Set in a nursing home, this is a practical examination of the subject of ageing and its less-than-attractive consequences. Mavis is a lonely soul who finds solidarity in comforting her husband, Alfred. She fills the boredom of her days by reading and engaging in one-sided arguments with an inert Alfred. When the Ambulance Officers arrive to take Alfred away, we discover the reason for Alfred’s inertia and witness Mavis’ frustration and helplessness.

Mavis and Alfred’s bedroom; in it is a chair and a small table that sits downstage right. A two-seater settee and coffee table sit centre stage, and another chair sits centre stage left, in front of an open fire. A small fire burns in the fireplace. Double doors to a hallway up centre stage and a window overlooking the street, stage left. Alfred sits in front of the fireplace with his back facing the audience; a blanket covers his legs. A newspaper is draped over the arm of the chair. A red ambulance light reflects into the room, similar to a flashing sign or billboard.

First produced as a standalone event

Direction by Shaun Oxley

CAST
Elizabeth Penny          …          Mavis

VENUE
Workhouse Theatre
145 Victoria Parade
Collingwood, Victoria
Australia

PERFORMANCES
June 1998
Wednesday 17th to Sunday 21st
Wednesday 24th to Sunday 28th

July 1998
Wednesday 1st to Sunday 5th

CREW
Costume Design       …          Jennifer Hyland
Lighting Design        …          Julian Brignell
Producer                   …          Darren Brealey