MELBOURNE
16 - 26 November 2022
Theatre Works
MELBOURNE 16 - 26 November 2022 Theatre Works
Bravo Arts & Theatre Works present
THE WORLD PREMIERE OF
THE MENTOR
by Joshua White
bravoarts.online | theatreworks.org.au
The Mentor features one-time Hollywood star, Amanda Redfern, who’s life has spiralled in her later years. When she begins tutoring young actor Jordan Ridley, the two discover a vastly different set of perceptions across themes of sexism, ageism, respect, consent, mental health; and their methodologies as actors fuelled by vastly different lived experience.
This play is driven by a mature female voice, juxtaposed against an idealistic young male perspective. It highlights that equality and equity are still values that haven’t been achieved, socially. It demands that we consider how we treat the most vulnerable, and how we examine our own privilege. A two-hander, set in a messy apartment flat, The Mentor uniquely puts 70-year-old Amanda Redfern in the driver’s seat and pairs her with a character that embodies everything she isn’t. This play features a series of intimate encounters, and although the characters are actors exploring their craft, it is very much about the highs and lows of the human experience.
Cameron Steens - Assistant Director, Rehearsal Dramaturge & Voice Actor
As a new work, that was in continued development through the rehearsal period, naturally, the scale and needs of the production were ever-changing. As the assistant director, I would often run rehearsals, troubleshoot issues, and provide clarity to the team regards the changes. As the rehearsal dramaturg, I focused on balancing the ongoing changes, while keeping the story and characters consistent. And finally, voiced the character Clay, the son of the titular character, heard throughout the show in voicemails.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 Limelight
Lilithia Reviews - “The Mentor is a classic example of what happens when you give two strong performers such a riveting and dramatic script – this is a total theatre masterclass.”
Theatre Haus - The teamwork between the veteran Cavallo, Steens, and Sinclair, and debut playwright White, afford ‘The Mentor’ with a satisfying mix of knowledge and innovation.
Cast
Amanda Redfern - Amanda Muggleton
Jordan - Connor Morel
Voice Artists
Clay - Cameron Steens
Charlie - Iain Sinclair
Frank - Casey Harper-Wood
Peter - Jason Bovaird
Creative Team
Writer - Joshua White
Director - Christian Cavallo
Assistant Director & Rehearsal Dramaturg - Cameron Steens
Stage Manager - Ashleigh Walwyn
Set & Costume Design - Casey Harper-Wood
Associate Design - Samantha Hastings
Pre-Production Dramaturg - Iain Sinclair
Lighting Design - Jason Bovaird
Sound Design - Justin Gardam
Production Assistant - Charlotte Crowley
Publicity - Eleanor Howlett (Sassy Red PR)