skip to content
Ronin Films

Shop for a film

SMALL POPPIES, THE

Year: 2002

Classification: Exempt - Ronin Recommends: G

Runtime: 60 min

Produced In: Australia

Directed By: Robert Mac

Produced By: Robert Mac

Language: English

price includes GST and postage

Vimeo on demand

This fascinating documentary gives a detailed insight into the staging of the successful play, by David Holman, "The Small Poppies", through rehearsal and performance. Interviews with cast members, the director, Neil Armfield, and the author, David Holman, are intercut with scenes from the play itself, providing a rare document of the process of creating a powerful piece of theatre.

SMALL POPPIES is a beautifully tender play in which adult actors play a group of 5 year olds on their first day of school. Six adult actors play some 20 roles: not only the children on their first day but also schoolyard bullies, jokers and best friends, as well as parents and teachers.

Performed by Sydney's famous Company B, the play was a hit of the 2000 Sydney Festival, with both young and adult audiences. The play features an incomparable cast: Company B's long-time performer and board member, Geoffrey Rush, along with Deborah Mailman, Arky Michael, Julie Forsyth and Rebecca Massey.

The documentary explores the art of these fine actors through observation of them in rehearsal and in discussion. A rare record of Australian theatre artists at work, this entertaining documentary is both a delight to watch, and an invaluable addition to the study of theatre arts.

Featuring Max Cullen, David Field, Julie Forsyth, Deborah Mailman, Rebecca Massey, Arky Michael, Geoffrey Rush

Produced and directed by Robert Mac
Edited by Chris Plummer
Camera - Martin Smith, Trevor Moore, Don Whitehurst, John Bean, Mark Farnell, Robert Mac
Associate Producer - Joe Davids

The play, "The Small Poppies" - by David Holman
Directed by Neil Armfield
Set and Costume Design - Stephen Curtis
Lighting Design - Stephen Hawker
Composer - Alan John

Permalink: https://www.roninfilms.com.au/feature/540