New Australian work ‘Portraits’ highlights the dangers of tradition

‘Portraits’, a harrowing new Australian drama that exposes audiences to the dark side of tradition, will be performed at the Old Museum in Bowen Hills on October 1st and 2nd. The second of Observatory Theatre’s 2021 season will live up to the company’s “immersive” reputation, with a surround sound design transporting viewers to the fictitious Godbold Mansion.

Martin Godbold, the youngest child of billionaire father Martin Godbold, has been living in the shadow of his philanthropic father and now demands his due place in the family business. The presentation poses the question, “What are we made of?” to the audience. When no one else is willing to carry the flame, who will? And when does tradition triumph over our humanity?

“This play is a warning about festering traditions that refuse to die, specifically around masculinity and the expected social roles people have to play. The story shows that we as unique individuals can break the chain of bad habits and norms,” Director Lachlan Driscoll said.

“It is relevant today. We talk a lot about legacy in 2021 and the society that future generations will inherit.”

The creative team includes Brisbane locals, Emile Regano, Rebecca Day, James Hogan, and Robert Wainwright, with dramaturgy by Alex Macdonald and immersive sound design by Gabby Fitzgerald.

Performer, Rebecca Day, commented, “What I love about ‘Portraits’ is the exploration of self and how a place can mould the person you become,”

“With my character, the past has come back to haunt her when she returns home, and she’s being challenged by what she knew not being what was.”

Observatory Theatre is a new independent Brisbane theatre company that creates meaningful, vibrant experiences for audiences in ways traditional theatre does not. They aim to devise inventive works that bend the boundaries of traditional theatre and transport audiences to the world on stage.

Tickets are on sale now through Observatory Theatre’s website.

Media release supplied.

Photography by Bethany Moore.