EDINBURGH 2017: BWW Q&A- Morgan Stern

Tell us a bit about Morgan Stern.

Part ghost, part protector "The Gent" is 221 years old and has been assigned to the other side of the planet to minister to Morgan, a young modern Sydneysider living with Schizophrenia. Morgan Stern is a one-man show that shifts between families, centuries and hemispheres. It's an Australian play that explores relationships, mental ill health and the search for internal peace.

It's been described by critic Lisa Thatcher as: "A troubling, beautiful, uplifting ninety minutes that will leave you breathless". Graeme Rhodes has been praised by The Sydney Morning Herald for his "exceptional performance" as The Gent.

It follows the tale of an English Georgian gentleman as he slowly recovers heartbreaking memories of his daughter, whom he committed to the infamous Bethlem insane asylum. With these come a growing realisation that he must make amends and try to save Morgan from the same fate as his daughter.

Why bring it to Edinburgh?

We kind of felt like the universe was willing it so. You see, we had this great supported opportunity to be at Fringe and then suddenly we were offered $2000 seed money to make it happen - and this good fortune has continued every step of the way.

As a New Theatre Company we are also really excited by the development opportunities that Fringe presents. Firstly, we're meeting the challenge of doing our first ever tour, and it's overseas. Touring shows will be an important part of our future and this is like the world's best crash course. Secondly there's Fringe Central which offers so many great professional development workshops and we will be going to as many as we can to soak up all the EdFringe wisdom.

What sets it apart from other shows at the Fringe?

All of us have a deep commitment to social issues and have direct personal or professional connections to mental ill health.

Who would you recommend comes to see you?

If you love a genuinely great performance, to see an artist inhabit, explore and explode a character right there on stage then Graeme Rhodes' performance must not be missed. His highly physical and rich portrayal of The Gent takes your breath away.

Anyone who has been touched by mental ill health will find Morgan Stern especially rewarding. Gina Schien's text, inspired by the experiences (and words) of her brother who lived with schizophrenia, is a clever, honest and deeply moving exploration of this often stigmatised mental illness.

Are there any other shows you're hoping to catch at the festival?

So many! Goldele (Director) is really excited to see the Cardboard Citizens' show Cathy. She has worked with a sister theatre company (Milk Crate Theatre) in Australia that also works with homeless people using Boal inspired theatre. Also for Goldele Geko's The Dream is up there.

We are sharing a venue with fellow Aussies so looking forward to seeing their shows, Misterman, Good With Maps, One Hander and Alpha. Robbi (Producer) is excited to see The Marriage of Kim K and Me, As a Penguin amongst many many others.

Timings and ticket information for Morgan Stern are available on the edfringe website.

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