Swansong (2018)
Written By Conor McDermottroe
Directed by Greg Carroll
Conceived by Greg Carroll & André de Vanny
Produced by Australian Theatre Company and Skylight Theatre Company
A searing international performance
THE STORY: Pulled from the streets of 1960’s Ireland, this gritty monodrama tells the story of Austin “Occi” Byrne, abused and isolated, violent, vulnerable, and searching for redemption.
Directed by Melbourne Fringe Co-Founder, Greg Carroll, this is theatre that doesn’t settle for easy answers.
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SCHEDULE
Skylight Theatre; Sep 7 – Oct 7
Co-production | West Coast Premiere
Tickets sold through ATCtix.org - Use button below
$20 - $32; Opening night $45
2017-2018 Season
MEDIA
2018
THE ARTISTS OF SWANSONG
André de Vanny
actor
Andre is a highly regarded, award winning Australian actor who has worked at the highest level in theatre, film and television in for over 15 years. Most recently Andre appeared the highly acclaimed monodrama SWANSONG at Theatre Works in Melbourne. SWANSONG has previously appeared in 2 seasons at The Old Fitz Theatre in Sydney, Melbournes Metanoia Theatre and Arrarat’s J-Ward. In 2017 Andre appeared in THE ROVER for Belvoir Theatre Co as well as the new Australian play NIGHT SLOWS DOWN for the Kings Cross theatre. Andre was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at the 2016 Sydney Theatre Awards for his role in the award-winning production OF MICE AND MEN for Sport For Jove Theatre Co. In 2015 Andre was also awarded Best Actor at the Melbourne Green Room Awards for his role in GLORY DAZED for Red Stitch Theatre Co. In 2013 Andre starred in a main cast role in the Australian production of the heralded west end hit WAR HORSE for The National Theatre of London, touring to Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. In 2012 Andre played opposite Colin Friels in John Logan’s award winning two hander RED for the Melbourne Theatre company. His film credits include the upcoming feature film THE COMBINATION 2, HATING ALISON ASHLEY, UNDER A RED MOON, and the U.S. miniseries THE PACIFIC, NIGHTMARES & DREAMSCAPES, SALEM’S LOT, and HERCULES. Other television credits include WICKED SCIENCE, BLUE HEELERS, MDA, CANAL ROAD, RUSH, CITY HOMICIDE, KILLING TIME, and most recently MISS FISHERS MURDER MYSTERIES and THE DOCTOR BLAKE MYSTERIES. Andre is also an established voice over artist, having worked on the recent animated series NATE IS LATE as well as DOGSTAR, LI’L LARRIKINS’ and THE FLAMING THONGS!
Australian Theatre Company
co-producer
Australian Theatre Company (Co-Producer) Australian Theatre Company (ATC) was launched to international media at the Australian Consul General’s private residence on April 23, 2014. Critically acclaimed productions have included HOLDING THE MAN, SPEAKING IN TONGUES, RUBEN GUTHRIE and GREY NOMAD, winner of the 2017 BroadwayWorld.Com Award for Best Play - Local Production. ATC offers international opportunities to emerging Australian theatre talent by stewarding the Australian Theatre for Young People’s International Ambassador Scholarship US Showcase along with G’day USA, Rose Byrne and Rebel Wilson as well for indigenous Australian artists through the Pritchard Indigenous Artists Fund. ATC’s Annual reading series has presented 17 exciting Australian works since its launch in 2015 and in 2017, ATC partnered with the prestigious 16th Street Actors Studio Australia, to launch an education program that has included masterclasses with the late Elizabeth Kemp, Les Chantery and Tony Award, Oscar and Pulitzer Prize winning writer and director, John Patrick Shanley. In October 2018, ATC will present their first workshop in New York with John Patrick Shanley in the Loreto Theatre at the Sheen Center in New York City. A truly collaborative company, ATC continues to harness the rich breadth of Australian talent in the United States along with the finest American practitioners, to create a meaningful cultural exchange. For more information, please visit www.australiantheatrecompany.org
DESIGNERS
LIGHTING DESIGN: Jared A. Sayeg
PRODUCTION STAFF
PRODUCTION STAGE MANAGER: Christopher Hoffman
PUBLICIST: Judith Borne (press kit available)
PHOTOS: Robert Catto
REVIEWS
It isn't often that one discovers brilliance on the stage, and it is stunning when it hits you. Such was the experience unfolding in the performance of an Australian actor unknown to most Americans: André de Vanney, in a magnificent stunningly successful performance in a stirringly-written drama, ‘Swansong,’ by Conor McDermottroe” - Dale Reynolds Edge Media
“Very Highly Recommended. A stunningly beautiful, muscular play. Played to contemporary perfection, actor André de Vanny lets loose a vocal and physical stratum of volcanic emotion” - Tracey Paleo, Discover Hollywood
"Physically, vocally, and emotionally, de Vanny will mesmerize you with his outrageous talent...will stay with you long after the 65-minute one-act ends” - Joan Alperin, Stage and Cinema,
“A star turn...de Vanny gives a performance that is every shade of the emotional rainbow" - Steven Stanley, StageSceneLA
"Terrific. Go see Swansong. Excellently crafted. Vanny’s deft physicality...holding his audience in thrall.” - Sheehan, On Stage LA
IN AUSTRALIA
"In a stand out year for the one-actor show, André de Vanny (Swansong) provides us with a riveting demonstration of the power of one." - Sydney Morning Herald
"Swansong is a mighty tour de force featuring an indisputable talent and his boundless energy and commitment. What de Vanny brings to the stage is faultlessly executed." - Australian Theatre
"Impeccably delivered by André de Vanny, going from strength to strength with a dazzling energy that radiates throughout the entire work, you won’t be able to look away." - Upstaged Reviews