See also "2011 Season" page.
In 2010 subtlenuance produced talc & Two Gates at TAP Gallery,
A Thing of Beauty at the Old Fitzroy Theatre and the Sydney Fringe,
and Life is Impossible at the Newtown Theatre.
In 2009 subtlenuance produced Catherine at Avignon at TAP Gallery
and Before The Embrace at the Newtown Theatre.
In 2008 subtlenuance produced True Times Three at TAP Gallery.
In 2007 working with Thrown Together Theatre, subtlenuance produced Dead Money at TAP Gallery.
In 2006 with Thrown Together Theatre, subtlenuance produced Turning Up at The Crypt Theatre.
For more information about these productions see below.
Prior to 2006, subtlenuance founders P. G. Gilchrist and Daniela Giorgi were part of Thrown Together Theatre’s “lounge theatre” or "pop-up theatre" experiment, that is theatre created for performance in a range of eclectic non-traditional venues. These productions included Gloss, Sold and Quiver, which were performed in community halls, sporting clubs, private lounge rooms and public spaces throughout Sydney.
2010
'Talc' and 'Two Gates'
Produced at TAP Gallery July 14 to August 1 2010
Talc
Sam and Kate are happy. They're in love. They've moved in together. Then Kate commits a terrible crime.
But no-one sees. No-one wants to. Some things are too hard to face.
Talc - a powerful new play about the evil decent people do.
With Lucas Connolly and Jo Richards
Written by Daniela Giorgi
Two Gates
“In Life there is only the trivial and the overwhelming. There is nothing in between. I am that nothing.”
At turns hilarious and heartbreaking, a young Australian traveller chronicles how she escaped the “everyday”, only to confront the “never again”.
With Heidi Lupprian
Written by Paul Gilchrist.
A compelling double - bill of original one act plays
Directed by Paul Gilchrist
Design by Emma Vine
 
What the Critics said:
“A tightly-written, tautly-performed, visceral piece….. Performances, by Jo Richards and Lucas Connolly are outstanding……Gilchrist (once again) shows himself to be a deft writer of comedy, but one enviably able to shift from a laugh a minute to the depths of poignancy; unselfconsciously and believably. …..Lupprian's near-flawless onewomanship was well beyond engaging; it was spellbinding. That such a young actor should have such command and surefootedness is breathtaking……….Both plays had lines any ambitious writer would wish they'd written. In fact, it's pretty much true of both plays in their entirety. Both augur well, not only for subtlenuance future as a distinctive, important, independent voice in Australian theatre, but for the future of Australian theatre at large.”
Australian Stage Online
"[talc is] a well crafted and well acted emotional hour of must-see theatre…. Two Gates is a superbly acted one-woman show performed by Heidi Lupprian.....a well written, funny and taut script...the audience is served such a powerful message in a subtle yet beautiful manner."
Aussie Theatre
"Australian works of originality and independence…..[talc is] enlightening and at times subtlety comical. Giorgi has created two intriguingly complex characters. an astute portrayal of human life and desires…….This one woman show [Two Gates] performed by Heidi Lupprian is a tribute to Paul Gilchrist's aptitude as a skilled writer. So cleverly interweaved with perceptive questioning is his writing that you begin to feel as though Gilchrist's understanding of the human psyche is on a different more-in-tuned level....Lupprian's emerging talents should not go unnoticed."
The Blurb
“a provocative edge, welding the personal into the political with a light touch. It's a theatre that is executed in deceptively simple terms, with minimalism and depth to the staging across the board…….the performances are at a very high standard…… it's possible to laugh both at and with the protagonists as their various bubbles slowly burst. It's no mean feat for the artists to balance on the two sides of the coin that are comedy and tragedy, with empathy, pathos and irony all at once………While the actors are keeping us engaged, it's also a testament to the depth of the writing that you don't necessarily notice the tricks of light and shade playing out through the dialogue, at least not until after they've had their way with you……[These plays] represent grassroots Australian voices that resonate on a global front.”
The 5th Wall
“Talc is a powerful piece……I loved the structure of the play, how the first and last scenes fit together, and how the intensity of emotions increases with each scene. The writing is excellent, and the sparse, white setting enhances the emotional aspects of the play. Lucas Connolly and Jo Richards do a very good job – you’re there with them all the way.”
Alive With Words
Life is Impossible
Produced at Newtown Theatre September 29 to October 16 2010
1942 New York A new world awaits.
It is 1942.
The world is at war.
But Elaine is in New York for the first time.
She’s in love with the skyline, the fashion, the musicals, and Tom.
The conflict seems so far away – until she meets Simone, a French Jewish refugee with a terrible secret.
A tale of passion, betrayal and intrigue, Life is Impossible is the latest work from critically acclaimed writer Paul Gilchrist, and a return to the style of subtlenuance’s 2009 underground hit Catherine at Avignon.
What the Critics said:
"a profound piece of theatre that explores the human psyche whilst simultaneously questioning it….. Life is Impossible deserves a tip of the hat to subtlenuance’s efforts, talent and integrity. It's an enjoyable show, with thought-provoking one-liners spotted with songs, a touch of dance and all-round bittersweet intrigue. Make sure you see this entertaining production" [small] LUSTS
"Life Is Impossible is a credit to the ability of Paul Gilchrist…… and is a visual treat….. Richards as Simone Weil is taken from real life…Her manner captures the audience.”
Aussie Theatre
"The playwright effectively directs the play himself, and wins good performances from his cast….a darker kind of theatre with a strong philosophical and political bent.” Sydney Arts Guide
“It’s pretty meta…with kissing and philosophy and a bunch of people who burst into song…the writing is sharp and the performances solid.” The Drum Media.
    
Life is Impossible
Written and directed by Paul GilchristProduced by Daniela Giorgi
With Lucas Connolly, Heidi Lupprian, Brett Nevill & Jo Richards
Stage Manager Emily Read
Design Daniela Giorgi
Lighting Operator David Tibbles
Production Shots Greg Price www.imagenetphotography.com
A Thing of Beauty
a comedy by Paul Gilchrist
 
An experiment in "pop-up theatre"
Pop-up theatre?
Our aim is to produce a piece that can be bumped in and out in less than an hour, can be played in eclectic venues, and so can bring theatre to an increasing number of people.
subtlenuancesneak previewed A Thing of Beauty at the Royal Oak Hotel in March and it travelled to the Sydney Fringe and the Old Fitzroy in 2010.
What the critics said:
".......subtlenuance last evening presented a sneak preview of their pop-up theatre experiment, A Thing Of Beauty. And it was. It was also, moreover, a thing of affecting comedy and incisive social commentary, performed solo, and brilliantly, by Newtown actor, Jo Richards. As an actor, of course, it's always reassuring to know you've got great material with which to work and it doesn't get a whole lot better than that written, and directed, by Paul Gilchrist.
.........I'm not known for brevity, but I'll make an exception, in honour of this piece which is short, sweet, piquant and pithy. I'm hoping it'll galvanise a cult following, and pop-up will become as commonplace as MKR. It deserves to.
Pop along and see it."
Australian Stage Online
See the full review
athttp://www.australianstage.com.au/201003233310/reviews/sydney/a-thing-of-beauty-%7C-subtlenuance.html
“Whilst there is an avalanche of travel stories out there, writer/director Paul Gilchrist has chosen to expose in one play the psychology, sociology, politics and phoniness behind our fascination with travel. And he does it all with a combination of laugh-out-loud one-liners and attention to detail in vivid recollections of adolescent memories….. one perfectly cast actress, in this case Jo Richards, keeping an audience captivated for the entirety of a play about traveling …..Julia Roberts’ Eat, Pray, Love may be the most highly-anticipated travel story this spring but I reckon our very own Jo Richards will give the other J.R. a run for her money…….one inspired one-woman show.” Alternative Media
See full review http://www.altmedia.net.au/theatre-a-thing-of-beauty/23850
"….non-stop energy, laughs and no time to glance at your watch, it comes to an end and you are left wanting more…….It is impossible not to see someone you know in either of our two female characters which allows the audience to be captivated by Richards' performance….. A Thing of Beauty has light and shade and possesses emotional depth. It is another great example of clever writing from Gilchrist and of Richards' talents.…..see it before it sells out and you miss out on a fine piece of theatre."
Aussie Theatre
See full review http://www.aussietheatre.com.au/index.php?
option=com_content&view=article&id=986:a-thing-of-beauty&catid=41:general&Itemid=111
A Thing of Beauty
Naomi and Ruth are travelling together.
But constant change is such a challenge and all those people can be just too difficult.
Ruth craves simplicity. She finds it in the uncomplicated beauty of the mannequin.
She’s taken to photographing them.
Naomi’s taken about enough!
And when Naomi finally does have her “dummy spit”, their trip turns into one you won’t find in any travel brochure.
Performer Jo Richards creates two hilarious characters in this touching comedy about chaos and order, and the one thing that keeps them apart - A Thing of Beauty.
Check out this rehearsal clip; Jo plays uptight Ruth at the moment when she's finally free of Naomi.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPAb1f61teY
Performed by Jo Richards
Written and directed by Paul Gilchrist
Produced by Daniela Giorgi
Design by Emma Vine
Photography by Jo Richards and Daniela Giorgi
2009
Catherine at Avignon
subtlenuance produced the original work Catherine at Avignon with Melissa Jones, Dave Kirkham, Heidi Lupprian, Rowan McDonald, Anna Martin, James Shoobridge. The show was designed by Emma Vine and written and directed by Paul Gilchrist.
Set in fourteenth century France, and inspired by actual events, Catherine at Avignon is the story of an extraordinary personality. Branded a no one by her society, Catherine fearlessly took on kings and queens. Avignon was to be her greatest challenge.
Sexy, passionate and very funny, Catherine at Avignon was enjoyed by audiences and critics alike.
What the Critics said:
"...rich dark humour and salacious moments...shimmering cast...startling moments of poetry...polished show..."
The Brag
"……. a triumph of narrative construction. Like Stoppard, Gilchrist is great with words, and amply demonstrates it in scene after scene of highly amusing and erudite verbal sparring. … a superb and very playful rendition of modernist theatre.….. a very poignant take on the (modern) human condition …. the audience is treated to a subtle, and subtly informed, inquiry into theatre itself – as art, as entertainment, as philosophical meditation. Performances are uniformly strong …. Catherine of Avignon is a significant achievement in writing, direction and staging, and Paul Gilchrist is obviously a playwright …worth watching. I was very impressed with the ambition of this piece …. a testament to the structure of the piece and the poise of the writer. …….I urge theatre buffs in Sydney to have a look at Catherine at Avignon ….."
http://reviews.media-culture.org.au/
"Catherine at Avignon ...is a thought-provoking, uplifting performance that leaves the audience hopeful for a better world. Paul Gilchrist's script is clever and engaging... The performances are brilliantly executed." www.aussietheatre.com
"P.G. Gilchrist’s newest work Catherine at Avignon is a thought-provoking piece on the importance of truth and purity of spirit in a world gone mad. ….. I am … transported back in time via the powerful performances of the entire ensemble. Inquiring and at times wickedly funny, I laugh out loud at many of the best lines expertly timed by Melissa Jones, who plays the wonderfully wanton Marguertie. Anna Martin is also a standout, giving a impassioned and inspiring performance as the headstrong religious zealot/political activist Catherine.
Written by director P.G Gilchrist, the script is the real star. Both poetic and whimsical, Gilchrist seamlessly weaves olde English and 21st century language to jolt us between yesterday and today at will. The problems and the turmoil of the 14th century are clearly still relevant to today’s crazy world."
http://www.altmedia.net.au/theatre-catherine-of-avingnon/7
  
Before the Embrace
In 2009 subtlenuance also produced Before the Embrace with Will Carter, Lindsey Chapman, Alex Dalrymple, Daniela Giorgi, Shaun Martindale and Jo Richards.The show was designed by Emma Vine and written and directed by Paul Gilchrist.
Set in contemporary Australia, Before The Embrace is a fiercely funny satire - a play about a film, a film about a life, a life about to fall apart.
What the Critics said:
"Before the Embrace is a thoroughly enjoyable night of mischievous satire, however let the directionless in the audience be warned, this is a production that really makes you sit up and examine what you’re doing with your life."www.altmedia.net.au
"set in modern-day Sydney, it occasionally reaches the lofty heights of subtlenuance’s last production, Catherine at Avignon, which was set in 14th century France. Chapman's monologue about “life being in the gaps”, which plays out in a typical suburban fitness centre, is quite charming......the humour and the action are professional and enjoyable....Everyone will (hopefully) see someone they know in Before The Embrace" The Brag
"With one foot firmly planted it its cheek, this satire of aspirational ennui gives a double edged
swipe at the Sydney suburban obsession.. One liners are plentiful and pithy...any moral high-ground Gilchrist may attempt to claim is gleefully acquiesced – along with any pretensions to creative superiority.... [and] when the farcical tone drops guard the realism is at once both touching and disarming. The deft performances create real empathy which is the strength of the work"
5thwall http://5thwall.wordpress.com/2009/10/09/before-the-embrace/
subtlenuance produced True Times Three, an experiment in comic magical realism, with Kristy Best, Daniel Felkai, Penny Hall, Heidi Lupprian and James Shoobridge. Written and directed by Paul Gilchrist, True Times Three was produced at TAP Gallery.
"I can't really bring to mind the last time I laughed as loud and, almost amidst it, felt the agony of intense, searing tragedy. True Times Three....transcends itself, emerging in a faraway land of 21st-century Shakespearean pseudo-soliloquy.” Australian Stage Online
“Everything assumed, sure, square and secure is suddenly rendered Dali…” Australian Stage Online
From the moment Penny Hall engages the audience as Angela she is the captivating force that
drives this play.” The Drum Media
“...a lot of genuine laughs…a lot of fun to be had…a charming and fun piece of independent theatre.” The Drum Media
"Kristy Best…Daniel Felkai…Penny Hall… and James Shoobridge… all command their characters, the stage and attention… Felkai, as not-altogether-but-almost-clueless Tony, ekes out a veritable comic masterpiece, while never faltering, in remaining empathic and compassionate with respect to his near-brilliant evocation. Shoobridge pumps up his small frame to be every bit the self-possessed and obsessed Joel and, in so doing, is utterly convincing. Best seems to revel in realising the sensuality of the hedonistic Simone; consequently, so do the rest of us. Hall lives up to the name of brand-spanking-new production company, subtlenuance, in delivering a portrait of a mortgaged soul." Australian Stage Online
"The angelic Heidi Lupprian provided haunting links, in song. Technically, too, all was tight as a drum."
Australian Stage Online
 
2007
Working with Thrown Together Theatre, subtlenuance produced Dead Money with Ali Davies, Brett Ellwood,
Daniela Giorgi, John Maynard and Dave Tibbles. Written and directed by Paul Gilchrist, Dead Money was
produced at TAP Gallery.
What the Critics said:
“tight and amusing” The Program
“Gilchrist’s writing has much to recommend it.... sharp and insightful observations on the nature of greed
and fear.” The Drum Media
 
2006
Working with Thrown Together Theatre, subtlenuance produced Turning Up with Brett Ellwood, Paul Gilchrist,
Daniela Giorgi, John Maynard and Dave Tibbles. Written by Paul Gilchrist and directed by Daryl Currie,
Turning Up was produced at The Crypt.
What the Critics said:
“…..Gilchrist’s zingers come thick and fast…” The Sun Herald
“John Maynard …. is bloody funny and he almost steals the show.” The Drum Media
“a remarkably funny, topical, informed and pointed script…..For those prepared to laugh at themselves (and
almost everyone else) Turning Up will prove a breath of refreshing, poisonous air……..Turning Up is the best kind
of laughfest; in which we laugh, albeit it a little nervously, as flaws in our individual and societal characters are
exposed and toyed with…….” Sydney Stage Online (now Australian Stage Online)
“The comedy works well and really pulls it all together. The characters are larger than life, the jokes fly thick
and fast, and audience reactions ranged from chortles to belly laughs throughout….. Turning Up is
worth checking out.” The Drum Media
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