They say life imitates art and that is certainly the case for Wollongong Workshop Theatre, after its much-anticipated first production of 2022 had to be cancelled after a cast member tested positive to COVID-19.
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The theatre company had collaborated with Illawarra-based playwright Geoffrey Sykes for a limited-run production of his new play, Blood on the Wattle.
Special preview shows were set to take place at Wollongong Workshop Theatre, Gwynneville, this Friday and Saturday, before the show moves to Sydney in March.
But Mr Sykes said the season had to be cancelled after a cast member tested positive to COVID-19.
"The performances this weekend will not proceed," he said. "We hope to repeat the show a little later in the year."
The theatre company's spokesman Justin Clarke confirmed the news today.
"Since the cast is only small, we don't have anyone to understudy and we've had to make the decision to postpone," he said.
Ironically, Mr Sykes wrote and developed the first draft of the play in collaboration with the cast during the 2021 COVID-19 lockdown. He later incorporated fresh dialogue and characters into the finished play, which was described as "political theatre with general appeal".
The play depicted issues that were "directly relevant to Australia today", including climate change, mining, staff relationships, parties, border security and refugees.
Performances of Blood on the Wattle are set to take place at the Richard Wherrett Studio, Roslyn Packer Theatre, in Sydney, on March 18, 19, 25 and 26.
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Merryn Porter
Journalist with more than 25 years' experience in print and digital media who has covered most news rounds, including health, education, politics (local, state and federal), police and courts, with a special interest in women's and family matters. Highly-skilled interviewer and storyteller.
Journalist with more than 25 years' experience in print and digital media who has covered most news rounds, including health, education, politics (local, state and federal), police and courts, with a special interest in women's and family matters. Highly-skilled interviewer and storyteller.
