The Great Gatsby
Written by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Adapted by Barry Lowe, Directed by Peta Beattie
“So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”
BATS Theatre Company Inc. is marking the start of the 2020’s by presenting the 1920’s American Classic, The Great Gatsby. We have assembled a stellar multi-talented cast and a live jazz band. This production will be a visual and aural treat, featuring the music of the early jazz age and authentic costumes by Nancy Moule, of the Roaring 20s.
F. Scott Fitzgerald’s masterpiece, adapted beautifully by Australian playwright Barry Lowe was first presented in the historic setting of Rippon Lea Estate in Melbourne. This production, is also set in an historic building, the Buderim War Memorial Hall. The Hall was originally the School of Arts building and was filled with live theatre, dances and concerts from 1924 when it was constructed. In 1945, the people of Buderim decided the School of Arts should serve as a ‘living’ memorial to the fallen soldiers of the community. The Buderim War Memorial Hall has seen many performances over the years by different groups and BATS is proud to continue its association with the venue.
This production will feature a live band, singing and dancing and the hall will be decked out in the splendor of yesteryear, with old photographs of Buderim on display from the 1920s.
The story, narrated in part by Nick Carraway, deals with the events of a summer in Long Island in 1922. Nick introduces us to the various characters and we have an invitation to the enigmatic Jay Gatsby’s party.
Vintage cars will complete the picture of the past as audiences are asked to step back in time and come dressed in Gatsby inspired attire
Gatsby is drawn by the green light across the bay and dreams of what might be. Soon two very different worlds collide, one of ash, and one of green-the past and future blur and nothing will ever be the same again.
