Epic romance

After completing the script for Tender late last year, Sydney writer Nicki Bloom was quickly snapped up by the Belvoir Street Theatre and leading director Geordie Brookman.

Tender recently won the 2007 Inscription Chairman’s Award for best play and the 2006 Adrian Stephen Consett Memorial Award. The plot examines love and loss among its various characters.

It’s thrilling, as a first playwright, not only to have my play produced but to be working with such an exciting team, Bloom said.

Tender‘s cast of actors includes NIDA graduate Kate Box, who is joined by veterans Pip Miller and Heather Mitchell. Box says her character Sarah is a woman of hope, following her heart and instincts all in the name of love and self-fulfilment.

She is a lover of great intensity and driven by a raging passion for love, Box told Sydney Star Observer.

It’s a satisfying role to play, taking on such an interesting character. The story is basically about an epic love with the major obstacle being Sarah’s memory fracture.

The play’s time frame jumps between the past and present and through this time warp it becomes clear that the character’s scars run deep.

Due to Sarah’s memory fracture the character has to deal with grief and many other questions. No one can put the pieces together for Sarah but you have to check out the play to see what happens. The gay community is going to love the ending, Box said.

Set designer Pip Runciman and light coordinator Matt Cox are also on board. Two bright musicians Fergus Brown and Holly Austin, who were recent MTV Kick Start finalists, are also contributing to the live score.

After the play, Nicki Bloom will head to the UK to complete a two-week workshop with playwright Stephen Jeffery. Bloom will also be heading to the French Avignon Festival to try to crack the European market with her play.

Tender will play until 3 June at the Belvoir Street Downstairs Theatre. Tickets start at $23. Bookings on 96993444 or www.belvior.com.au.