Murdoch led global theatre tribute

A global celebration of playwright Howard Barker’s theatre company saw a cascade of 21 performances across four continents and 18 countries, led by Perth’s Murdoch University.

As the earth turned on October 21, tributes to Howard Barker’s theatre company, The Wrestling School, were performed by hundreds of actors in different countries around the world.

Murdoch’s performing artists were requested by the playwright to perform Wounds to the Face, which was the first performance of the 21 for 21 tributes.

Beginning in Perth’s spring at the Nexus Theatre, on South Street, the tribute ended in the winter of Burnaby, Western Canada.

21 for 21 included staged readings, full performances and devised works that rejoiced in Barker’s playwriting, directing, poetry and painting.

Director of Murdoch’s performance, Dr Serge Tampalini, said it was an honour to represent Australia in this worldwide performance.

“This was a significant moment in theatre history,” Dr Tampalini said.

“It was a real coup to not only be a part of this global tribute, but to be the first show to open it.”

Also participating in the festival were the long-established Royal Shakespeare Company, in Newcastle, England, and the international Avatar Repertory Theatre, which performed in the online world of Second Life.

The Murdoch University production Wounds to the Face will show from November 3 – 7 at the Nexus Theatre, tickets are available online from www.murdochtheatre.com.