newtheatricals

Via Dolorosa

Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne
July 15, 2005
Sydney Theatre, Sydney
October 21, 2004

After writing a monologue on the subject of Israel and Palestine, David Hare decided to make his debut as an actor on the professional stage. He chose London’s austere Royal Court Theatre to perform his one-man show. Directed by Stephen Daldry, Via Dolorosa took London by storm and resulted in a subsequent sell out seasons on Broadway, Melbourne and Sydney.

David Hare’s fierce one-man show treads amid the landmines of Israeli and Palestinian relations. He has a fascinating story to tell - taken from diaries of his trip to both Israel and Palestine in 1997. He weaves his meetings with dozens of people into a fascinating theatrical experience – the piece is alive with vivid images, even as the play examines irresoluble strife and antagonism, it finds patterns and beauty within. Via Dolorosa is undoubtedly superb – in a way only Hare can tell it – fascinating, humane, uplifting, passionate and eloquent. David Hare’s plays include The Blue Room, Plenty, A Map Of The World, Pravda, The Secret Rapture, Skylight, Amy’s View, The Judas Kiss, My Zinc Bed, The Breath Of Life, The Permanent Way and Stuff Happens. One leaves David Hare’s performance with the conviction that one word can be worth a thousand pictures.

Directed by Stephen Daldry, and Lighting Design by Damien Cooper

Producers:Newtheatricals in association with Melbourne International Arts Festival Melbourne Theatre Company and Sydney Theatre Company