A Beautiful Life (play)
 | |
| Author | Michael Futcher and Helen Howard |
|---|---|
| Cover artist | Kate Florance. Front cover illustration shows Yalin Ozucelik as Amir in the 1998 Matrix Theatre Company production. Photo: Rob Maccoll. |
| Country | Australia |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Play |
| Published | 2000 (Currency Press) |
| Media type | Print (Paperback) |
| ISBN | 978-0-86819-605-3 |
A Beautiful Life is a play by Australia playwrights Michael Futcher and Helen Howard.
Plot
Based on a true story, an Iranian family living in Australia attempts to escape memories of torture endured back home. Their role in the 1992 raid on the Iranian Embassy in Canberra leads to persecution by the Australian government.
First Production
A Beautiful Life was first performed by the Matrix Theatre Company as a co-production with La Boite and the Energex Brisbane Festival, at La Boite Theatre on 27 August 1998 with the following cast:
- Eugene Gilfedder as Hamid
- Angelina Quick as Jhila
- Yalin Ozucelik as Amir
- Russell Dykstra as Ahmad
- Caroline Kennison as Stephanie, Neda, and Penny
- Joss McWilliam as Brendan and James
- Errol O’Neill as Hamid's father, Kamran, Interrogator, Mr. Darabi, and Mullah
- Sandro Colarelli as Masud, Reza, John, and Judge
Additional characters included Protesters, Prosecutor, Woman, Remand Centre Guards, Lawyers, Islamic Revolutionary Guards, Jews, Driver, Smuggler, Journalists, Hamid's Family, and Prisoners and were played by members of the company.
The production was directed by Michael Futcher and the assistant director was Helen Howard. The design was done by Bill Haycock, and the lighting was done by Matt Scott. Dramaturgical assistance was done by Janis Balodis. The music was performed by Francis Gilfedder, Roland Adeney, and Cieavash Arean.