Lost in Ringwood

RESEARCH BACKGROUND: 'Lost in Ringwood', is a play about a toxic relationship between a suburban mother and 'spinster' daughter, Rose and Cynthia Viper. The women, who are both loners, live together in an austere Ringwood manor. This 'Australiana farce' was written by Barry Dickens and directed by Greg Carroll. The sets were designed by Peter Corrigan. RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION: 'Lost In Ringwood' demonstrates Corrigan's ongoing support for the work of La Mama and independent theatre in Melbourne and it further develops his interest in representing vaudevillian extremes. The play, written by a member of La Mama's old guard, is a suburban grotesquery in the mould of 'Mother and Son'. Corrigan's set, which comprises 'milky, silky drapes' establishes an absurb suburban gothic - an icy confection - in which mother and daughter can play out their mutual loathing and despair. The performance distinguished itself by increasing an awareness of the role theatre can play in contemporary society. RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE: Founded in 1967, the heritage-listed La Mama is one of Australia's best known experimental, independent theatre venues. This highly-regarded venue has presented work by many of Australia's best playwrights and performers, including David Williamson and John Romeril. The value of the project is further evidenced by reviews in 'The Herald Sun' (Kate Herbert, 9 September 2013), 'The Sydney Morning Herald' and 'The Age' (Rebecca Harkins-Cross, 'Suburban farce delights', 9 September 2013) . Herbert described 'Lost in Ringwood' as "hysteria on valium" a play that proved "a misery shared is definitely not a misery halved". She described Corrigan's production design as "delicious".