keyboards. He currently performs with his own bands Grumpy Neighbour and night, Owl Hollow, and features in Dirtbird. He has released albums with all three current bands as well as appearing on records by The Dumb Earth, waywardbreed, Oscar Lush, and The Teskey Brothers.

markpenzak.com

  • Duration: 55 minutes

  • Age suitability: MA15+

  • Content warnings: Violence, Domestic Violence, Alcohol Use, Violence Against Women, Death, Animal Cruelty.

  • Festival Hub: Trades Hall - Old Council Chambers
    Cnr Lygon & Victoria Sts, Carlton, VIC, 3053

    Wheelchair Access

    Festival Hub: Trades Hall - Old Council Chambers is wheelchair accessible. The entrance to the venue is on Lygon St. You can head up the front stairs and through the main doors, from there head right to get to the Loading Dock.If you need step-free access, head to the driveway located on the left-hand side of the main entrance on Lygon Street. The driveway will lead you into the courtyard. From the courtyard, there will be a lift on your right. Head to the first floor and turn left. Continue down the corridor, past Solidarity Hall and through the doors into the Victoria street building, Old Council Chmabers is on the left. Volunteers will be available along the route to assist you if needed. Please don't hesitate to ask for help

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

  • Full: $33.00

  • Hump Day Discount: $24.75

  • Concession: $23.00

  • Group 6+: $22.00

  • Extra Applause: $39.00

  • Blak Tix: $10.00

'Penzak perfectly commands Poe’s flowery, verbose prose with all its detailed imagery, symbolism, and simile. He also skilfully renders the rhythmic alliteration and cadence of the writing while maintaining the guise of this disturbed character who, influenced by alcohol addiction (like Poe himself), carries out gruesome acts.' Stage Whispers

stagewhispers.com.au

'These two masterful artists have created an excellent, memorable theatre work that deserves to be experienced by many.' Stage Whispers

stagewhispers.com.au

'Such a terrific performance...Thank you so much' An audience review by Suzan 'A brilliant performance by both yourself and your colleague and the eerie music and song just enhanced the story.' Audience Review by Faye

Sessions: In Person Events

A single $5.50 transaction fee applies to your booking.

Date Time Venue

Wednesday, 02 October 2024

7:30pm

Festival Hub: Trades Hall - Old Council Chambers

Hump Day
 Past Event

Thursday, 03 October 2024

7:30pm

Festival Hub: Trades Hall - Old Council Chambers

 Past Event

Friday, 04 October 2024

7:30pm

Festival Hub: Trades Hall - Old Council Chambers

 Past Event

Saturday, 05 October 2024

7:30pm

Festival Hub: Trades Hall - Old Council Chambers

 Past Event

Sunday, 06 October 2024

6:30pm

Festival Hub: Trades Hall - Old Council Chambers

 Past Event

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