It’s been more than three decades since they last graced the Little Theatre stage, but Independent Theatre is finally back home and ready to perform Anton Chekhov’s revolutionary Seagull.
The illustrious company’s early history saw them perform 12 shows over five years at the Adelaide University stage and Artistic Director (and Independent Theatre Founder) Rob Croser has always harboured a want to perform there again.
“I love working there, I love the intimacy of the Little Theatre,” said Rob.
“It’s great being so close to the audience, you can have more nuanced performance, and use more subtle tones in your voice. Especially with this play, Chekhov’s Seagull. It is perfectly suited for this stage.
“Some of my favourite Independent Theatre shows were performed on the Little Theatre stage, I have very fond memories of Heartbreak House, The Importance of Being Earnest, and Long Day’s Journey into the Night just to name a few.”
More recently, Independent Theatre productions have been tailored to proscenium stages, but Rob is excited to be heading back to the Little Theatre’s three-sided arena stage where the play must be blocked out a little differently.
“Directing on a stage such as this can be difficult, but I think it’s something we have always done well. It’s all still there in the back of my head, a little bit more like film acting you can’t be so afraid of having your back to the audience,” said Rob.
“My work at the Little Theatre, when Independent Theatre first started had a huge influence on my style and how I would direct in the future, even in my more recent plays I am still using the skills I developed here some 30 odd years ago.”