Two Quarters Full explores the lives of 4 adult’s in their mid-late 20's. The story addresses grief, love, and the turbulent relationships that it’s characters share. The play follows Christian, a not so by the books lawyer, who is suddenly faced with repercussions of decisions he’s made in the past; both personally and professionally. Suddenly confronted with potential unemployment, death, and his estranged brother showing up on his doorstep both Christian’s and the lives of those around him are thrown into disfunction and insecurity. Christian, Robin, Sarah, and Darren spend the span of play weaving in and out of each other’s lives constantly challenging each other to better understand themselves and the world around them. From moving house to experiencing the failings of the human body and everything in-between, their story is one of truth. At the heart of it, grief is prominently what is explored. The grief that we hide from the ones we love, and sometimes even ourselves. The strength to endure it and to admit it, and the comedy we find alongside it.
Rosie spoke to Writer and Director Iley Jones about this her newest work and how we use theatre to explore grief. Read the full interview below:
Iley Jones
Two Quarters Full is a new work both written and Directed by you. What inspired you to create this work, and how does your creative process differ when Directing your own works rather than another playwright’s? In 2016 I wrote Life’s Contracts, a murder mystery drama of sorts, and one of the characters was Christian. He wasn’t the lead, but a character I really wanted to explore further. Partner that thought with the theme of grief, and I found myself researching the topic and writing a play. In a way the character lead me to the story, I just made the preparations to follow the journey and write it down. I find a freedom in directing my own work as I can cut lines, make adjustments and decisions because I know the writer. Or at least think I do. With another writers work there’s the wonder of exploration, delving into the layers whilst respecting their story and their original intentions. This production of Two Quarters Full will be the world premiere of this exciting new work - what can audiences expect? What do you hope to achieve with this work? Audiences can expect an exploration of grief, but not through strings of tears and continuous suffering. There’s a line from a Dave Mathews song, “The space between the tears we cry is the laughter that keeps us coming back for more”. I want to explore the ups and the downs, the tears and laughter, the fact that life goes on. I hope audiences can connect to the story, the characters and gain something in their journey of life, grief and love. Two Quarters Full will take place in the new Limelight Downstairs theatre, which has only just been recently built. What made you choose this space to stage your work? Are you excited to work in this new space? The intimacy of the space, the new theatre smell, the location. It’s pretty exciting to explore such an awesome space, and take advantage of all its perks and quirks. Why do you think grief is becoming such a popular topic of conversation in theatre? Grief is a universal and fundamental part of humanity. I believe Buddhism’s first truth is that all life is suffering, pain and misery. Which sounds dark, but the fact is that these things help us to appreciate joy, happiness and life. Being such a strong theme means that it’s a hot topic for theatre. How we grieve, why we grieve, and what we grieve over is something that has been written about for years, and will surely be explored for years to come. Two Quarters Full joins the list of new Australian works that are taking to the stage in 2019. Why do you think it’s so important to be fostering Australian works, and what part of this show are you most excited for Australian audiences to see? Fostering new works means exploring new ideas, perspectives and new and emerging artists. The more new Australian works take the stage, the more we allow an exploration of us as a culture. It allows for new growth, whilst still paying homage to the exploration of past playwrights and stories. I’m looking forward to audiences seeing the relationships Chris has with different characters. Particularly in reuniting with his brother Darren, the familiar family tensions that can be sprinkled with a unique familiarity and humour. RAPID FIRE QUESTIONS: Favourite production you have ever seen? Matilda. You’re getting on a plane tomorrow and you can go anywhere in the world, where do you go? Galway, Ireland. Dream show to create? I really want to direct Gary’s House. Plays or musicals? Plays. A hobby you have beyond the theatre? Wading up rivers. What’s next for you after this show? I’m currently involved in ATYP’S Fresh ink which is a year long mentorship. Two Quarters Full opens at the downstairs theatre of Limelight on Oxford on June 19, 2019. You can get your tickets here.