Betty's Summer Vacation
The Uber Big Brother
Stick a sex addict, an abusive mother, a blonde bimbo, an all-American sweetheart and a lonely guy who just might be a serial killer into a house together and it’s not always Big Brother. This is Betty’s Summer Vacation – a red hot parody of our addiction to reality television.
“With Betty’s Summer Vacation we’re looking at the American addiction to reality television and how human nature’s interest in horror and gossip combines with the media’s need to hook viewers,” said Annie Ruth, director of both Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School and Betty’s Summer Vacation.
“The play takes the absurdism of trash telly and amps it up to a level of schlock horror – there are dismemberments, sexual assaults, a flasher, abandoned children, all accompanied by a steadily more disturbing laugh track,” said Annie.
| When: | 7.30pm, 14, 16, 18, 20 & 22 June (2pm matinee 16 June) |
| Where: | Te Whaea Theatre, Te Whaea National Dance & Drama Centre, 11 Hutchison Road, Newtown |
| Price: | $15 / $12 (see this and A History of the American Film for $25 / $18) |
| Bookings: | 04 381 9253 (automated line) |
“In this era of youtube and movies filmed by cellphones our lives are becoming increasingly performed rather than lived,” said Annie. “It’s like we do things because we’re being watched and things change because they’re being observed. And this play has a glorious point of intervention where the world literally crashes in and says to the characters ‘entertain me, or else’.”
“But what I love most about this play is the way it addresses serious issues without a hint of seriousness – it takes things to a completely logical conclusion that is obvious insanity,” said Annie.
Working with Annie on Betty’s Summer Vacation are two fourth year design students – Meggan Frauenstein and Leanne Stevenson, who are designing the complicated set and the costumes.
“Working on this show is really exciting,” said Leanne. “We’re trying to create a holiday house that can accommodate larger than life door slamming characters and a whole pile of madcap dashing around that also transforms with the quirky action of the show.”
Meggan explains further, “We’re trying to create a Big Brother house type feel with costumes that give a feel for how addicted and obsessive people become – so that’s been a challenge!”
Betty’s Summer Vacation stars half of the second year acting students and also involves management, design, technical and costume construction students.
Betty’s Summer Vacation is running in repertory with another Christopher Durang penned comedy - A History of the American Film - at Toi Whakaari from 13 – 22 June.
