Opening week of 'Godot' and Q&A with Tim Heath

penny ryan photography

It's opening night! We've been abuzz with technical and dress rehearsals and we can promise you an extraordinary night at the theatre as Waiting for Godot opens.

In this newsletter we share some rehearsal photographs of Godot and have a Q&A with our Vladimir — and co-founder of The Ravens — Tim Heath. See you at the theatre.

Waiting for Godot — Phee Broadway Theatre, 212 Barker Street, Castlemaine. 18th September – 3rd October.

Rehearsal photographs

Over the last few weeks, photographer Penny Ryan has been in rehearsals. It's been a pleasure to have such a talented local artist cataloguing the work. Here are our performers in action.

penny ryan photography

Q&A with Tim Heath

penny ryan photography

Tim Heath is a Castlemaine-born performer, musician and previous co-owner of the Theatre Royal, whose background spans theatre training at Monash, 15 years touring live music internationally, performing as a member of The Basics and a recent return to acting. Tim is the co-founder of The Ravens Theatre Company. He plays Vladimir in Waiting for Godot.

What interested you in performing in Waiting for Godot?

The text is so wonderfully funny, philosophically expansive, poignant and true to its exact simplicity. The play's characters seem to be equal parts unsettlingly real and also completely fantastic. Beckett's place in 20th century writing, art and philosophy is unique and dazzling, and it's been a long-held dream to perform this play, with my dear old friend Gus and with newer dear friends Tim and Luke — it's a dream team to take the chicken bones with.

What will audiences get out of seeing this play?

It is one of, if not the significant plays of the 20th century — for many reasons — and all audiences will benefit from knowing this masterpiece, at any level of understanding. It is beguiling, funny and deeply moving. The team of actors and crew have been (with their own individual dashes of flair) studiously attending to deliver the text faithfully, and have been exploring the characters' physical idiosyncrasies within this highly unique work.

What have been the most exciting discoveries?

I'm enjoying the much talked-about musicality of the play's text. It's becoming more apparent as we journey deeper and it is an absolute privilege to study — and we continue discovering. The combination of the actors' skills in this production has been wonderful to watch in rehearsal, as scenes unfold and we make discoveries alone or together with laughter and sometimes, bewilderment!

What have you learnt about yourself during the process?

I have a long way to go.

Why should audiences come and see Waiting for Godot?

We hope audiences will enjoy the humour of the play, the cruelty, the suffering, the pondering and the deep humanity of the characters. The local ensemble of actors will bring their own interpretations to the production with originality, heart and flair. We hope audiences will connect — even for a glimpse — with that mysterious and possibly “magic” moment of synchronicity of being that theatre can sometimes achieve. For Lucky's speech. For Pozzo's eccentricity and language. For Gogo and Didi's endless search for connection and contentment.

We got merch!

Tote bags — $30. Printed by local legends Oni Streetwear in Hargreaves St, with two designs to choose from. Sturdy, with an internal pocket. Postage or local pick up.

Ravens pin — $8. Put a bird on it! Make those winter coats sing (or croak) with a show of support for Castlemaine's newest theatre company. Postage or local pick up.

Message us via our contact page with your order.

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From Castlemaine, with love —

The Ravens