Still holding the public interest

The stage adaptation of Timothy Conigrave’s Holding the Man will return to Sydney for a fourth season -“ this time at Belvoir St.

The play, adapted by award-winning playwright Tommy Murphy, will open at the Surry Hills theatre on 22 September following the postponement of Casey Bennetto’s new show, Real Estate.

Company B’s artistic director Neil Armfield said the decision to postpone was to ensure a polished production.

Casey has been working on his new show since late last year, and some brilliant songs have been emerging. However, as is the risk with the creation of any new work, he is not satisfied that the show is ready, he said.

In the interests of the work and Company B’s audiences, I have totally supported Casey in his decision that we should not rush Real Estate into production to meet its originally planned season dates this year. We don’t want to put a new house on the market while the builders are still in.

However, Armfield said the return of Holding The Man, which has just been nominated for a 2007 AWGIE Award, was a significant happening.

It seems to me this beautiful work has quickly become a classic of modern Australian theatre, Armfield said.

When I saw Holding the Man at the Stables, my one regret was that I saw it too late to include it in our 2007 season, given the historical synergy between the Stables space and Belvoir. Clearly, one way or another, it belongs at Belvoir and I’m thrilled that it’s finally been able to achieve that destiny.

Holding the Man will run 22 September-4 November. Tickets start at $32. Details and bookings: 9699 3444 or www.belvoir.com.au.