Grounded - Fortune Theatre

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GROUNDED - Fortune Theatre

A fighter pilot's struggle with motherhood, marriage and being "grounded"

Featuring renowned NZ actor Claire Chitham, this is a powerful, riveting and rhythmical play written by American playwright George Brant. Grounded was a sell-out at the Edinburgh Festival in 2013, where it received a coveted Fringe First Award. This award recognises the best new writing in the world's largest arts event.


"George Brant's writing is compelling" The Telegraph


Through a unique collaboration with Otago Polytechnic design students, Grounded offers audiences an immersive experience that combines a first-class theatre production with film, animation and projection.

Claire Chitham (Waverley in Shortland Street and Aurora in Outrageous Fortune) plays a hot-rod F16 fighter pilot who becomes unexpectedly pregnant, ending her exhilarating career in "the blue". Now she commutes to war, working 12-hour shifts in an air-conditioned trailer near Las Vegas, flying remote-controlled drones over the Middle East hunting terrorists by day, and going home to be a wife and mother by night. As the pressure to find a high-profile target builds, the boundaries between the desert where she lives and the one she patrols half-a-world away begin to blur with dramatic consequences.
Claire says, "I'm so excited that I get to bring this topical, unique show to the Dunedin audience. I hope that Grounded will get people talking about some very present-day issues. It's a powerful play that brings up challenges and realities that we face today as a society - from modern warfare to motherhood."
Director Jonathon Hendry says, "Grounded has become a theatrical sensation around the world, including a production starring Anne Hathaway Off-Broadway last year. It's wonderful to have Claire, an actress of great skill and humanity, join us here at Fortune in what must be one of the best parts written for women in recent memory. Working with students from Otago Polytechnic to create an exciting digital world has confirmed the relevancy and appeal this play has to younger audiences. With Grounded we aim to push out theatrical boundaries and fully immerse our audiences in a thrilling experience."

Phil Kerr, Chief Executive of the Otago Polytechnic says, ""We're delighted to have worked alongside Fortune Theatre to bring to life and promote the production of Grounded. This has been a wonderful opportunity for our students to gain valuable professional experience and for our staff to contribute their expertise to benefit the community. We look forward to the prospect of partnering again on future productions."
Find out more about Grounded at fortunetheatre.co.nz

 

KEY EVENTS / DATES

Production Dates: 13 August - 3 September, 2016

Lunchtime Bites: Thursday, 4 August, 12.30pm in the Dunedin Public Library, ground floor. The actor will perform an excerpt from Grounded and there is an opportunity to win tickets followed by afternoon tea. This is a FREE event.

Opening Night: Saturday, 13 August, 7.30pm, Fortune Theatre.

Members' Briefing: Sunday, 14 August. Meet at the Fortune bar at 3.00pm and join Director Jonathon Hendry for a lively informal chat about Grounded.

Forum: Tuesday, 16 August. Join the cast and crew for an open question and answer session following the 6.00pm show.


OTHER INFORMATION

Running Time: Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes (no interval)

Venue: Fortune Theatre, 231 Stuart Street, Dunedin

Performances: Tuesday, 6.00pm; Wednesday-Saturday, 7.30pm; Sunday, 4.00pm

Tickets:
Adults $45
Early Bird (booking 1 month in advance) $37.50
Opening Week Ticket (Sunday-Thursday) $37.50
Senior Citizens/Community Services Card $35
Fortune Theatre Members $32
Tertiary Students $22 (2-for-1 tickets on Wednesdays with ID)
High School Students $17.50
Group Discount (6+) $35


Bookings: 231 Stuart Street, Dunedin | 03 4778323 | fortunetheatre.co.nz | @fortunetheatre

For further information, imagery or interview/photo opportunities please contact:

Lucy Summers
Marketing and Communications Manager
(03) 477 1292 ext.2
021 108 3046
LucyS@fortunetheatre.co.nz

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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