Quiddity Theatre present
FLESHTONES
Performed by John Britton and Hilary Elliott
Written by John Britton. Music by Ben Grant.

Fleshtones is a spoken and danced conversation between ex-lovers – a relationship dissected with humour but without sentimentality. The beautiful and poetic text explores how ex-lovers seek understanding when one of the lovers is dead.

John Britton and Hilary Elliott, collaborating as Quiddity Theatre, examine the anger, recrimination and self-justification that follows a lover's suicide. Having premiered Fleshtones at Chapel Off Chapel in 2002, John Britton emphasises the impact the work had upon audiences.

"We were encouraged by the emotional response of our audiences, both to the script and to the style of performance" he said. "The strength of their response was evident in the laughter, silences and tears both during and after shows."

Following its first season, Fleshtones was recorded by the ABC and broadcast on Airplay, Radio National's premier forum for new Australian writing.

Quiddity Theatre has produced more than ten original works - and
numerous community projects - since its inception in 1993. Quiddity Theatre’s style is unique and personal, a crafted and skilled hybrid of the skills brought to the company by its two core collaborators. It combines narrative, choreography, strong character and improvisation, frequently incorporating live music. The company has a strong commitment to quality, innovation and accessibility.

This unique and highly developed aesthetic recently brought Quiddity Theatre to the attention of The Arts Council of England.
With funding from The ACE, Quiddity Theatre spent two weeks in July teaching professional performers at a summer school hosted by Huddersfield University. The meeting points between Quiddity Theatre's work and the approach of UK creative writing teacher Dr Deborah Middleton were explored, radically transforming participants' access to their creativity.

John Britton is a playwright, performer and director. He has worked with companies in England and Australia, with recent credits including Dirty Laundry by Kate Herbert (Director) and Ozopera (Director). His work has been broadcast on ABC Radio and he works extensively as a workshop leader, director and performer.

Hilary Elliott is a dancer, actor, choreographer, and workshop leader. She too has worked with companies in England and Australia, recently performing ‘Spontaneous Combustion #1 & #2” in the UK and working as Artistic Director of Latrobe University’s Shortworks festival in Melbourne.

Fleshtones will be performed in the Loft, at Chapel Off Chapel, from 4 – 14 September (Thursday - Friday 8.30pm, Saturday 2pm & 8.30pm, Sunday 2pm & 6pm). Tickets: $20 full price, $15 concession. Bookings and inquiries:
8290 7000.

Reviews of previous works by Quiddity Theatre:

"(Adam's Apple is).... a stunning piece of work, an exhilarating
performance." - ABC Radio

"Humour and heartache, grim realism and pure fantasy mingle through the show (The River Project) like cross-currents in a stream, but there is always an admirable lack of sentimentality." - The Sunday Age

"There is something utterly cathartic in the ending that sends the audience home with big smiles and light hearts." Stage Left (Review of Time & Tide)

"Unlike anything I've ever seen before (Cyclops Alley). A definite touchstone for the future of theatre." - Lot's Wife

To contact Quiddity Theatre please phone 9346 9694 or email
quidditytheatre@yahoo.com.au