Switzerland
By Joanna Murray-Smith
Performed — 2017 at Heath Ledger Theatre
When using words for weapons, how far do you go before it cuts too deep?
The late Patricia Highsmith penned some of the most exhilarating suspense novels of all time, some becoming major cinematic adaptations including; The Price of Salt recently released as the film Carol, The Talented Mr Ripley and Strangers on a Train. Now the acerbic author herself is centre stage in this edge-of-your-seat thriller by acclaimed Australian playwright Joanna Murray-Smith (Honour, The Female of The Species, Ninety and Day One, A Hotel, Evening).
The subject – writer Patricia Highsmith, lives a reclusive life in the Swiss Alps surrounded by her collection of books and antique weapons. The prickly genius facing the end of her life has withdrawn completely from the world, finding solace in her seclusion, her cats and cigarettes. Until one day a young man, Edward Ridgeway, intrudes into her place of refuge. He’s yet another irritating delegate from her publisher demanding a contract for one final instalment. Specifically another psychological thriller featuring her beloved muse and most infamous literary creation, Tom Ripley.
Winner, Best New Australian Work at the Sydney Theatre Awards (2014), and programmed by almost every state theatre company in the country – it’s now our turn to lure you into a booby-trapped plot, a tense and furious battle of wills and words.
DIRECTOR Lawrie Cullen-Tait
SET & COSTUME DESIGNER Bruce McKinven
LIGHTING DESIGNER Lucy Birkinshaw
COMPOSER/SOUND DESIGNER Ash Gibson Greig
CAST INCLUDES Jenny Davis, Giuseppe Rotondella
The Switzerland programme is available in-season for purchase in the foyer or available to download here.
