Double Feature by Damian Callinan
- About the Work
- Touring & Tech
- Marketing & Engagement
A romantic romp through Post WW2 Melbourne!
Synopsis
The surprise discovery of Damian Callinan’s mother’s 1946 diary leads him on a cinematic, romantic romp through post-war Melbourne. However as he follows his mother’s work life, social romps and volunteer work with wounded returned servicemen, he finds the diary poses more questions than it does answers.
With suitors lining up for 19 year old Kathleen Purcell, will Jack Bowlen ever get the Canadian 2 Step right? Will Ron Rogan keep his hands to himself? Which Collingwood player will throw his hat in the ring? But most importantly for Damian’s very existence, will she notice the dapper fly boy Adrian, who has just returned from active service?
His mother’s charming journal is hilariously contrasted with his father Adrian’s headmasterly, retirement diary that bookends his parent’s loving relationship and sadly, reveals the tragedy that brought it to an end.
The creator and star of the Netflix hit film ‘The Merger,’ uses his powerful gift for storytelling to recast his parents in a funny & poignant double feature of love and loss.
Utilising Damian’s trademark storytelling, sketch, and character driven comedy, this one man show will have you laughing and crying in equal measure. A deeply personal story grounded in the nostalgia of 1940s suburban Melbourne, the show is sure to pull at many heartstrings.
Technical Information
Lighting
· Any basic in-house system
· Control position – Front of stage
· Basic whole stage wash – Profiles and LEDs (straw wash)
· Specials x1 focused pin spot
Audio
In-house sound system to accommodate laptop input for playback
1x operator familiar with the in-house system for 2 hour tech/bump in and .5 hour bump out – we will tour with our own operator. If light and sound positions are separated we require additional operator.
· Audio Playback into desk via mini jack
· Operating System – Qlab
· Headset mic (in larger spaces)
· DI to accommodate playback from on-stage AV laptop
Staging
1 x Bar stool
Stage treads if stage is raised
Some masking required
Min stage width: 4m Min stage depth: 4m Min wing space: 3.5m
Crew Notes
1x operator familiar with the in-house system for 2 hour tech/bump in and .5 hour bump out – we will tour with our own operator. If light and sound positions are separated we require additional operator.
Transport Notes
Can travel by car, no freight or truck required.
Audience & Marketing Notes
Using the quest of trying to find a film narrative in the real life diaries will appeal to film lovers as much as theatre goers. Evoking the pop culture of the time as the show deep dives into the social history of 1946 also brings history, music and comedy lovers into the frame. Damian’s unique style of mixing theatricality with storytelling and stand up comedy has broad appeal ensuring that this tale will have appeal across the generations.
Selling Points
- Quality & reputation: Damian’s reputation for prolifically producing shows of quality means all of his shows are keenly anticipated. This one seems to have particularly piqued interest reflected in strong box office sales for MICF 2022. Damian recent interview about the show with Richard Filder on ABC Conversations has had far reaching impact and will greatly help as leverage on future tours.
- Romance & Nostalgia: This show seems to have tapped into a nostalgic vein as world weary audiences want to be transformed by stories. There is no more uplifting genre than romance & despite the pathos that runs alongside this story, it is at its heart, a story of love rather than loss.
- Intergenerational: Focusing on the aesthetic of 1940’s Melbourne is appealing to both an older generation of fans, as well as those interested in local history. Damian’s fan base generally spans 30s-60s, so we are starting to see fans introduce their children and grandchildren to his work.
Community Engagement
Content Warning
Details
Genre
Audience
16+
Venue Format
Proscenium Arch, Black box, Thrust, Hall
Duration
60 Minutes
Available Until (from - to)
30/11/2023
Budget & Fees
What are these? Find out more.In Development - work which will be produced and premiered in time for touring during 2022/2023. Please contact the Producer directly for Budgets and Fees.
Remount: $11,500
Weekly Sell Off: $12,500
Per Performance: $4,500
