“Matrix is no-frills theatre of the two-boards-and-a-passion variety, with high-quality, committed performances.” The Australian
Matrix Theatre’s debut production was a double-bill of two-handers: The Woods by David Mamet, and Lunch by Steven Berkoff, performed by Michael Futcher and Helen Howard, on the top floor of “Van Gogh’s Earlobe”, an old nightclub, which for a short time in the 1990’s was the happening place for fringe theatre in Brisbane. The double-bill played to small but enthusiastic audiences, and successfully launched the company.
The Woods and Lunch were performed by Matrix Theatre, at Van Gogh’s Earlobe, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, 22nd September – 8th October, 1994.
CAST
Michael Futcher – Nick/The Man
Helen Howard – Ruth/The Woman
DIRECTOR
Michael Futcher
DESIGN
Helen Howard and Michael Futcher
STAGE MANAGERS
Theresa Menchise, Danijela Tasic
SET CONSTRUCTION
John Futcher
Matrix is launching its initial production, a nicely contrasted double-bill of one-actors…Matrix is no-frills theatre of the two-boards-and-a-passion variety, with high-quality, committed performances.”
– The Australian
These razor-sharp plays – both two-handers – offer fascinating but quite varied perspectives of male/female relationships…Quite simply, this is a quality product which creates memorable and magical theatre. Michael Futcher and Helen Howard are doing some of the finest acting seen on a Brisbane stage all year.”
– The Courier Mail
Matrix Theatre’s current double-bill of David Mamet’s The Woods and Steven Berkoff’s Lunch is an enlightening evening’s entertainment. Futcher and Howard share an obvious rapport and meet the challenges of their dual roles with energy and skill…an auspicious debut production for Matrix.”
– Rave Magazine
More Matrix is a must…Michael Futcher and Helen Howard maintain the tension in each work beautifully, charting the fluctuations of feeling in the first with sensitivity, and in the second, with energy and boldness. ‘Tis a consummation devoutly to be wished, that we should see much more of Matrix in the future.”
– Time Off Magazine
For the launch of their company, Matrix, professional actors Michael Futcher and Helen Howard are presenting a strong double-act.”
– The Australian Financial Review