Le Souffleur - Newsletter

Bonne Année pour les 28 ans du MFT !

In 2005, MFT, as an added bonus is presenting 2 rehearsed readings in February and November and 2 full productions of a modern play in May and a classic in September - 4 shows instead of 2!.

2004 Season


MAY - Un air de famille by Jaoui and Bacri

Coppin Hall, which was to be the venue for both 2004 main productions, welcomed this record-breaking play which attracted nearly 1,000 spectators.

Morgan Dowsett capably and intuitively directed this modern “cult” play, which had also been made into a film. The stellar cast included: Henri played by veteran popular actor Eddy K. Fatha, in a demanding role. Denis was newcomer Romain Hermelin. Dominique Gibert played Philippe, with his inimitable and well-known style. Franciska Toubale, also a veteran of MFT productions since 1998, gracefully (!) played La mère. Vanessa Peltier finely interpreted the role of Betty. Yolande, played by Sylvie Jonckeau, was an audience favorite. Assistant director and stage manager was Frances Terrett. The production design, poster artwork and set, of the highest professional standard, was delivered by Alison Scarfe. Costumes were terrifically handled by Emmanuelle Boursin and the cast and crew were ably supported by many other members whom MFT warmly thanks.
The cast toasting Yoyo’s birthday

SEPTEMBER - On ne badine pas avec l’amour by Alfred de Musset

The 61st production was directed by Colin Duckworth as the classic play for the year. An ambitious production, which alternated between tragic, dramatic scenes and comédie-bouffe, could not have been handled without the top main career actors Pierre Livet as Perdican and our French - Australian discovery Amanda (Mandy) Mouellic.

Notable were Janaina Dal Zotto Boff, in her first major role, the touching rendition of Rosette, another gifted actor Pascal Rigaldies as Maître Blazius, MFT’s terrific Eddy K. Fatha as Maître Bridaine, MFT’s founder Michael Bula in one of his favorite roles the bombastic Baron, Marie-France Urruty, who returned after a number of years of absence to deliver the role of Dame Pluche and Pierre Lebeau who returned after playing Arlequin in Le Triomphe de l’amour by Marivaux (2002) in a triple whammy as aubergiste, paysan and valet. Frances Terret was the assistant to the Director and Stage Manager and ran a tight ship, Nadège Bryan was Répétitrice, Appley Groch Assistant Stage Manager, Karin McLean assisted by Masha Marchev and Jonathan Mignotte assured Production Design, Emmanuelle Boursin produced the authentic costumes and so many other terrific contributors (over 40 for this show!).

Essential, was the assistance of DDB Needham, the international advertising agency which assisted in media, marketing, image and sponsorship and to which MFT owes a great debt, which translated in the success of the show, which attracted over 700 spectators. A special thankq to our surtitles staff Pamila Weir and Meredith Gammie, as well as our ticket secretary for 2005, Bérangère Aubin.
  

Amanda (Mandy) Mouellic as Camille, Pierre Livet as Perdican and Janaina Dal Zotto Boff as Rosette.
 

November - Monsieur Nounou by Georges Feydeau

Michael Bula assisted by Eddy K. Fatha, directed this new format for the end of year as a rehearsed reading in costumes of the hilarious Feydeau farce, starring Amanda (Mandy) Mouellic, Janaina Dal Zotto Boff, Eddy K. Fatha, Pascal Rigaldies and Michael Bula. Some 40 people attended at the Stork Hotel and the show was accompanied by a wonderful German-inspired meal, from chef Hans.
 
Pascal Rigaldies as Monsieur Nounou and charge
 

Committee et al.

The 2004 committee comprised Michael Bula (Executive Director), Angèle Cadge (Secretary), Jean-François Delvaen and Dominique Gibert. A new subcommittee for publicity, sponsorship, and marketing was formed and MFT thanks and acknowledges Aurélie Ferreira, Angélique Sirjean, Niomie Varady, Bénédicte Richard and Cyrille Corvec. The other subcommittee constituted was one for recommendation of plays and includes Morgan Dowsett and Henri-Claude Méra.

Wine bar

The wine bar proved so popular and profitable for MFT, that it has become a permanent fixture. We shall continue to offer wine, soft drinks, tea and coffee and assorted foods to enhance that unique Melbourne French Theatre experience.

Subscriptions

Just a reminder that subscription fees for 2005 are due in January. Click here for more details

Special offer

For the third time, we are offering subscribers a 10% reduction in fees if they supply their email address.

As advised last year, the general mailing list has now been significantly reduced. If you want to be kept informed, we appeal to you to join. Do read and complete the on-line form enclosed to reap the benefits in 2005 and show your support for our activities as it provides important fundraising revenue, so MFT can continue to present its wonderful productions! Please join/rejoin today.

Tax Deductible Donations

In the subscription form, we urge you to consider a fully tax deductible donation of $100 or more, for which we issue a tax receipt. You can reduce your taxable income and benefit a worthy cause. Click here for more details

MFT Web Site

The site was vastly improved in 2004 and includes a number of added buttons and features, such as security encryption for forms, merchandise ordering etc. MFT requests that you consult it, as we do not have adequate staff to deal with the myriad of telephone enquiries, in order to communicate with us (email contact form), download forms and information

2005 Program

Purgatoire (une introduction) by and directed by Joris Lacoste from France
(with an English narration translated by Michael Bula) - 24 to 26 February

Boeing-Boeing by Marc Camoletti -10 to 14 May

Le Prince Travesti by Marivaux - 30 August to 3 September

Théâtre sans animaux by Jean-Michel Ribes - 24 to 26 November

Restaurant evenings - PERIODIC

English Surtitles

Again, all year 2005 productions and beyond shall have PowerPoint slide video projected English surtitles. Please tell your non-French-speaking friends and acquaintances.

Rehearsal Space

MFT is proud to announce that the City of Yarra continues to be a major sponsor of MFT, since 1999, providing rehearsal space for free and performance spaces at a greatly reduced cost. MFT gratefully thanks the City of Yarra.

Production

MFT is currently seeking :

  • directors

  • actors

  • ticket secretaries

  • production managers

  • set designers & constructors

  • graphic artists

  • stage managers

  • costume co-ordinators

  • admin & publicity staff

  • strong drivers with vehicles.

To save time see our contact page and please only send your CV by email, fax or post to us (see below).

Sponsorship

MFT is seeking corporate sponsorships for 2005, for which extensive publicity on posters and programmes and complimentary tickets are available, as well as advertising on our video screen by projection of logos at shows. Special thanks to all our present sponsors, especially the French Embassy and Consulate General, without whom MFT could not exist.

Editorial

Editor - Michael Bula
Secretarial - Anne Bentley
Art, Photos and Layout - Michael Bula

MFT contact
Postal -
The post office box PO Box 476 has been cancelled -
please do not send post there - thank you

Physical -
“Princes Hill Gallery”
213 Canning Street, Carlton, Vic, 3053

Website www.mftinc.org
Telephone 03 9349 2250
Fax 03 9347 1741
E-mail Please click here to email MFT