BARASSI Opens at the Athenaeum Theatre, Sept. 20

Tee O'Neill's BARASSI, directed by Terence O'Connell, opens for a limited run 20 September 2012 at the Athenaeum Theatre.  Tickets are on sale at ticketek.com.au.  For more information, log on to barassi.net.au.  Casting has not yet been announced.

BARASSI, the story of iconic Australian footballer, coach, motivator and father of modern football, Ron Barassi is depicted in an epic fashion, from child to elder statesman. It is a story of determination, passion and courage, of success and failure.

The story starts in World War II with Ron's champion footballer father, Ron Senior tragically killed in Libya. We follow the development of young Ron under the care and mentorship of legendary coach Norm Smith as he develops into "the father of modern football". Ever driven to challenge himself and live up to the impossible memory of his father, Barassi makes the transition from champion player to revolutionary coach achieving the status of legend on the way.

His football success shows no bounds while his marriage, business and old club Melbourne crumble. It's not the moments that make the man, it's the man who makes the moments. His determination, innovation, sense of humour and humanity transform him from a young man dealing with a very personal tragedy to a man who at 72 rushes to the defence of a stranger.

Tickets go on sale 20 April at ticketek.com.au | 1300 795 012 Athenaeum Theatre 9650 1500.  For more information, visit:  barassi.net.au