The Modern International Dead | thanking you

photo: Ben Fon

From the cast and crew of The Modern International Dead, we would like to sincerely thank everyone who came and supported the show. 

We all feel incredibly proud at having taken on a monumental Australian work. The Modern International Dead carries emotional and political weight, says something important about Australia's place in the global community, and how our interaction as human beings has a certain degree of "stoichiometry" about it. The accolades attributed to Damien Millar's script are truly deserved. 

We are also very proud to be donating the profit to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC) after recouping our own very slight production costs. These costs were kept low thanks to the generous assistance of the Mechanics Institute Performing Arts Centre, Damien Millar and Currency Press, Ben Fon Photography, the Costume Factory and LX Productions.

If you still want to help the ASRC in "making a difference to the lives of some of our community’s most vulnerable people with 100% of all proceeds will help provide direct, critical services to asylum seekers" check out their Christmas catalogue here.

We'd also like to thank the critics from Theatre Press and Arts Hub who came and provided their feedback. Their  considered responses appeared within days of viewing the play, thus contributing enormously to their actual worth.

So again, thank you for supporting the production, the ASRC and us - Act-O-Matic 3000. After two exceptional productions of fresh and exciting theatre in 2012, we'll be back in 2013. 


Whether it be to support a great cause, to see some great theatre, or to peek into the curious world of international development, The Modern International Dead is a highly recommended evening out.
-www.theatrepress.com.au

The Modern International Dead | Powerful, important and immensely watchable theatre

Theatre Press has this to say about it:

Powerful, important and immensely watchable theatre - The Modern International Dead is a highly recommended evening out.

Read Tania Herbert's full review on the Theatre Press site here.

The witty script pulls zero punches, combines the three narratives in an intriguing way, and is neatly designed to be performed by only three actors, despite its wide cast of characters.
ArtsHub

Audience feedback has also been extremely positive. Comments include:

A friend and I saw this last night and would like to recommend to all who are interested in understanding the ripple effects of war and conflict on people and the world. It was indeed very powerful, challenging and deeply moving.

We are down to our last two shows, so don't miss your chance to see this Australian work that has overwhelmed audiences in Sydney, Perth and now here in Melbourne.


Fantastic, wonderful, spellbinding; Thanks for the commitment and all the hard work....great show!


Both shows commence 8pm

Tickets:
$25 Full
$15 Concession (pension, f/t student, MEAA)

Bookings:
www.trybooking.com/BYUO
actomatic3000@gmail.com

Phone: 9005 7870
Twitter: actomatic3000
Facebook: facebook.com/actomatic3000

So come and check out this relevant and hard-hitting production. No gimmicks, no pretension, just some quality road-tested Australian theatre realised by a big effort from a small team of hard working people.

The Modern International Dead has opened!

It's on!

The Modern International Dead by Damien Millar has hit the ground running for its Victorian première. 

Theatre Press has this to say about it:

Powerful, important and immensely watchable theatre - The Modern International Dead is a highly recommended evening out.

Read Tania Herbert's full review on the Theatre Press site here.

Audience feedback has also been extremely positive. Comments from social media include:

...play was fantastic - hope the rest of the season goes well, it deserves to.

Opening night of "The Modern International Dead" - riveting performances & for a cause that is pertinent - thanks

Well done guys! Intense, unforgettable and some amazing stories!!

Congrats to all involved. 'The Modern International Dead' is a powerful think piece about the UN and its activities. Bring on more of this kind of theatre.

PLEASE NOTE: NO PERFORMANCES ON THESE DATES - FRIDAY 16, MONDAY 19 & THURSDAY 22 NOVEMBER
BOOK NOW! ALL PROFIT TO THE ASYLUM SEEKER RESOURCE CENTRE.

Performances:
WEEK ONE: Wed 14 Nov (Preview), Thurs 15 (Opening), Sat 16 & Sun Matinee 18 Nov (no show Friday 16, Monday 19)

WEEK TWO: Tues 20 – Sat 24 Nov (no show Thursday 22 Nov)
All shows commence 8pm (except Sunday Matinee 4pm)

Tickets:
$25 Full
$15 Concession (pension, f/t student, MEAA) & Preview
Pay what you can Tues 20th Nov (door sales only)

Bookings:
www.trybooking.com/BYUO
actomatic3000@gmail.com

Phone: 9005 7870
Twitter: actomatic3000
Facebook: facebook.com/actomatic3000

So come and check out this relevant and hard-hitting production. No gimmicks, no pretension, just some quality Australian theatre realised by a big effort from a small team of hard working people.

On the air

Playwright Damien Millar and director David Passmore speak with RRR FM's SmartArts host Richard Watts here - listen in at 1hr 33mins.

Cast member and Act-O-Matic 3000 co-founder Dan Walls speaks with Nicole Findlay on RRR FM's Grape Vine program here - listen in at 1hr 46mins.

photo: Ben Fon

photo: Ben Fon

photo: Ben Fon

The Modern International Dead | 14 - 24 Nov

The very kind Ben Fon came by yesterday to document our dress rehearsal of The Modern International Dead. Please have a look at some of the images for this punchy ride through the world of international peacekeeping as told by Australians on the front line.

Playwright Damien Millar, who can be heard talking to Richard Watts on RRRFM SmartArts Thursday 15 November at 10.30am with director David Passmore, also has these kind words to say about our upcoming production of his award-winning play.

Part of the contemporary story of theatre in Australia, like the story of all of us in Australia, is about finding who we are in the context of an ever shrinking international world. Refugees are a major part of this story in which distant conflicts can hit so near and so toughly. 

I love that this production of my play is helping refugees so practically. It’s an act of decency by Act-O-Matic 3000 that far outshines the material of the play itself, which, like all plays, is grubby, fallible and quick to find gags in the most terrible of circumstances.

BOOK NOW! ALL PROFIT TO THE ASYLUM SEEKER RESOURCE CENTRE.

Performances:
WEEK ONE: Wed 14 Nov (Preview), Thurs 15 (Opening), Sat 16 & Sun Matinee 18 Nov (no show Friday 16, Monday 19, Thursday 22 Nov)

WEEK TWO: Tues 20 – Sat 24 Nov
All shows commence 8pm (except Sunday Matinee 4pm)

Tickets:
$25 Full
$15 Concession (pension, f/t student, MEAA) & Preview
Pay what you can Tues 20th Nov (door sales only)

Bookings:
www.actomatic3000.blogspot.com.au/
www.trybooking.com/BYUO
actomatic3000@gmail.com

Phone: 9005 7870
Twitter: actomatic3000
Facebook: facebook.com/actomatic3000

The Modern International Dead | opening next week

(L-R; Brett Whittingham, Nadia Tracy & Dan Walls. photo: Justin Batchelor)

The Modern International Dead | one week to go!

We're very excited to say that The Modern International Dead opens next week. Preview performance tickets are only $15, so book on-line now using www.trybooking.com/BYUO

The Modern International Dead is an outstanding Australian play that speaks of the importance of humanitarian engagement beyond our own horizons, and the toll it can take on those on the front-line. 

Thrilling, powerful, touching and funny, this Victorian première of The Modern International Dead is an exciting opportunity to check out a play that has received wide national acclaim.

• 2009 AWGIE Awards - Stage Award (shortlist)
• 2009 QLD Premier's Literary Awards - Drama Award (shortlist)
• 2009 VIC Premier's Literary Awards - Louis Esson Prize for Drama (shortlist)
• 2008 Sydney Theatre Award - Best New Australian Work
• 2008 WA Premier's Literary Award - Script Award

Profits raised from this production will go to assisting the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre in continuing its essential work.

ph - 9005 7870

web - www.trybooking.com/BYUO

The Modern International Dead | Victorian Première

The Modern International Dead 

by Damien Millar

by special arrangement with Damien Millar and Currency Press
A fundraising season for the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.

The play Damien Millar has written from his research into international peacekeeping is funny, irreverent, passionate and provocative.

- The Sydney Morning Herald

an enthralling, insightful and troubling work

- Daily Telegraph

WINNER: WA and NSW Premier’s Book Awards for Best Play (2008)

Green Room Award winning independent theatre company Act-O-Matic 3000 is proud to present the Victorian première of The Modern International Dead. All proceeds from this production will be donated to the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC), an independent and non-federal government funded human rights organisation.

Based on the interviews of Australians engaged with international peacekeeping, The Modern International Dead is a compelling and thought-provoking work of documentary theatre. Against a backdrop of miraculous visions and terrible repercussions in Rwanda, secret facilities in Iraq, land-mines in Cambodia and political cleansing in East Timor comes three astonishing stories of Australians who set out to bring relief and assistance to a troubled world. But when politics impedes progress and reality shatters aspiration, what motivates these individuals to risk their lives and go back again?

Richly infused with intelligence and wit, The Modern International Dead gives an honest account of ordinary people who find themselves in extraordinary situations - a soldier turned humanitarian aid worker, a biochemist turned weapons inspector, and a novitiate sister turned therapist.

Winner of both the WA and NSW Premier’s Book Awards for Best Play and Sydney Theatre Award Best New Australian Work (2008), Damien Millar’s play is a perfect artistic vehicle for a fundraising season for the ASRC. The ASRC is an independent organisation that often deals with the human consequences of global conflicts, some of which are featured in The Modern International Dead.

Directed by David Passmore

featuring Nadia Tracy, Dan Walls and Brett Whittingham

Lighting Design & Technical Operator: Lindon Blakey
Audio Design: Craig Tracy

Set Design: Carmel Iudica

Venue:

Mechanics Institute Performing Arts Centre,

cnr Sydney and Glenlyon Road, Brunswick

Performances:

WEEK ONE: Wed 14 Nov (Preview), Thurs 15 (Opening), Sat 16 & Sun Matinee 18 Nov (no show Friday 16 Nov)

WEEK TWO: Tues 20 – Sat 24 Nov

All shows commence 8pm (except Sunday Matinee 4pm)

Tickets:

$25 Full

$15 Concession (pension, f/t student, MEAA) & Preview

Pay what you can Tues 20th Nov (door sales only)

Bookings:

www.trybooking.com/BYUO

actomatic3000@gmail.com

Phone: 9005 7870

Twitter:  actomatic3000

Facebook: facebook.com/actomatic3000

Media contact:

actomatic3000@gmail.com

High-res images available on request 

The Laramie Project | a clarification

Dear Friends of the Act-O-Matic 3000

We have been receiving some correspondence recently concerning our 2005 production of The Laramie Project by Moisés Kaufman and members of New York's Tectonic Theater Project. This performance of the deeply moving true story surrounding Matthew Shepard's tragic death and the ramifications of this gay-hate crime, won the 2005 Green Room Award for Best Production (Independent Theatre).

Everyone associated with this season are incredibly proud of the opportunity to have shared Matthew's important story, and for the popular and critical acclaim the production received.

We understand a new independent company, Mockingbird Theatre, is staging The Laramie Project at Chapel Off Chapel. While this production does share the same text, director and venue, it is not a return season of the 2005 Green Room Award winning show. Act-O-Matic 3000 is not involved, so we are unable to assist with enquiries pertaining to this production.

The Laramie Project - cast

Photography: Rolf Proft

For information on this powerful play and the upcoming performances at Chapel off Chapel, click here. 

For a trip down memory lane, have a look at some of the reviews of the Green Room Award winning production from The Age, Alison Croggon on theatrenotes, Richard Watts and even a Mindless Munkey.

The Age covered the 2005 production here.

One of the best shows in town ☆☆☆☆☆

- The Sunday Age

"...a fine cast who make the most of Eno's profound silliness... Time Out Melbourne

"Act-O-Matic 3000 bring a fine cast who make the most of Eno's profound silliness... the cliché laugh-a-minute doesn't go far enough"

Time Out Melbourne

Read more here

Our first show down and it was a beauty, as evidenced by our first review. Tickets are really selling fast now with Thursday being close to sold out.

Please book now - pick your purchase point.

ph - 9005 7870

www.trybooking.com/BPOR

actomatic3000@gmail.com

Tuesday August 28 - Saturday September 1 @ 7.30pm (arrive early & grab a drink)
Matinee Saturday September 1 @ 5pm

Rue Bebelons
267 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne
$20 all tickets (except all tix $15 Tuesday 28 Sept) 
www.facebook.com/actomatic3000 
Tweet: @actomatic3000

Book now for Oh, the Humanity

Book now!

‎'Oh, the Humanity (and other good intentions) by Will Eno starts this Tuesday 28 August. Remember, tickets are only $15 for this performance, and $20 for the rest of the season.
Book now, as the venue only seats 40 and tickets are selling fast!

www.trybooking.com/BPOR

ph - 9005 7870
www.facebook.com/actomatic3000/events

Oh, the Humanity | publicity images

Just over two weeks to go!

Seats are selling fast for this surreal stroll through human frailty. Brilliant writing combined with excellent performances above one of Melbourne's most beloved bars make this a unique theatre experience not to be missed.

Oh, the Humanity (and other good intentions) by Will Eno

FEATURING: Kevin Summers, Heidi Valkenburg, Daniel Rice, Bridgette Burton & Dan Walls
TECH MASTER: Lindon Blakey 
________________________________________________________________________

Tuesday August 28 - Saturday September 1 @ 7.30pm (arrive early & grab a drink)
Matinee Saturday September 1 @ 5pm
Rue Bebelons
267 Little Lonsdale Street,  Melbourne
$20 all tickets ($15 Tuesday 28 Sept)
Bookings: www.trybooking.com/BPOR
actomatic3000@gmail.com

Phone: 9005 7870
Tweet: @actomatic3000

While you're busy booking, have a look at some publicity shots for the show shot by Jason Edwards

Oh, the Humanity (and other good intentions)

Oh, the Humanity (and other good intentions)
by Will Eno
directed by Dan Walls

Oh, the Humanity (and other good intentions) reveals that we are beautiful walking tragedies 
-The Guardian


Oh, the Humanity (and other good intentions) highlights the absurdity of everyday existence in a series of comically bittersweet vignettes.

A football coach on a losing streak, on field and off. 
An airline spokesperson breaks bad news about the effect of gravity on Flight 514.
Can a photo not only capture the souls of those in frame, but their hopes and dreams also?
A couple discover video dating can be more soul destroying than walks on a beach and pina coladas
A trip to the church becomes a matter of life and death – but aren’t they always?

Pulitzer nominated playwright Will Eno (Thom Pain) deftly examines the zugzwang of life; the knowledge that whatever move you make, it’ll just make things worse.

Green Room Award winning theatre company Act-O-Matic 3000 is pleased to present an evening of “playfully profound theatre” (New York Times) upstairs at beloved Melbourne bar, Rue Bebelons.

Oh, the Humanity (and other good intentions) is a frequently touching, occasionally poignant and more often than not hilarious peek at the pointless hamster-wheel of life in which we spin.

FEATURING: Kevin Summers, Heidi Valkenburg, Daniel Rice, Bridgette Burton & Dan Walls

TECH MASTER: Lindon Blakey

________________________________________________________________________

Tuesday August 28 - Saturday September 1 @ 7.30pm (arrive early & grab a drink)
Matinee Saturday September 1 @ 5pm
Rue Bebelons
267 Little Lonsdale Street,  Melbourne
$20 all tickets ($15 Tuesday 28 Sept)
Bookings: www.trybooking.com/BPOR
actomatic3000@gmail.com

Phone: 9005 7870
Tweet: @actomatic3000
OH, THE HUMANITY is produced by special arrangement with SUBIAS.
Originally Developed and Produced by 

The Flea Theater, New York City Jim Simpson, Artistic Director; Carol Ostrow, Producing Director

to 2012

Hello 2012!

But before we get to that, a hearty thank you to everyone that supported Act-O-Matic 3000 in 2011. We had a quiet couple of years prior, so we were extremely appreciative of everyone who came out and attended either or both of our shows  - Breathing Corpses by Laura Wade and October by Ian Wilding.

It is increasingly difficult to exist as an unfunded/unsupported independent theatre company. The extra work that is put in by everyone involved in each show demonstrates the belief the cast and crew have in each particular production. We hope you can also see and enjoy what it is we value in our shows.

As for 2012, we will be back at Mechanics Institute in November. We may also pop up somewhere else before then. Wherever and whatever, make sure you come and check it out. Sign up to our email database now to make sure you find out the wherever and whatever.

Regards

Act-O-Matic 3000

Cathy Kohlen, Juan Modinger, Dan Walls and Brett Whittingham.