The Mercy Seat by Neil LaBute

The Mercy Seat by Neil LaBute
Tuesday 2 to Saturday 13 September 2008 – DownStairs at the Maj
Co-Directed by MICHAEL McCALL and BELINDA DUNBAR
Featuring PAUL BARRY and REBECCA DAVIS
WA PREMIERE

In a time of national tragedy, the world changes overnight…On September 12, 2001, Ben Harcourt (Paul Barry) finds himself in the downtown New York apartment of his lover, Abby Prescott (Rebecca Davis) – who also happens to be his boss. His endless ringing mobile haunts their conversation as Ben and Abby explore the choices now available to them in an existence different from the one they knew just the day before. Will Ben let his family know he’s alive or will he and Abby take this chance to create a new life for themselves?

The Mercy Seat continues Neil LaBute’s unflinching fascination with the often brutal realities of the war between the sexes and explores whether one can be truly opportunistic in a time of universal selflessness.

“LaBute is an original voice, and the best new playwright to emerge in the past decade”  John Lahr, The New Yorker

“Neil LaBute is the first dramatist since David Mamet and Sam Shepard - since Edward Albee, actually to mix sympathy and savagery, pathos and power.”
Donald Lyons, New York Post

Making his debut appearance DownStairs at the Maj, Sydney actor Paul Barry (Secret Life of Us, Clubland) joins one of Perth’s finest actors Rebecca Davis (As You Like It, Dear Heart) in this intelligent, thought - provoking and incisive two hander.

Doors and bar open an hour prior to the performance so relax with a drink before, during and after the show.

Season: Tuesday 2 to Saturday 13 September 2008
Times:  Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday @ 7.30pm        
Friday and Saturday @ 8.30pm
Venue: DownStairs at the Maj, His Majesty’s Theatre 825 Hay St, Perth 
Tickets:   BOCS Ticketing (08) 9484 1133 / www.bocsticketing.com.au or at any BOCS outlet
Standard Ticket $40    Concession $35   
Student Rush $10* (*Full time Students only, available one hour prior to performance, subject to availability)

By arrangement with Samuel French Limited.
World Premiere at the MCC Theater November 26, 2002.
Artistic Directors: Robert Lupone & Bernard Telsey.
Associate Artistic Director: William Cantler.