A couple of weeks ago I was fortunate to get the opportunity to interview Director Damien Ryan about his new play No End of Blame. Put on by Sport for Jove theatre company in Sydney it was a bit of a departure for them and Ryan. Known for adapting classical texts and in particular Shakespeare this play was written by Howard Barker who’s work tends to be more challenging to audiences and storytellers alike. I spoke to Damien as he was nearing opening night for a play that was going to push him, his company and his fans into new territory. It was an exciting time and I wish them well.
I often repeat how nervous I am doing these interviews and how rewarding that has made them. As I’ve gone along though I seem to be growing in confidence and how to discuss the work with the artist and so it felt here with Damien. The play features work from political cartoonists Cathy Wilcox and David Pope for example which we discussed for a bit but there is always a limit to what can be practically related in the written piece.
Below is a cartoon from the great Cathy Wilcox which we discussed amongst others. Like all directors he has a real fondness and respect for his cast and crew. It would have been great to see No End of Blame but alas I’m in Brisbane and they’re in Sydney but I’m very grateful to have had the opportunity to interview Mr Ryan. You can read the interview here http://scenestr.com.au/arts/no-end-of-blame-is-unafraid-to-point-the-pencil-in-sydney or read it on page 36 of the digital copy of Scenestr’s latest NSW print issue here http://scenestr.com.au/read/NSW/2017/17-NSW/scenestr-NSW-17.html#p=36
This is now my fifth interview with Scenestr which began with the performers Meghan O’Shea and Drew Weston for Grease – The Arena Experience, director Michael Beh for Uncle Vanya, followed by playwright Aidan Fennessy for the musical What Rhymes With Cars and Girls before the next day interviewing Palace CEO Benjamin Zeccola for the 2017 Italian Film Festival and finally director Damien Ryan for No End of Blame. Additionally all the interviews have been published in print around Australia while often reviews are exclusively online content. As a member of Generation X I get a thrill out of being published in print I have to admit. I get a thrill out of being published – period. This is still new to me, still something I’m eternally grateful and still something I don’t take for granted. Hopefully though I am growing with confidence and that will make the work better too. Thank you for your continued interest in my writing even if now sometimes you have to click on a link to read it.
Produced by Eyeball Media Enterprises Scenestr. is an online national magazine with local offices around Australia. With over twenty years of publishing history they’ve excelled at moving into the digital realm but they remain at heart from the streets. They also publish magazines in print for Perth, Adelaide, Sydney and Brisbane every month. The magazine is focussed mostly on music gigs, festivals, stand-up comics, fashion and interviews with local and international bands. If you’re into music they’re a great read but they do cover all of the arts.
-Lloyd Marken
and the full version went online here yesterday 
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