Conjugal Rites sees adult themes return to Motueka stage

July 21st, 2011
[by Murray Owen]

Adult theatre will return to Motueka next week when Imagine Theatre stages the Roger Hall play Conjugal Rites.

"It's typical Roger Hall material with its humour, social criticism and hints of pathos," said show director Cynthia Fowler. "It offers a glimpse into the life of a middle-aged couple, their intimacy and their traumas."

The play, one of Hall's most popular works, follows a brief period in the relationship between Barry, a dentist, and Gen who have been married 21 years. Teenage children (referred to but never seen in the play), changed priorities, job disillusionment, a new career and new temptations are all part of the lives of the two protagonists. There has been a shift in the power balance since Gen has studied for a law degree and has recently become a practising solicitor.

The couple's bedroom is the scene for the entire play.

Cynthia Fowler said she has enjoyed the theatrical journey and watching the show's two players, Gary McClintock and Ellie Tomsett, become Barry and Gen.

Conjugal Rites is the third Roger Hall play Cynthia has directed, her previous efforts being for Nelson Operatic and Nelson Repertory.

Roger Hall was born in Essex, England and emigrated to New Zealand when he was 19. He has since become this country's most popular playwright, with other stage hits including Glide Time and Middle Age Spread. He wrote Conjugal Rites some 20 years ago and it has been performed many times, in New Zealand and overseas. It was adapted as a situation comedy for British television and ran for 13 episodes over two seasons in 1993 to 1994.

Conjugal Rites will run at imagine Theatre (Woodlands Avenue, off Thorps Bush) from Thursday, July 28 to Sunday, July 31, at 7:30pm each night. There will be wine and nibbles from 7pm. Tickets are available from the Unichem Motueka and Amcal Chemist.

[This article was first published in The Guardian on July 20th.]

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