Ash Flanders’ 'Commentary' To Premiere At Dunstan Playhouse This Month

Helpmann Award-nominated playwright Ash Flanders is bringing her latest work, Commentary, to the Dunstan Playhouse this August.

Presented by the State Theatre Company South Australia, Commentary centres on Nick, played by the excellent Gyton Grantley (Underbelly, House Husbands), a once-promising filmmaker turned university lecturer whose controversial debut feature film Low is being resurrected for a retrospective screening at the local International Film Festival.

The film, which was created with Nick's former best friend Hamish (now disgraced and presumed dead), was dogged by allegations of abuse and exploitation during its production.

As Nick begins to record a director's commentary and speak publicly about the film, a series of women (all played by South Australian actors) – his student and lover Gen (recent Flinders University graduate Shardae Santos), his wife Mish (Anna Steen), former muse Saskia (Kate Cheel) and a teenage girl named Frankie (also played by Santos) – speak up about Nick and the film, culminating in his fall from professional and personal grace.

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Directed by Petra Kalive, Commentary includes an all-star backstage crew that includes Set and Costume Designer Matilda Woodroofe, Composer/Sound and Video Designer Dan Thorpe, Lighting Designer and Projection Consultant Nic Mollison and Assistant Director Valerie Berry.

Catch Commentary at Dunston Playhouse from Friday 21 August to Saturday 5 September. Tickets on sale now via adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au.