'Seven Of Hearts' Aces Sexual Tension In Spades

Seven people, seven situations, one evolving scenario. Prepare yourself for some raw and honest directions to that most vulnerable place - where hearts meet minds. After all it's just a game, right?

(PRWEB) June 1, 2007 -- 'Seven of Hearts' is a daring new play that tracks four women navigating through the tribulations and triumphs of friendship, love, sex and fulfillment. Oh - and outright debasement and humiliation.

Not afraid to be alone or leave their social inhibitions behind, each woman is out to discover what's on offer - while learning that hearts and minds don't always agree on the outcome. In a manner befitting its 'fly-on-the-wall' aesthetic, 'Seven of Hearts' graphically portrays the consequences of their choices with unwavering sexual tension.

Dripping with a heady mix of spit-fire dialogue and heavy subtext, the play dives headlong into the relationships of Laura (Rain Fuller) and Sophie (Marnie Gibson), two women with a strong, powerful sense of self. By the time these young medical students graduate, the audience will witness how key life experiences shape them as people.

Playing one of the most honest and straight forward characters in the play, Marnie Gibson says her character's choices will shock many.

"Starting out as a student, Sophie becomes a highly paid escort," says Gibson. "Extreme behaviour? Maybe - but in the context of her journey she is revealed to be an intriguing and complex person."

No less relevant, Rain Fuller's character also has big decisions to confront. "Laura experiences a rollercoaster of emotions from regret, jealousy, rejection through to real love," says Fuller. "It's a reflection on real life - nothing is clear cut or in black and white."

Striving to bring order to their relationships, the women wade through life's grey areas leaving no stone unturned. It's more than a game - are their relationships the real deal or not?

Exploring the unique interplay between the sexes proved too irresistible for director Wayne Pearn.

Fascinated by the way women talk with great freedom among themselves, Pearn found that although the women in the play have a certain power, so do the guys.

"One of the major dynamics in the play is that once the men have their veneer peeled back we discover that whether they are in love or in love with the notion of being in love, they are as vulnerable - if not more so - than women," said Pearn. "The men retreat to childhood. Yet no matter how traumatic a split or issue may be, women can dissect the situation, grieve and move on."

The theme of intense intimacy, especially between close women friends, has always intrigued playwright Mark Andrew. "I'm envious of that - so what's the best thing to do with envy? Invent a rich fantasy life," said Andrew, "It works for me."

Emerging from an 'accidental' narrative formed by several smaller works, Mark Andrew realised he was channeling post-modern woman. "I guess I'm in a lot of trouble with some of my female friends, as they'll see themselves through some of the more intimate interactions," said Andrew.

"graphic...sure to offend absolutely everyone" THE ARTS CENTRE, MELBOURNE

"a perfect example...with an impressive twist" AUSSIETHEATRE.COM

Presented as part of 'El Dante's Minnie Fiesta' by Harry Paternoster's 'Walking into Bars', 'Seven of Hearts' runs nightly 13 - 17 June (9pm Wed - Sat and 8pm Sun) at Dantes 150-156 Gertrude St., Fitzroy. Bookings: 0415 613 651 or at the door. Cost: $10 a show or $15 for two shows on the one night.

BOOKINGS:

'Seven Of Hearts'

13 - 17 June 2007

9pm Wed - Sat and 8pm Sun

Dantes

150-156 Gertrude St, Fitzroy.

Bookings: 0415 613 651 or at the door.

Cost: $10 a show or $15 for two shows on the one night

Presented by Harry Paternoster's 'Walking into Bars'

ABOUT 'SEVEN OF HEARTS'

Seven people, seven situations, one evolving scenario.

Prepare yourself for some rather raw and honest directions to that most vulnerable place - where hearts meet minds. Seven of Hearts follows the paths of seven people as they navigate the trials, tribulations and triumphs of friendships, love, relationships, sex, fulfillment - oh and outright debasement and humiliation.

After all - it's just a game, right?

"graphic...sure to offend absolutely everyone" THE ARTS CENTRE, MELBOURNE

"a perfect example...with an impressive twist" AUSSIETHEATRE.COM

CAST: Marnie Gibson as 'Sophie', Mick Lo Monaco as 'Joe', Rain Fuller as 'Laura', Kaori Hamamoto as 'Becky', Clare Springett as 'Lulu', Colin Donald as 'Felix' and Patrick Stott as 'Mickey'.

LIGHTING DESIGN: Chantal Trimboli and Laura Smith

ABOUT WAYNE PEARN (director)

Wayne has been involved in theatre, radio, film and TV for 25 years as an actor and the past 15 years primarily as a director. In 1993 he formed award winning Independent Theatre Company Hoy Polloy, which has garnered a fine reputation for producing challenging plays and an ever increasing audience. Wayne last directed the much acclaimed play 'Killing Jeremy' by Bridgette Burton at the Carlton Courthouse for Hoy Polloy. Currently Hoy Polloy is producing the Australian premiere of the highly regarded play 'Shining City' by Conor McPherson.

ABOUT HARRY PATERNOSTER (producer)

Harry Paternoster created Walking into Bars as an Independent Theatre Company dedicated to producing the work of contemporary Australian writers, performers, producers and others in the Melbourne indie theatre scene. Walking into Bars runs the monthly 'Crash Test Drama' for the purpose of script development and networking between writers, performers and directors, and is the driving force behind the current 'El Dante's Minnie Fiesta'.

ABOUT MARK ANDREW (playwright)

Based in Melbourne, Australia Mark Andrew has had plays produced worldwide including Melbourne, Sydney, Manchester (UK) and Hollywood (USA). 'Seven of Hearts' is his 10th play to receive a production globally.

Mark started writing for the stage in 2005 and has since had plays performed at The Arts Centre, Melbourne ('Truth FM'), The Seymour Centre, Sydney ('Pornopoly'), La Mama's Carlton Courthouse Theatre ('Red Shift', and a monologue, 'Infected'), The Secret Rose Theatre, Hollywood ('Protocol'), The Little Theatre, Williamstown ('See'), The Newtown Theatre, Sydney ('Make Up Sex') and Manchester's Leigh Centurion ('Waiting').

ACTORS BIO'S AND HEADSHOTS ALSO AVAILABLE.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Mark Andrew

Playwright

0419 183 113

mark AT scenario.net.au

Harry Paternoster

Producer

El Dante's Minnie Fiesta

0415 613 651

harrytheox AT hotmail.com

www.myspace.com/eldantesminniefiesta

Sean McIntyre

Wise Words Media

Media and Communications Solutions

ABN 60 363 406 503

M: 0011 61 0413 397 441

e: sean.mcintyre AT wisewords.com.au

W: www.myspace.com/wisewordsmedia

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