Echo by Sahra Davoudi

Presented as part of the VCA Master of Theatre (Writing) Festival 2024

A dancer’s performance on stage starts connection, setting off a chain of events that entwines the lives of two women. A tapestry of identity and displacement weaving together the fractured echoes of past and present into a complex dance of human connection.

Content Warnings: This play contains strong language, adult themes, and discussions of sensitive topics including discrimination, violence, and controversial political and religious views.

Credits

Director: Blake Barnard
Dramaturg: Michael Honeyman

About the writer

Sahra Davoudi is a Melbourne based actor and writer. She holds a Bachelor of Drama from Tehran Arts and Architecture University. Notable works include "Vessel" at Melbourne Art Centre, "The Audition" at La Mama, "In the Mirror" at La Mama, and "Conquest of the Garden" at Northcote Town Hall. In 2017, “Vessel” won an award for "Innovation in Culturally Diverse" from Melbourne fringe festival and in 2023, "Conquest of the Garden" was nominated for two Green Rooms award. Sahra serves as an Associate Artist Representative at “Outer Urban Projects company”, contributing to community cultural enrichment.

Acknowledgements

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Raimondo Cortese for his exceptional mentorship and support throughout this journey. I also would like to thank the 2024 writing cohort for making this path more fun and rewarding. Additionally, I would like to thank Chris mead, Emily Shaheen, Michelle Lee and all the teachers throughout this course for their invaluable guidance. Finally, thanks to Blake Barnard, Michael Honeyman and the wonderful cast for joining me in shaping and forming this play.

__________

Ticket Prices

Free, registrations required on Humanitix

Run time

This reading will run for approximately 75 minutes.

Venue

This reading takes place in Studio 4, located in the Dodds Street Performing Arts Building which is accessible via paths in the new Dodds Street Linear Park.
Please meet Front of House in the foyer on the ground floor of the Dodds Street Performing Arts Building, Studio 4 is then accessible via the stairs or lift.

Parking

The City of Melbourne has recently changed the parking restrictions around the Southbank Campus. Parking control hours are now expanded to 7am–10pm, seven days per week, and are capped at three hours. A $2-per-hour fee after 7pm is also now in place. There is no change to the $4-per-hour peak rate between 7am–7pm. Parking inspectors are regularly in the area fining drivers who overstay their meter, so we encourage everyone to be aware and avoid an expensive fine. More information.

Accessibility

Click on the accessibility button at the top of this page for detailed information on accessibility in the venue. Please note any requirements that you and your guests may have when prompted at checkout. To read more about access services available at our venues, please visit: https://finearts-music.unimelb.edu.au/access-our-events.

Important Information

As this is a new devised work, content warnings may be updated closer to the performances. Audiences will be made aware of updated warnings in their event reminder.
Please stay home if you feel unwell, even with mild symptoms. Face masks are welcome in all settings for community and personal safety.
In order to account for drop-off in attendance, we overbook a select number of free events at the Faculty. If you have not arrived by the start of the performance, your ticket may be released to any waiting patrons at the door. Please arrive at the venue at least 15 minutes before the performance to secure your seat.
Admission to any of our concerts and events is strictly at the discretion of Front of House. We have zero tolerance for any disrespectful behaviour.

Banner: Image by Zayn Ulfan, 2024.