On the Borderline

Jane M. Bergeron, University of Notre Dame Australia

On the Borderline is set on the boundary between Bognor Regis, a small and run-down seaside town with high unemployment and a high level of deprivation and poverty, and its neighbouring village, Middleton-on-Sea, which has a lot of wealthy people, as well as a few millionaires. In Middleton-on-Sea, this old school upper class mix lives complacently in large houses with high walls and beautiful gardens. The play is set during the August Bank Holiday weekend in 2007. The plot unravels at break-neck momentum in 48 hours. Two strangers, Anne and Jaz, suddenly appear at the charity party, organized by millionaire Derek Mullins, who trades with insurances. From the dialogues between Anne and Jaz, one can guess that they work as investigative journalists. In the mayhem of the disintegrating party, Jaz gets killed by a vagrant bullet, and Anne reveals the features of a real historical personality, who lived and was executed in the 16th Century – Anne Askew, tortured and killed by the hounds of Henry the 8th. The play combines text and movement, complex lighting and set with visually enticing slides and effects.© Armand and Wyatt, 2007.

The Author:

Ms Jane M Bergeron

Abstract

A starring role on London’s West End has been won by Jane Bergeron, Theatre Director and Lecturer at The University of Notre Dame Australia’s Sydney Campus.

Ms Bergeron will be playing the lead role of Anne Askew in the play On the Borderline. Her character is based on a woman who lived in the 16th century at the court of Henry VIII and was burned at the stake for refusing to renounce her faith.

On the Borderline is an original play written by Sally Wyatt and Clara Armand, and directed by Clara Armand. It will stage its first performances at the Bloomsbury Theatre in London’s West End over four nights.

“It is a modern play, set in England, about a twist of events at a Charity Ball that will change the four main characters lives forever,” explains Ms Bergeron.

“It has been a fascinating journey for me, researching Anne Askew and incorporating her character into the 21st century fictitious world of the play."

“To be performing in such a famous theatre district in a new play is very exciting and challenging and I am so proud to be a part of this wonderful production.”

She said that taking part in the play is not only a tremendous experience for her, but will also ultimately benefit her students at Notre Dame."

“It is important as a drama teacher to perform and be reminded that great acting requires tremendous courage from the actor - who must bare his or her soul to the audience."

“Clara Armand is a visionary writer and director and her work always pushes boundaries and encourages the audience to re-evaluate their world. I am eager to pass on what I have learnt from her to all my students.”

Ms Bergeron is an experienced actor and director working in her native England and the United States for over 20 years. She has had major roles in over 30 productions including Eliza in My Fair Lady, Maggie in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Viola in Twelfth Night.