The Geelong Repertory Theatre Company (GRTC) will present landmark Canadian play The Drawer Boy at the Woodbin Theatre this September.
Directed by amateur theatre veteran John Bishop and starring Glenn Baker, Glen Barton and Ryan O’Connor, GRTC’s production of The Drawer Boy includes 10 performances between Friday, September 8 and Saturday, September 23.
The Drawer Boy, set in the early 1970s, chronicles the experiences of a young Toronto actor who signs up for a stint of work experience at an Ontario farm in search of authentic material for a new play.
Miles’ hosts, farm co-owners Morgan and Angus, live with the indelible marks of their experience in London during the Blitz in World War II.
Morgan’s regular retelling of their shared story helps to calm Angus, who acquired a brain injury during the Blitz and has lost his memory.
As he continues to dig for fodder for his play, the curious but earnest Miles discovers the truth of Morgan and Angus’ story may be something quite different than what Morgan recounts.
Director John Bishop said he was excited to bring The Drawer Boy to Geelong.
“I saw it done over a decade ago, and I just thought what a beautiful play,” Bishop said.
“I was really taken with the subject matter, not just the fact that it was set on a farm, but introducing this young city boy who is very naive, very idealistic, into the dynamic between the two farmers who were quite happily going along (but) living a lie, in actual fact.
“We learn a lot about truth versus lies, and the results they can have on people. It’s quite illuminating, actually.”
Visit geelongrep.com for tickets and information.
