A new play explores the darker side of what can happen behind closed doors, including twists and turns that uncover shocking secrets held between two neighbouring families for many years.
Writer and director Hilary Rodley said her latest play, Ties that Bind, was “not for the faint hearted”.
It’s the second play she’s written for Thames Music and Drama, following her debut last year with Number Five Birdwell Road.
“That was my first foray into playwriting… last year’s one was a bit of a comedy but this one is a bit darker – a bit of a darker look at life,” she said.
The play is about two families who have been neighbours for a long time.
“There are secrets abound in this play. Part of what the audience will find interesting is they will be kept guessing right up towards the end about what’s happened behind closed doors,” she said.
“There are some very shocking truths unmasked, it’s not for the faint hearted, it’s sort of twisty and turny.”
Hilary said there was no main character – out of a cast of nine, six had equal footing.
However, the play does centre around Patricia, an agoraphobic woman who had not left her home for 16 years.
The play also explored the story of Patricia’s daughter, Carol, who still lived at home and looked after her mother.
“I think it’s intrigue – that’s what we’re going for here.
“Uncovering secrets, all sorts of things can be going on in homes and relationships between people.”
Hilary said she’d always been interested in writing, and being involved in Thames Music and Drama piqued her interest in playwriting after experiencing being on stage.
“I really appreciate the playwrights and directors at Thames Music and Drama, they’re really supportive, but there’s also been support from the whole team, from set builders and back stage crew, all the actors, wardrobe – it’s very much a team effort and our tech crew are amazing. It’s just everybody pulling together to pull it off.
“We’re excited, the cast are really relishing getting their teeth into some meaty roles.
“I hope the audience will be ready to be taken on a journey with some fairly shocking events that happened all that time ago.”
DETAILS: Ties that Bind will be staged at the Tararu Cultural Centre from July 19-27. Tickets are $26 from thamesmad.co.
