Moonee Valley Leader: Kensington actress stars in Do Not Go Gentle…

Article by Mark Smith for the Moonee Valley Leader.  See it in its original context here.

Jan Friedl is ready for her role in the award-winning Melbourne production Do Not Go Gentle. TONY GOUGH N07MV602

KENSINGTON actress Jan Friedl has been a star in some of theatre’s biggest touring stage productions, but she says there is no better feeling than being a part of a quality home-grown production.

The film, TV and theatre actress is happy to forgo the big stage spotlight of past productions such as Romeo and Juliet or Great Expectations to bring to life the vision of smaller award-winning Melbourne production Do Not Go Gentle.

The production, written by Patricia Cornelius, tells the story of seven residents of an aged care centre who deal with the realities of death by believing they are on an exhibition in the Antarctic.

Friedl says that despite the wacky premise, the production is a moving and funny portrayal of human character that explores questions of love, death, happiness and loss.

Friedl’s own character Maria is a refugee from a wartorn country who does not feel at home in Australia. Her journey was one of searching for her true home, Friedl said.

The production is being held at the fortyfivedownstairs theatre in Flinders Lane throughout August.

Friedl said it was an intimate venue that had challenged the cast to new heights.

“We are going to use every nook and crannie of the venue,” she said.

“We are all doing it (this production) for the love.

“I think this makes it a more powerful production. When you love it, you share more and work harder together.”