News

Short, sweet theatre bites back to inspire as first Auslan play debuts

THE biggest little theatre festival in the world, Short+Sweet breezes in with a host of Inner West talent for its 19th big year of the popular 10×10-minute format.

Taking place from Thursday to Sunday at the Tom Mann Theatre from February 13 until April 26, the 2020 fest will again feature judges’ voting and the People’s Choice audience votes.
Among the many industry judges this year, are actors Amanda Muggleton, Tony Bonner, Peter Mochrie, Peter Kowitz, Danny Adcock and casting agents Faith Martin & Jo Briant.
Festival director Sarah Purdue said this year’s offerings were unique, diverse and ground-breaking.
“For the first time, we have a play – ‘Silent Agreement’ by Davo Hardy – entirely in Auslan (sign-language),” she explained.
“This year’s line-up offers almost 100 new short plays over the eight weeks of heats and subsequent finals.”
Week One features ‘Into the Wind’ by Dulwich Hill writer/director Lisa Kelaher and stars teenage Pyrmont actress Lola Bond.
Bob Deacon of Marrickville features in ‘Philosopher’s Hospital’ while Lucca Paijmans of Sydenham, stars in ‘Danny Boy’ in Week Two.
Week Three includes ‘A Few Small Hours’ directed by Lidia Grasso of Hurlstone Park as well as the solo piece, ‘A Silent Agreement’, starring Davo Hardy of Newtown.
Tara Simmonds and Rebecca Nowell – both of Marrickville – feature in ‘Dinosaur’; and ‘Licence to Thrill’ includes Rebecca Towns of Dulwich Hill.
You can also catch Summer Hill’s Charlotte Connor starring in ‘Sally’.
Tickets are $15-$27.
More info, weekly program and bookings are all available at shortandsweet.org/sydney or email tickets@shortandsweet.org.