Shadows of Angels - TBC Theatre

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Sun 12 Oct 2014 - Sun 02 Nov 2014

This play by TBC explores the lives of four 'fallen angels'. There is Good Femme, one of Australia's first female coppers; Old Femme, an ageing abortionist with shaky hands that are stripping away her livelihood; Man Femme and Pretty Femme who are in a secret relationship where the forbidden carries a death sentence. Set in the city slums of Australia in the 1920s, it takes an honest look at the real femme fatales, our very own Australian female criminals. Far from the glamorous gun toting blondes of Hollywood, desperate lives and dangerous minds will be held up for close examination.

TBC Theatre in partnership with the National Trust will present a theatrical experience that will draw you in and hold you captive. Performed at the historic City Watch House, you will be immersed in their stories and feel like you are back in 1920s Melbourne. You will see that the issues of poverty, violence, crime and sexuality of nearly 100 years ago is as relevant today.


Emerging Melbourne playwright Fleur Murphy was inspired when she attended the Femme Fatale - The Female Criminal exhibition curated by the Police and Justice Museum in Sydney. She couldn't shake the dramatic difference between the glamorous portrayal of Hollywood's film noir and the gritty real life sad haunting mug shots she saw at the exhibition. This gave birth to this production of her original work with the National Trust to tell the many historical stories of these real Australian women in real situations. She will shatter the stereotype of fantasy and will look at what the term 'female criminal' really means for Australia's historical context.

Chris Saxton, the director, will bring the script to life with his subtle yet deliberate direction while keeping intact the raw talent of all involved. By creating the right mix of horror and sympathy both emotionally and physically he will draw you in till you feel like you are actually there and the experience is bound to stay with you long after it's over.


The National Trust manages some really spectacular historical sites but the Watch House has to be the most haunting. TBC are staying true to their ambition to not be bound by the traditions of theatre venues just as they did in another of their earlier productions Love Play , earlier this year. They are determined to set themselves apart from the crowd. Connected to the Melbourne Gaol, the Watch House was Melbourne's half way place, the first holding cell until 1996 for a variety of criminals be it simply a case of drunkenness or a strangling on the shores of St Kilda. You might still smell the aroma of the people or hear the sounds in this place that was a temporary home to many. The walls still bear the visible scars of our society.

The season for this play will be from 12th October to 2nd November 2014. Shadows of Angels will be performed at the Melbourne City Watch House, 345 – 355 Russell Street, Melbourne. From Tuesday to Thursday it begins at 7.30 pm. On Saturdays there will be two shows. One at 5.30pm and the other at 7.30pm. Sunday shows will be at 5.30pm. Tickets are $30 with Concessions for $25. If you're a National Trust Members, it's $20. Bookings can be made by CLICKING HERE or by calling 0427 252 210



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!date 12/10/2014 -- 02/11/2014
%wnmelbourne