Photography by Clare Hawley
the cardinal rules
Presented in partnership with MERRIGONGX
31 October - 2 November 2024
Bruce Gordon Theatre
32 Burelli St, Wollongong NSW
Can we stay silent and be good people? Facing the moments that shift our faith and perspective.
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With original concept and story by Rose Maher, and directed by Ali Gordon, this inventive eulogy mashes heartfelt personal storytelling with visually stunning physical theatre, inspired by Rose’s Catholic upbringing in Canberra circa 1997.
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The Cardinal Rules explores the beauty and complexity of a tight knit community, indoctrinated into silence when their voices were needed the most.
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With a dynamic ensemble cast led by actor, theatre-maker and clown Rose Maher, we are transported into the childhood delight of the mystery of church, and the adult questioning of identity.
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Touching and playful, this ambitious new work invites you into a conversation about the moments that shift our faith and perspective.
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Lead Artist, Writer & Performer Rose Maher​
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Director Ali Gordon
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Producer Alex Travers
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Producer, Writer & Performer Alison Bennett
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Performer & Devisor Jane Phegan
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Production Designer Andrea Espinoza
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Lighting Designer Chloe Weeks
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Sound Designer Gail Priest​​
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Content Warnings: this show makes one direct reference to suicide in the second half of the show, and makes implied reference to child sexual abuse. Recommended for audiences 16+.
The Cardinal Rules has been developed on Dharawal Country at Merrigong Theatre Company in Wollongong NSW through the MERRIGONGX and Performing Lines Digital Arts Residency in 2020, with mentoring from Kate Champion. Since then, MERRIGONGX has supported a further two development residencies in 2021 and 2022-2023.
The Cardinal Rules is supported through a residency at Theatre and Performance Studies, the University of Sydney, Erth Visual & Physical Inc and Shopfront's Open Shop Program 2024.