Winner of six 2017 Matilda Awards: Best Mainstage Production; The Lord Mayor's Award for Best New Australian Work; Best Female Actor in a Leading Role; Best Director; Best Lighting Design and Best Audio Visual Design.

'Blue Bones' is a detailed, honest and surprisingly heartwarming story about domestic violence told by one of Australia’s most talented young playwright/performers, Merlynn Tong.

Based on the true story of two teenagers' romance as it blossoms then warps in the heat of bustling Singapore,? 'Blue Bones' is a seamlessly executed, vibrant, genuinely beautiful one-woman show. A multi-lingual, multi-media production, with multiple characters, songs, kung fu and arcade dance games, a whirlwind of passion and naivety, violence and courage, with the wreckage continuing to be felt across the years.

A play that speaks directly to young adults and excites veteran theatre goers, audiences leave the theatre changed, which is what great theatre should do.

"This is a courageous and powerful show beautifully executed by its makers.? " Sam Strong, Artistic Director, Queensland Theatre

"It's humorous and harrowing and told with so much heart, and it really is quite hard to put into words how it hits you in the end. Just wow." Max Mellor, Playwright

Venue Format
Theatre, Black Box Venue
Technical Rating
C
Touring Party
3
Considerations

Warnings: Contains low level coarse language, a complete black out and haze. Blue Bones explores topics of domestic violence, depression and suicide. Recommended for audiences 16+.

PLAYLAB THEATRE

Playlab Theatre is an award-winning production company that seeks to challenge perspectives of Australian Culture through Australian Theatre. Uniquely, Playlab Theatre (Playlab) does this through developing, publishing and producing new Australian Theatre with playwrights at the centre of the creative process.

Through Playlab’s development program is a pathway to advance a work from inception to rehearsal readiness. The Playwright-in-Residence program supports playwrights to reach their potential through commissioning for production. At any given time Playlab has at least three commissioned works on the slate, undergoing rigorous development to ensure excellence. Playlab’s objective is to tour productions straight after their debut seasons to keep costs low for presenters and improve outcomes for artists.

As a new-writing theatre, Playlab privileges adventurous work that speaks to the diversity and politics of contemporary Australia and appeals to audiences across the country.

Company Website
playlabtheatre.com.au

Unique Selling Point

'I saw my insides today. I found tom, my first love, in my bones.'

With the recent allegations and revelations of sexual abuse reverberating across the globe, now is the time for communities to start a conversation about violence against women. Merlynn tells her story with humour and compassion, opening the dialogue, denying stigma, encouraging others to share their stories and spreading the word that all forms of violence are unacceptable.

'Blue Bones' is an open, honest account of one woman's experience, her strength, resilience and her refusal to be defined by her past.

Marketing Materials

Playlab have a comprehensive library of marketing collateral, templates, digital assets, production shots, promotional images and video footage which will be shared with our presenting partners.

'Blue Bones' has been published by Playlab. At the venues discretion, the publication can be made available for sale in the foyer after a performance.

The publication includes a comprehensive set of education notes written by Annette Box, BA/ BEd(Hons). This includes a synopsis of the play, detailed interviews with Merlynn Tong and Ian Lawson about the creative process, Curriculum Connections with examples from the script and much, much more.

Community Engagement

'Blue Bones' is theatre that matters. We recommend discussing community engagement opportunities with our producer. Merlynn is a funny and engaging public speaker. She is available for speaking engagements, interviews, informal breakfasts with community/ audience members and would consider any platform which opens a dialogue about violence against women.