Sydney Theatre Company Presents THE TESTAMENT OF MARY

The Testament of Mary by Colm Tóibín receives its Australian premiere at Sydney Theatre Company (STC) from 13 January to 25 February 2017, in what will be a provocative and powerful retelling of one of the most well-known stories of all time. Newly announced STC Resident Director Imara Savage and Resident Designer Elizabeth Gadsby are at the helm, with the Helpmann Award-winning Alison Whyte (Love and Information, Travelling North) in the title role.

For two thousand years, Mary has been silent - a woman seen but not heard. Until now.

In the ancient town of Ephesus, Mary lives alone, years after her son's crucifixion. She is not interested in collaborating with the authors of the Gospels, who now also act as her keepers. Mary's narrative is both clear-eyed and moving, bringing a mother's perspective to well known events such as the raising of Lazarus, the turning water to wine, and of course, the crucifixion. At the core of the play beats the heart of a woman grieving an unbearable loss, questioning if it was all worth it.

"Everyone who walks into the theatre will bring with them a set of assumptions about Mary's story", Director Imara Savage explains. "This piece will turn all of that on its head."

"Mary is made determinedly and decidedly more human by Tóibín. His play takes the story back to its most visceral, and asks what it would be like for a mother to witness something so barbaric and horrific happen to her child", Savage adds.

The novella on which the play is based, The Testament of Mary was shortlisted for the prestigious Booker Prize. Tóibín first produced the book as a monologue for the 2011 Dublin Theatre Festival, under the name of Testament. Fiona Shaw starred in the Broadway stage adaptation The Testament of Mary in 2013, which was nominated for three Tony Awards, before receiving rave reviews at The Barbican Theatre in London in 2014.

Imara Savage was appointed Resident Director at Sydney Theatre Company in 2016. She has previously directedHay Fever (2016), After Dinner (2015) and Machinal (2013) for STC. Through its Resident Artists program, STC is committed to providing professional development opportunities, access to key personnel and resources, and encouragement and support to pursue interests and projects away from STC. Resident Artists play key roles in the day-to-day artistic life of the Company.

Cast: Alison Whyte. Director: Imara Savage. Designer: Elizabeth Gadsby. Composer and Sound Designer: Max Lyandvert.

Pricing and ticket information:

2017 Season Tickets (packs of 6 - 14 plays) on sale now

Single tickets go on sale for The Testament of Mary on Mon 5 Dec 2016

Saturday evening A Reserve $60, Adult A Reserve $56, Concession $44, Seniors cardholder $52, Preview $44, Under 30 $44

Box Office: 02 9250 1777. www.sydneytheatre.com.au.
Audi Nights with the Actors: Monday 30 January and Monday 20 February 2016

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