Production still for "The Hope". L-R: Helen Trenos as Bet, Jacek Koman as Boss, Jillian Murray as Charlie, Geoff Paine as Michael. Photographer: Jeff Busby
The Hope
25 April 1987 – 16 May 1987 Studio Theatre
Playbox Theatre Company, Western Australian Theatre Company,
New Writing Theatre
Bet and Michael are newly married and their hearts are set on the Australian Dream - to own their own home. Like generations before them they have crossed the Nullarbor to seek their fortune, joining a rush spurred on by rising gold prices and the declining dollar. 'The Hope' is a corrugated-iron mining town where few fortunes are made and few marriages survive. Bet and Michael are innocents among The Hope's hardy inhabitants: Mrs G - fourth generation goldfields; Charlie - the topless barmaid; Boss - the enigmatic boss man, and the eerie presence of generations of previous occupants.
Playwright Heather Nimmo lived in Kalgoorlie, where she worked as a writer, researcher and tin miner.
The production subsequently toured to Western Australia (Kalgoorlie, Esperance, Albany, Kojonup, Katanning and Perth) from 22 May to 27 June.
Cast
Creatives
Playwright
Director
Assistant to the Designer
Production Manager
Composer
Designer
Lighting Designer
Technical Director
Stage Manager, Sound Operator/Engineer
Assistant Designer
Assistant Designer
General Manager