Whanganui theatre exposes domestic violence in a dark comedy

DARK COMEDY: Richard Faaresi and Sarah Riley-Curtis are Eddie and Pearl Heptinstall in Amdram s production of Behind Closed Doors. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Behind Closed Doors - opening at Andram Theatre in Guyton St on Wednesday -
is described as a dark comedy tackling issues around family violence.

Directed by Graham Dack, the play looks at how two families deal with the situation.

The play is being staged by Andram Theatre as part of La Fiesta Women's Festival and profits will be donated to Whanganui Women's Network.

The cast have been out and about in the community talking about their roles in the play written by Janet Shaw.

Sarah Riley Curtis plays Pearl Heptinstall who married husband Eddie (Richard Faaresi) while very young and she says she has grown very fond of her character.

"Things are not great for Pearl but she manages to create a fantasy man who is kind to her. She also has an adult daughter who is at university and she is terribly proud of her."

Whanganui Baptist Pastor Nigel Irwin plays Pearl's fantasy man, Thomas, and he talks about his role in a video link on Amdram's Facebook page.

Irwin says it is strange to play an imaginary character as Pearl is the only one who can see him but he is excited to part of such a wonderful production.

■ Behind Closed Doors: Amdram Theatre, March 7-10 at 7.30pm. Book at the Wanganui Opera House. $20 a ticket, Seniors and Members $18. All proceeds to the Women's Network Whanganui.