First reading for local playwright
Woy Woy Little Theatre will hold its first public reading of local playwright Annie Bilton's play, Elizabeth and Grace, at the Peninsula Theatre on Monday, May 27, from 7:30pm.
Set during the Elizabethan era amid religious upheavals through Europe, the story centres on two strong-willed women, Queen Elizabeth the First and Grace O'Malley.
Grace was a heroine of the resistance movement against England's colonisation of Ireland in the 16th Century, according to Ms Bilton.
"She was a successful pirate, a leader of men, a brilliant strategist, and wore trousers," said Ms Bilton.
"When Grace's son Theobald is taken captive by the English, she is given a choice, submit to English rule, or lose her son.
"Instead Grace, at 63, brazenly sails up the Thames to Elizabeth's own doorstep.
"Grace demands a face-to-face meeting with her greatest enemy, the most powerful woman in the world, to request the release of her son."
The play requires the strength of two powerful female actors aged 50 to 65, and four males.
Annie Bilton has lived on the Coast for several years and has extensive writing, acting and directing experience.
Email, 8 May 2013
David Wicks, Woy Woy Little Theatre