90 Minutes to Save a Marriage

MADONNA and Justin Timberlake only had four minutes to save the world – but is 90 minutes enough to save a marriage at Garrick Theatre in WA?

Written by Australian playwright Joanna Murray-Smith, Ninety is a short portrait of a failed marriage where an artist and her ex-husband have one last 90-minute conversation before he gets re-married to a young European starlet.

The 2008 play is the story of Isabel seeking closure while William tries to run from memories of their relationship, both good and bad.

As the conversation continues, the pair is drawn into flashbacks from various points in their shared history.

“At its core, the play is about denial and acceptance, acknowledging the past and then moving on – themes everyone can relate to,” director Brendan Ellis said.

“The setting of Isabel's studio is intimate, which is only emphasised by the theatre, and the show plays out over an hour and a half without an interval, serving to draw the audience into the struggle on stage.

“The concept of immersing the audience in a situation that most will know all too well – but scarcely see from the outside – really appealed to me.”

Acting for more than 10 years and directing for the past three, Ellis has performed with Stirling, Playlovers, Marloo, Melville, Limelight and Groovy Boots Theatres.

He has most recently appeared in Sex Toys, the 2014 Perth Fringe World production Do You Get My Meaning? andTwelve Angry Men.

Last year, Ellis directed David Williamson’s A Conversation at the Old Mill Theatre, picking up the annual Milly Award for best director and production of the year.

“With Ninety, the most challenging factors have been the design – what kind of set would best suit the main action while still being able to convert into other locations during flashbacks?” he said. “And then how do we transition in and out of those flashbacks?

“Fortunately, with the input of my very reliable cast and assistant director Dale James, I'm confident we've managed to overcome those difficulties.”

Ninety plays from October 2 to 18, 2014.

Tickets are $20, $17 concession, $15 children – book on 9378 1990 or bookings@garricktheatre.asn.au.

Garrick Theatre is at 16 Meadow Street, Guildford, opposite the Stirling Arms Hotel and Guildford Town Hall.

Image: Ninety is the story of William (Gino Cataldo) and Isabel (Katrina Murphy) and one last 90-minute conversation to save their marriage.