OBSERVER: The Lark
Australian star of stage and screen, Noni Hazlehurst, returns to Arts Centre Melbourne for the world premiere of The Lark from September 3-20 at the Fairfax Studio.
Described as ‘a powerful, moving meditation on life, death and change’, The Lark is written specially for Noni Hazlehurst by internationally recognised Australian playwright Daniel Keene, and directed by award-winning Matt Scholten.
The Lark is set in Melbourne. Rose Grey, played by Hazlehurst, faces her final goodbye to The Lark – a small inner city pub slated for demolition. At 75 years of age, this building has been her entire life.
She’s lived there since birth and takes over from her father after his retirement.
Her memories, both bitter and sweet, bind her to The Lark more strongly than she realises.
As memories overwhelm her, Rose must break free from the past before it claims her forever.
“The opportunity to work with Daniel and Matt creating Mother was a rare privilege and a joy. To have the chance to collaborate again on The Lark is a miracle. No actor could ask for more,” said Noni Hazlehurst.
Noni Hazlehurst is a celebrated film, theatre and television actor. She has graced our screens, stages and airwaves for 50 years. Widely known and acclaimed for her lead roles in A Place to Call Home, Nancy Wake and The Shiralee, other television credits include ABC’s The Letdown and Redfern Now along with feature films June Again, Ladies in Black, Candy, Little Fish, Monkey Grip, Truth and The Mule.
Hazlehurst’s extensive body of work has earned her numerous accolades including multiple Australian Film Institute and Critics Circle Awards, and two Logie Awards for Best Supporting Actress. In 2016, she was inducted into the Logie Hall of Fame.
As well as acting she has been much in demand as a presenter, including 10 years writing and presenting for Better Homes and Gardens, hosting SBS series Every Family Has a Secret, and her time as Play School presenter for 24 years.
“It has been a joy to write The Lark for such a skilled and generous actor as Noni Hazlehurst.
“Setting the play in the heart of Melbourne, our hometown, has enriched the writing and will empower Noni’s performance. The play is both a celebration of and an elegy for a very particular place in our shared cultural landscape,” said Daniel Keene.
Performance Season: September 3-20
Venue: Fairfax Studio, Arts Centre Melbourne
Bookings: artscentremelbourne.
com.au
Cheryl Threadgold