Local writing and film producers Chris and Lyn Dockrill have announced a new not-for-profit theatrical project aimed at raising people’s awareness of the issue of homelessness.
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Benchmarks is an intense and engaging psychological drama involving the interaction of two very different characters who share only one thing in common, their homelessness.
The play will first open in Kempsey in November, giving locals the first taste of the enigmatic characters.
“We launch the play in November with one of the first performances being at The Bank Conference Centre in Kempsey, where Lou Kesby has arranged an intimate evening of dinner plus the play,” Mr Dockrill said.
“It will be a very special evening given there are only forty seats available and the venue is such a beautiful trip into old world charm.”
Owner of The Bank Conference Centre, Lou Kesby, said he is excited to be involved in the project.
“Chris wrote many of his plays in my café. In fact, we even have a booth dedicated to The Island of Doctor Moron where Chris wrote the first drafts of the musical,” Mr Kesby said.
“I am very excited about helping Chris and his team launch this new play about homelessness. Knowing Chris, it will be high quality theatre. And The Bank is such a perfect venue to combine theatre and dining,” he said.
The play stars local actors John Hincks and Chris Phillips.
“I am thrilled to be part of this project. I have performed in many large-scale productions, mainly in musical theatre. Stepping into the world of Benchmarks is a radical departure for me. But I love it, the play engages you right from the beginning,” Mr Phillips said.
The play has been booked for next year’s Adelaide Fringe Festival where it will perform over eight days in late February and into March.
The team will also aim to tour the North Coast with the play before moving on to Newcastle, Sydney and Canberra next year.
“The play really hits a nerve regarding homelessness and the dedication and incredible line-learning that has gone into this project by the actors really needs to be justified by an extensive touring program,” Mr Dockrill said.
The production has relied on support from sponsors as well as applying for grants.
“We have applied for a Regional Arts Grant, however, to snag one is like winning the lottery,” Mr Dockrill said.
“We have already received a significant donation from a sponsor who wishes to remain anonymous. We are stunned at this person’s generosity which has halved the amount we need to take the project to The Fringe Festival.”
The team is also aiming to start up a crowd funding site in the near future as well as ticket sales going towards taking the play to Adelaide.
“If we have any money left in surplus at the end of the project, we will donate it to an organisation that helps homeless people,” Mr Dockrill said.
The first performance of Benchmarks will be held at The Bank Conference Centre on Saturday November 24 at 6.30pm. Tickets cost $44, which includes dinner and the show, with seating to be arranged in tables of four. Tickets can be purchased online at TicketHost.
The team is hoping to raise $5000 to fund their trip to Adelaide. You can donate via their crowd funding page.
