ROPE (2016)
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It was supposed to be the perfect crime...
By special arrangement with Origin Theatrical, on behalf of Samuel French Limited and produced by Presidential Productions with the support of Murdoch University, comes a new version of ROPE by Patrick Hamilton. A modern adaptation written and directed by James Cunningham, ROPE performed four sold-out shows at Perth's Fringe World festival in 2016.
Originally written in 1929, Patrick Hamilton's ROPE was first performed in London's West End and Broadway in New York. Alfred Hitchcock immortalised ROPE on the silver screen in 1948, starring Jimmy Stewart. In 2016 and exclusively for Perth’s Fringe World festival, James Cunningham's contemporary reimagining is set in modern day Australia; a bold update for a new generation of fans and theatregoers.
James Cunningham's ROPE featured a stellar cast of five local Perth actors including Benjamin Pentony, Stewart Sant, Matthew Panegyres, Rowland van Zwol and Sandy Hunter.
ROPE is not a whodunit. The audience knows exactly what the diabolical pair have done, and only one party guest truely suspects that something is not quite right.
The dramatic arc of the play is the journey of discovery that takes place, as the pieces of the puzzle are revealed. Cunningham's adaptation of ROPE explores morality, mortality and Nietzsche's ideas of a superior intelligence. ROPE was the not-to-be-missed event at Perth's Fringe World festival in 2016.
As an intellectual challenge to commit 'the perfect murder', two university students from Perth murder a fellow classmate. Wallowing in ego, the pair host a private party, inviting the victim's oblivious family and friends.
In this modern interpretation of ROPE, topics of conversations involve true crime, justice, punishment, and the value of life. A tense and thrilling evening unfolds as the soiree's guests become increasingly suspect toward their host's intentions.
Read more about the official announcement of ROPE, go behind-the-scenes at rehearsals with cast and crew, and revisit the play's sell-out season in Perth.
ROPE was produced with the support of...
Special thanks to...
Tim Brain, Linda Cunningham, Sandy Hunter, Julie McKenna, Matt Panegyres, Benjamin Pentony, Stewart Sant, JoAnn Theriault, Jake Wapple, and Rowland van Zwol.
