What happens to an already-fractured family when the patriarch dies suddenly at the Dawn Service?
Meet Malcolm Steele, writer/director of ‘Pieces Of Tin’, an emerging, mature aged artist, participating in the Anywhere Festival in 2021 for the first time.
This image: An old family photo. Cover image: Malcolm Steele.
Tell us about the show in 100 words or less.
‘Pieces of Tin’ explores what happens to an Australian family when the patriarch dies suddenly at the Dawn Service, Anzac Day. Matriarch Bea is devastated as are her four children and grandson. Unfortunately, the family has been fractured for some years, rarely seeing each other. The sudden reappearance of eldest son, Bernie, and his son, Josh, sets off a series of confrontations within the struggling family. It becomes a battle between generations. Bernie and the eldest daughter, Min, on one side. Younger son and daughter, Tom and Jen, on the other. Poor old Mum stuck in the middle. Or is she? As more and more secrets are revealed, the war rages.
Anywhere Festival takes place anywhere but a theatre. Tell us about your venue. What is it about your space that adds to your audience experience?
The performance will be presented at 32 Cook Street, Northgate. A delightful Queenslander and family home that perfectly suits the setting of the play. I really want the audience to experience and have a sense of being right in the middle of a family as it rips itself apart.
What is your creative process like? / Tell us your origin story. How did your show start?
The play was written in 2008 as part of a creative development through Metro Arts. Malcolm had the opportunity to work with well known dramaturg, Peter Matheson in finishing the work. This production is the third attempt to get the play on its feet. It has been invaluable for the rehearsal process to occur in the actual venue. For that we thank Ruth and Darrell, the owners of the house. It’s been very rewarding to see the actors settle into the house and make it their own. Struggles have occurred but that is also an integral part of the process. As we edge closer and closer to opening night, we can see what the final product will look and sound like in the house. We can’t wait to have an audience be part of the experience.
Who is your perfect audience member? Who is going to LOVE this event?
A perfect audience would be adult because of the themes and ideas explored in the play. It also contains adult content. The play is text driven, so an audience member will have to listen, particularly in those moments when one secret, then another, then another is revealed. The play makes reference to World War 2 and the Vietnam War; again this will require some knowledge of history. There might be appeal to mature aged people because the production also employs music from the ‘60’s and ‘70’s.
Is there anything else we simply MUST know about the show?
This is a new Queensland play having its premiere in the Anywhere Festival, 2021. It is being presented in a non-theatre space where the audience will be located fairly and squarely in the centre of the action. Three reasons why it must be seen.
Pieces of Tin plays at the 2021 Anywhere Festival on 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 May at a private residence in Northgate.
