The Spook

CAST

PRODUCTION TEAM

Director
Daniela Farinacci

Assistant Directors
Elodie Boal, Marni Mount

Set Designer
Oliver Lacoon Williamson*

Costume Designer
Harry Gill*

Lighting Designer
Sidney Younger*

Sound Designer
Daniella A. Esposito*

Associate Lighting Designer
Eleanor Baigent

Assistant Production Manager
James Duffin*

Stage Manager
George Richardson*

Assistant Stage Manager
Isobelle De Livera

Workshop Head of Department
Robert Watson*

Leading Workshop Hand
Al Brill

Workshop Assistants
Olivia Rose Brennan, Charlie Craft, Evelyn Housham

Senior Costumier
Emma Farrington*

Costume Manager
Abbey Stanway

Head Electrician
Natalya Shield

Lighting Programmer / Lighting Operator
Eleanor Baigent

* Third year BFA (Design and Production) student 

PROFESSIONAL STAFF

Production Coordinator
David Harrod

Stagecraft Project Coordinator
Alan Logan

Construction Consultants
James Clarke, Jeremy Ford

Art Department
Morgan Jones

Costume Supervisor
Juliet Bennie

ACADEMIC STAFF

Production Academic Mentors
Nathan Burmeister, Katie Sfetkidis, Darrin Verhagen

VCA Production Academic Staff 
Anna Cordingley, Justin Green, Amanada Hitten, Lisa Mibus, 
Lisa Osborn, Matt Scott, Dr Chris Wenn

VCA Theatre Academic Staff
Dr Sarah Austin,  Amy Hume,  Assoc. Prof. Chris Mead,
Georgina Naidu, Colin Sneesby

DIRECTOR'S NOTES

Melissa Reeves’ combines raucous comedy, wit, and humour with Australian politics, in a story that is fast-paced, slap stick, and heartfelt. Underneath the banter, the scenes and outrageous dialogue, lies some very important themes – communism, conservatism, relationships with others, relationships with oneself, and spying. The play was inspired by the true story of a young man who was recruited by ASIO in the 1960s and instructed to pose as a communist to spy on his local party. While based on this story, The Spook is completely fictitious and a somewhat deliciously ridiculous interpretation of the prescribed event.

Originally published in 2005, it’s been eye-opening to see how relevant the text remains – even still, more than 15-years later. Embracing, and learning, from these topics has really grounded us in understanding the many important events that have shaped Australia and our world. From local protests to Greek/Australian communism, espionage, and soviet life. A lot of work and deep-diving research has gone into this show, to present a production grounded in truth and weighted by our history.

Witnessing this production come together has also been a marriage of creativity, much like Reeves’ script. This production of The Spook is a cultivated and courageous collaboration. From Daniela Farinacci’s honest exploration of the text and its thematic, to the VCA design students adding layers of richness to the setting, and finally the graduation VCA acting students breathing life and flair into the words – The Spook has connected, enlightened, educated and inspired those involved.

Watching the process of The Spook come to life has been incredibly joyful and enriching. As an Assistant Director, you do take a fly on the wall approach, much like a spy in the room, and it’s been rewarding to see the many elements of this show come together as one. Daniela has really presented each one of us an opportunity to let our creative colours shine, in and out of the room, and for that I’m incredibly thankful.

We hope you enjoy ‘The Spook’ just as much as we’ve had fun bringing this work to the stage.

- Elodie Boal, Assistant Director

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