Take a twisted look at salvation in Duncan Sarkies' absorbing comedy-drama SAVING GRACE, launching the 2010 Forge Season opening March 12.

Grace is a disillusioned street kid with a chip on her shoulder. A series of chance encounters with Gerald, an unemployed carpenter, leads to an invitation to stay at the lonely man's house. With the full intention of living off him for a while, Grace moves in and slowly begins to rediscover feelings of self-worth. But a series of revelations take their unlikely friendship down an unpredictable path.

Director Lara Macgregor says SAVING GRACE "explores the many layers of reality that we live with. We are unwittingly taken through these layers to a place where we can view the characters in an unexpected way with a surprising amount of compassion".

A member of The Court Jesters for several years, recent NASDA graduate Kathleen Burns describes Grace as "A kick-arse character. Hell, this is one hard-core gal I wouldn't wanna mess with!"

Jon Pheloung (who also appeared in the first play of The Forge's 2009 season, 'The Tutor') enjoys the fact that Gerald, "Is an enthusiastic, intense and almost child-like man. He is not exactly what he appears at first, which makes him very exciting to play."

Macgregor praises the fearlessness of Burns and Pheloung "In reaching for the comedy whilst exploring the darker corners of such complex characters. Their embodiment of Grace and Gerald will make you question what - and who - you believe".

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

SAVING GRACE was written in 1994 and awarded the Chapman-Tripp Award for "Best New NZ Play" in 1995.

SAVING GRACE was adapted by Duncan Sarkies into a feature film in 1997

Duncan Sarkies is also the writer of the award-winning film 'Out of the Blue', the cult hit 'Scarfies' and two episodes of HBO TV show 'Flight of the Conchords'.

SAVING GRACE by Duncan Sarkies

Directed by: Lara Macgregor

Cast: Kathleen Burns and Jon Pheloung Venue: The Forge at The Court Theatre, 20 Worcester Blvd, The Arts Centre, Christchurch Performance Dates: Friday 12 March - Saturday 10 April 2010

Performance Times: 6:30pm Monday & Thursday; 8pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday (no show Sundays). Tickets: Adults $32, Seniors $27, Tertiary Students $22, Group discount (10+) $22, 30Under-Club $15 (Mon-Wed) Bookings: The Court Theatre, 20 Worcester Boulevard; 963 0870 or www.courttheatre.org.nz