Charlotte Varcoe
MOUNT Gambier Theatre Group’s Luke Pellen will make his directing debut this weekend.
Typically seen on the stage and not behind the scenes, Mr Pellen will bring the newest theatre group work Dinner to attendees.
Avid theatre goers will indulge in a dark comedy play which will have character Paide inviting friends over to dinner to mark the publication of a book titled Beyond Belief which was written by her husband, Lars.
Through a series of unusual courses, the dinner will take a sour turn with uninvited guests arriving leading to some surprising revelations and more.
Mr Pellen said the play was suggested to him by a previous Mount Gambier Theatre Group member who had experienced the play in Western Australia.
“She sent me the script and asked if I would be interested in directing it,” Mr Pellen said.
“This was about 18 months ago and we had some stuff already planned so we did not quite have enough time but I did say I would check it out.
“This year seemed right so I thought I would just go for it.”
Mr Pellen said after being with the theatre group for 25 years and performing in both amateur and professional acting it was time to try directing.
“It all seemed to fit and I really enjoy working with the upcoming young actors who are coming through the group as well,” he said.
“This play is really meaty, it is really strong in terms of characters, plot, narrative and subtext so I was excited to throw it all together and see how it goes.”
Mr Pellen described the play as having a bit of “psychological warfare” leading it to being a dark comedy.
“It also goes into the explanation of really deep topics such as sex, swearing and adult play in terms of content and language which we have to make clear,” he said.
“I have also tried to weave in a few ideas in terms of lighting and music, I have my own music which I think I have managed to fit with it which is from the classical piece The Carnival of Animals.
“It is almost like the animals reflect each meal and the music itself is a bit surreal but it is very much a journey.”
Mr Pellen said he was hoping the music choices would relate to certain characters and the journey which happens along the way as well as the surprises throughout the play.
“There are also revelations and hints at affairs and other things going on behind the scenes,” he said.
“I have really enjoyed directing and at first I was worried because I come from an acting background so I was worried I would want to get on the stage and act because I enjoy it.”
He said despite this, he found acting “vicariously” through his cast was a lot of fun thus far.
“You do have to find your feet with directing in terms of finding a style and what works while also getting your head into the myriad of things which are going on,” Mr Pellen said.
“This is my first time as a director, I have been involved in the comedy group which was here years ago and have co-written and co-directed some smaller one act plays but this is the first full length play I have done.”
He said he was excited to see it all come together and was looking forward to sitting down and watching it in its entirety.
Opening night for the play will be this Friday, with multiple performances over the next two weeks.
Tickets are available online.
