On-stage comedic collision

On-stage comedic collision

Sexuality, multiculturalism and political correctness collide in the latest production from gay playwright and actor Wayne Tunks.

Suddenly Someday looks at a slice of time in the lives of a group of friends -” two Asians, an Indian, a Greek, a Jew, a Brit and an Aussie

Elle Wong’s (Renee Lim) long-standing decision to never date Asian men is thrown into a comedic spin when she meets the Japanese flatmate of her gay barman, Ravi.

Throw in her opinionated best friend Roula, high school crush Adam, his British girlfriend Susanna, and Susanna’s Aussie mother Mary and the web gets complicated, intense and entertaining.

Ray Chong Nee, who plays Ravi the gay barman, said Tunks’ latest production took strength from its multicultural diversity.

This play highlights the diversity of Australia, which in recent times is getting quite a bashing on the
international arena, he said.

Also, it shows a range of cultures in the industry which you don’t get to see very often on Australian television. It is hard enough to find actors right for a role, let alone putting seven actors from different backgrounds on stage, as many directors will attest to.

Nee said his character’s search for love helped connect him to Elle and Roula in the production.

It’s hard playing a character so far removed from yourself, but ultimately he just wants to find love, something that we who have not found the person of our dreams, can relate to, he said.

The characters are a reflection of the actors playing them. I play the only gay character in the play so with that knowledge I try to encapsulate the whole community -” it’s a real good test of my acting skills.

Nee said he hoped the gay and lesbian community would make a point of seeing the production, not only for its gay content, but because of the struggle undertones of the storyline.

It is a universal story so whichever way you sway, you will recognise a little bit of yourself in it, he said.

Through all the different ethnic backgrounds and experiences it explores universal stories of friendship, being true to yourself, self-empowerment, family, dating in today’s society and through all that it becomes hilarious.

info: Suddenly Someday opens on Tuesday 30 June at the Sidetrack Theatre in Marrickville. Tickets start at $10. Bookings on 9550 3666 or visit sidetrack.com.au.

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