RIOT 2019

It’s been 4 years since the inaugural season of Riot had its debut at The Owl and Cat Theatre where reviewers named it ‘Enthralling and confronting’ (Christine young, Theatre Press). The original production was directed by Gabrielle Reiher (formerly Savrone) co-owner of The Owl and Cat Theatre. Reiher is now stepping into her acting boots and taking on one of the most challenging roles of the gritty piece. While the playwright, Thomas Ian Doyle, will be directing the remount.

Reiher will be taking on one of the gay male characters, Gavin, who falls for egocentric Jim (played by Gabriel Egan). “I’ve wanted to play a male character for a while now,” Reiher says, “Exploring gender roles through art is exciting to me.”

The production of Riot had an extensive workshop in Alaska at The Last Frontier Theatre Conference in 2015, and the conference was attended by Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winner David Auburn (Proof).

“Unfortunately, David didn’t get to attend the workshop of Riot,” Doyle says, “but he sat next to Gabrielle and I at the conference gala and asked me,

‘Are you the playwright of Riot?’

‘Yes,’ I squeaked nervously.

‘So, you’re the reason nobody was at my workshop,’ he replied. Everyone had come to see the workshop of Riot instead of attending David’s workshop. But he bought us a wine each, so I guess he wasn’t too beefed. Playwright Eric Coble was my main mentor, and I’ve felt incredibly lucky to have his professional advice over the years.”

The remount promises to be bolder, darker and more potent than ever. The play follows protagonist Jim as he struggles to face reality and descends deeper into his own cruel imaginings.

“It’s a love story, but several shades darker,” Doyle says.
Riot is playing at The MC Showroom in Prahran from 8th -12th October.

Tickets: www.themcshowroom.com/event/riot
$30/$35
Venue: The Mc Showroom
Level 1, 48 Clifton St,
Prahran, 3181
Date: 8th – 12th October
Cast and Creatives
Playwright/director:
Thomas Ian Doyle
Cast:
Gabriel Egan
Gabrielle Reiher
Emma Louise Pursey
Mazz Ryan
Isobel Summers
Composer:
Benjamin Brooker
Image: Benjamin Brooker (featuring Gabriel Egan & Gabrielle Reiher)