Blacklisted is a new genre-blending musical experience about borders and belonging.
Hayes Theatre Co and Rogue Projects are delighted to present the world premiere of Blacklisted, a new one- woman show from debut artist Almitra Mavalvala and director Bernadette Fam. The production opens at Hayes Theatre from November 9 – 12 for four performances only.
“You cannot hold anything I say against me. I have legally obtained a visa for your country and haven’t been blacklisted… yet.”
Almitra Mavalvala
When Almitra was 19 she made a deal with her Ma. She needed to leave Pakistan to have the future in theatre she always wanted. The two things stopping her? Her unique passport…and bloody Canada.
Blending Eastern and Western musical and cultural influences, Blacklisted will take audiences on a 75 minute voyage from the rooftops of Karachi to the soft sands of Coogee in a cross-genre,, and often very cheeky, story of one woman’s journey home.
Under the musical direction of Tim Cunniffe (Summer Rain, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs), an intimate live band featuring cellist Kayla Flaxman, tabla player Aman Pal, and celebrated sitar virtuoso Sarita McHarg, will bring the Hayes Theatre stage alive with a blend of Eastern and Western musical styles.
“It’s me. It’s my story told through the music that inspires me, and that I love listening to. Pop/soul, classic musical theatre, blues, spoken word, they all feature in some way, but played on instruments from both the West and South Asia.” Almitra said. “We wanted to incorporate an Eastern vibe into the western sounds – a little bit like me – so you get to experience the best of both worlds!”
“Hayes Theatre Co is very proud to be associated with bringing this exciting new voice to the stage.” said Hayes Executive Director, Will Harvey. “Almitra tells her remarkable story with grace and humour through a truly unique fusion that will leave audiences completely enthralled. I can’t wait for people to experience it!”
Director and dramaturg Bernadette Fam (Chewing Gum Dreams), has taken ten original songs and brought together an exciting team of creatives including lighting designer Lucia Haddad (Not Today, Eurovision) and Production Designer Rita Naidu (Marriage Agency, Guards at the Taj), to immerse audiences in this deeply personal and heartfelt show.
“Not only is Blacklisted funny, surprising and timely, but most importantly, it is urgent. Stories of immigration are often told in past tense – it is not often that one is told as it’s happening here and now. Come for the cheekiness. Stay for the chai. And get ready to hug your loved ones close. Almitra’s story will stamp itself into people’s hearts and have people taking action far after they’ve left the theatre.”
Blacklisted opens on 9 November and runs until 12 November at Hayes Theatre in Potts Point. Tickets are now on sale – see below for more:
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Info: https://www.rogueprojects.com.au/blacklisted
Tickets: www.hayestheatre.com.au/event/blacklisted/
Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dArXN1ABTtE&ab_channel=EricaLovell
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CREATIVE TEAM
(Top: Almitra Mavalvala, Bernadette Fam, Lucia Haddad. Bottom: Tim Cunniffe, Rita Naidu, Kayla Flaxman & Sarita McHarg)
Performed by Almitra Mavalvala
Written by Almitra Mavalvala with Tim Cunniffe, Connor Barratt, Charlie Owen, Andre Sauzier, and Seb Weir
Direction and Dramaturgy by Bernadette Fam
Directing Intern: Ayah Darwich
Musical Director/Keyboard: Tim Cunniffe
Producers: Erica Lovell & Talia Meyerowitz-Katz
Production Designer: Rita Naidu
Lighting Designer: Lucia Haddad
Marketing & Publicity: Robbi James
Vocal Consultant: Peter Rutherford
Vocal Coach: Erica Lovell
Stage Manager: Erin Franks
Tabla: Aman Pal
Sitar: Sarita McHarg
Cello: Kayla Flax
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ABOUT ROGUE PROJECTS
Rogue Projects is a multi-award-winning independent theatre and film partnership based in Sydney and Melbourne. The Rogues are busy making art with a commitment to invisible artists and untold stories. We seek out great talent, we nurture it, and we hold the door open for the artists without opportunity. We create pathways for both emerging and established artists, with commitments to audition at least 50% of all roles in our work, and to actively seek artists who have demonstrated talent and skill but for reasons beyond their control have not been afforded the opportunities that others take for granted.
Web: https://www.rogueprojects.com.au/blacklisted
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rogueprojectsau
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rogueprojects.au
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