Joanna Murray-Smith's SWITZERLAND to Premiere at State Theatre Centre

When using words for weapons, how far do you go before it cuts too deep?

The late Patricia Highsmith penned some of the most exhilarating suspense novels of all time, some becoming major cinematic adaptations including; The Price of Salt recently released as the lm Carol, The Talented Mr Ripley and Strangers on a Train.

Patricia Highsmith, lives a reclusive life in the Swiss Alps surrounded by her collection of books and antique weapons. The unlikeable genius facing the end of her life has withdrawn completely from the world, ?nding solace in her seclusion, her cats and cigarettes. Until one day a young man, Edward Ridgeway, intrudes into her place of refuge. He's yet another irritating delegate from her publisher demanding a contract for one ?nal instalment. Specically another psychological thriller featuring her beloved muse and most infamous literary creation, Tom Ripley.

Winner, Best New Australian Work at the Sydney Theatre Awards (2014), and programmed by almost every state theatre company in the country - it's now our turn to lure you into a booby-trapped plot, a tense and furious battle of wills and words.

As adeptly as Patricia Highsmith the novelist captures the psychological world of her characters, Joanna Murray-Smith captures the world and thoughts of Highsmith in her intriguing and intelligently crafted play. Highsmith corrupts the reader as we find ourselves not wanting the perpetrator to get caught, continually exploring the notion of transgression and conscience. - Director: Lawrie Cullen-Tait

Switzerland will be broadcast live on Friday 1 September, 7.30pm from the State Theatre Centre to audiences in regional WA.

CAST INCLUDES: Jenny Davis as Patricia Highsmith (Molière's Tartuffe, Importance of Being Earnest) and WAAPA Theatre Graduate Giuseppe Rotondella as Edward Ridgeway (The Lighthouse Girl). Jenny Davis is a stalwart of the WA Performing Arts community who was awarded an OAM earlier this year and is currently WA Senior of the Year for her contribution to the arts and culture in our state. She was also inducted in the WA Woman Hall of Fame in 2017 and has appeared in several live broadcasts for the company.

DIRECTED BY Lawrie Cullen -Tait,
SET & COSTUME DESIGNER: Bruce McKinven, LIGHTING DESIGNER: Lucy Birkinshaw COMPOSER/SOUND DESIGNER: Ash Gibson Greig

Suitable 15+

Bookings at ticketek.com.au Ph 1300 795 012 and Ticketek outlets

Photo credit: Philip Gostelow