Memmie Le Blanc, written by Hilary Bell, is based on a true story. In 1731, in the woods of France, a young girl is captured. Naked, armed with a club, an eater of raw flesh, she speaks no human language. In absence of any other name, she is baptised Memmie Le Blanc.

Catherine, a widow, wants to save the child from her own dark past in order that she might have a normal future. While Memmie is desperate for security, her wildness is a primal part of her that cannot be completely eradicated.

This rift is exacerbated by the arrival of George - scientist, writer and philosopher. His companion is an orangutan called Robert whom he has trained to do everything but speak. George wants Memmie for his own research, Memmie must struggle between the pull of her bestial and her human natures.

Ultimately Memmie performs an act of love, which confirms in Catherine's mind that she is beyond reclamation, and proves to George that she's become too human to be useful any longer. Only one character thrives: Robert the orangutan. He discovers he does have a voice, and he's going to use it - to what end, now that he's been experimented on beyond recognition - we can only imagine.

Deckchair Theatre and Vitalstatistix Theatre Company present the world premiere of this major new work by one of Australia's most significant playwrights. Directed by Angela Chaplin, design by Andrew Lake and with a cast of South Australia and Western Australia's most exciting actors.

Vitalstatistix Theatre Company
Vitalstatistix Theatre Company fosters, produces and promotes new, high quality live performance driven by Australian women artists seeking to engage and expand their audiences, in order to contribute to the development of Australian culture. Vitalstatistix holds a unique place in the history of Australian Theatre in that it is the only theatre company in Australia that has constantly produced, promoted and supported new work by women, while providing professional opportunities for female and male theatre artists nationally.

Over the past twenty three years Vitalstatistix has won many awards for excellence in the arts, community service and advocacy of women. The company is also proud of its many achievements in fostering training, mentoring and the development of artists and projects that celebrate our many different cultures within Australian society.

deckchair theatre
In the 24 years since its inception, deckchair theatre has come to be regarded as one of the most enterprising creative theatre companies in Australia, winning local, national and international awards. deckchair theatre's vision is "To have an outstanding reputation and be trusted to deliver challenging and provocative new Australian theatre".

deckchair theatre has developed a reputation for stories that explore the rich social history of Western Australia and especially Fremantle, for its commitment to nurturing Australian women artists, for working with all sectors of the community including people with disabilities and for developing productions which give a voice to non-dominant cultures.

Contact:
Maggie Armstrong
Vitalstatistix
Waterside, 11 Nile Street
Port Adelaide SA 5015
Tel +61 8 8447 6211
Fax +61 8 8447 7577
Mob 0412 210 533
vitalstatistixtheatrecompany@bigpond.com
www.vitalstatistix.com.au
www.deckchairtheatrecompany.com.au