3 Winters | Directed by Janine Watson

You're invited to Sydney Actors School to support our Second Years in their Graduating Play! They'll be performing '3 Winters', written by Tena Štivičić, and directed by Janine Watson.

'3 Winters' by Tena Štivičić is a rare play - a sweeping epic set over three eras in Zagreb, Croatia, covering the stories of four generations of women from one family. Each woman stands at the centre of a significant time in the country’s political and cultural history. Each woman a rich, deeply observed character overcoming hardship and trauma to sustain their home and livelihood. Set on a series of single winter nights in 1945, 1990, and 2011, each at a moment when the country was on the precipice of great upheaval, 3 Winters also takes place in one home: a former aristocratic abode seized and nationalised by the Croatian Partisan Party at the end of World War II. Every character in this astute and evocative play provides a vivid portrait of frail and flawed humanity when the instability of a country's identity seeps into personal relationships. 

It is challenging to find a play for a graduate production that allows each actor to do their best work. Especially with large casts containing nine female-identifying actors and four male-identifying actors, as is the case with this show. When I found 3 Winters after several weeks of relentless trawling, I felt like I’d hit the jackpot. Not only is the story fascinating and emotive, but it is a play by a woman for a large cast of women, and it also has complex male characters in support. But most importantly, it is accomplished writing. Stivicic weaves an elaborate narrative whilst never being didactic. She makes a Croatian story universal by looking at war and politics not through the political abstract but through humorous, heartfelt relationships. 

These SAS graduates are very special. They have taken on their characters with love and respect. Together, we have designed the set, costumes, and lighting on a minuscule budget. They have revealed other creative talents to me that I have ruthlessly taken advantage of at every turn. They are tireless, humble, and driven. I’ve loved directing them. Please come and join us - it’s free, and you won’t regret it.

Performances will be held at Sydney Actors School, with five performances in total.

• Wednesday, 29th November - 6:30pm
• Thursday, 30th November - 6:30pm
• Friday, 1st December - 6:30pm
• Saturday, 2nd December - 1:00pm (Matinee)
• Saturday 2nd December - 6:30pm (Evening)

Looking forward to seeing you there!

An Amateur Production By Arrangement with ORiGiNTM Theatrical, on behalf of Nick Hern Books.