Photography by
Patrick Cummins, Nick Ritar
& Kirsten Bradley

Experimental Theatre

2002 - 2004

Various locations 

 

A new media theatre piece produced by Marguerite Pepper Productions, written by Scott Rankin, performed by Leah Purcell with live video performance by cicada.

Scott Rankin and Leah Purcell first collaborated to create the internationally acclaimed Box the Pony. They come together again for an extraordinary piece of hybrid story telling. Beasty Girl redefines theatrical biography. In a beautifully layered cinematic performance piece, text, movement, shadow and digital image combine to expose the dark side of this controversial matinee idol. Video artist, musician and visual artist all feature centre stage alongside the performer, as they collaborate in real time, creating an intense, ever-changing visual and aural experience.

Born in Tasmania, Errol Flynn traded on his boyish good looks and went on to become the most famous face of the 1930s and 40s. Fuelled by his wealth and fame he sucked every last drop of pleasure from Hollywood Babylon.

Told from the two points of view, Flynn's illegitimate daughter (Carly) and the last surviving Tasmanian tiger, Leah Purcell strips away layer upon layer of Flynn's carefully constructed mythology to reveal the puzzle behind the enigma, behind the moustache, behind the man.

 

seasons

Feb 2003 - Perth International Arts Festival
Apr 2003 - Ten Days on the Island
Oct 2003 - Melbourne International Arts Festival

Beasty Girl wins Green Room Awards

Beasty Girl cleaned up at the 2004 Green Room Awards in Melbourne. The Age ran a story covering the event which mentions the best director award for Scott Rankin and best female actor in leading role award for Leah Prucell. The production, which ran as part of the 2003 Melbourne International Arts Festival also recieved an award for most innovative drama.