Dear Sun, Love Joy (2023)
'Winata’s script offers a thoughtful look at people’s relationships to one another...both heartfelt and boldly experimental work.' - Farrago Magazine
THE STORY
Written and Directed by Victoria Winata
An intimate portrayal of artist Joy Hester, told through shadows, hand written letters and movement.
Dear Sun, Love Joy is an experimental play based on the letters of Australian artist and Heide Circle member, Joy Hester, to Sunday Reed, her patron, best friend, confidante, and rival. The play is part biography and part philosophical meditation on the meaning of relationships and words. It also explores themes of isolation, loneliness, love, and illness.
Dear Sun is a non-linear story, at times it seems made up of fragments that may come from real life, memory or imagination. Visually, the play incorporates shadows, taking inspiration from wayang (Javanese shadow puppetry), and Javanese traditional dance.
Staged at La Mama Courthouse Theatre as part of La Mama Explorations 2023, from 31 August to 2 September. 'Dear Sun, Love Joy' was programmed after Victoria was awarded the 2022 La Mama Award for a young theatremaker from the University of Melbourne.
THE TEAM
Cast:
Joy Hester – Jessica Tran
Sunday Reed – Fahira Syifa Machfudz
John Reed – Joshua Mackie
Albert Tucker/Gray Smith – Lionel Eisenbruch
Sidney Nolan – James Madsen-Smith
Production team:
Writer and Director – Victoria Winata
Movement Director/Choreographer – Acacia Nettleton
Production Designer – Bronte Sunners
Lighting – Joanna Wijaya
Sound – Cole McKenna
Publicity Officer – Jessica Fanwong
Photographer: Darren Gill
Reviews and Interviews
Closeness and Disconnectedness - Dear Sun, Love Joy Review
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https://farragomagazine.com/article/farrago/Closeness-and-Disconnectedness-Dear-Sun-Love-Joy-Review/
Dear Sun, Love Joy: Distorsi dan Hal yang Abstrak Dibalik Kisah Joy Hester
Wawancara dengan SBS Indonesia - 23 Agustus 2023