Offshore Theatre is Speaking in Tongues

Before Andrew Bovell wrote the screenplay for the acclaimed Australian movie Lantana (2001), he wrote the play Speaking in Tongues (1996).

It is in essence the same story, according to the cast of Offshore Theatre who are performing the play from May 14 to 17.

The Offshore Theatre team have been working on the production of Speaking on Tongues since late last year, securing a position in the shire's arts and cultural program at Berninneit.

"We are very excited to be back at Berninneit this year and are very grateful the shows we produce - contemporary Australian drama - are encouraged by the shire and our Bass Coast community," said Remi D'Agostin, Offshore Theatre president.

Remi said the play has the same characters intertwined and connected as Lantana, but there are differences to the movie.

Speaking in Tongues isn't just about infidelity, but like Lantana you will be kept wondering from the first scene to the last - what really happened?

The title, 'Speaking in Tongues', alludes to the connection among the characters and the interconnected narrative structure, exploring themes of love, desire, suspicion and betrayal, with each character's actions affecting other's lives.

Anniversary

2026 marks Offshore Theatre's 30th year.

Since 1996 the company has produced at least one show a year, at various locations on the island including at St Phillip's Anglican Church hall, the Chapel at the Boys Home on Boys Home Road before its redevelopment, Phillip Island Winery and the old Cowes Cultural Centre where Berninneit now stands, as well as Newhaven College's Black Box Theatre.

This season, Offshore is celebrating the company's history and all those who have been involved, in any way, over the last 30 years.

On opening night, May 14, there is a set ticket price of $25 and there will be a meet and greet with the cast and Offshore alumni after the show.

Audiences are being encouraged to arrive at 7pm for a complimentary drink from the company in appreciation of their ongoing support.

Remi said the committee wanted the community to know how grateful they were to the founding members "and all those who have come in between and of course you, our audiences new and old".

"We would also like to acknowledge and thank the Bass Coast Shire Council for their grant which contributed to our promotion and marketing of this season," she said.

Details: Speaking in Tongues, May 14 to 17, limited tickets available for opening night May 14

Tickets via Trybooking

https://www.trybooking.com/DHXZO

Bass Coast Cultural Venues

https://www.basscoastculturalvenues.com/