the Ocean Star
BY Michael Galvin
DIRECTED BY John Edwards
1 MAR - 16 Mar 2024
Brian just wants a quiet life. He's content to stay at home, reviewing the books and CDs that land on his doorstep and watching 'Fear Factor' with his son Jay - a short film maker (until the funding dried up). But what lands on his doorstep next is his younger son Ted, and suddenly it's his own family which is up for review. Ted may or may not be suffering from an incurable disease.
Jay seems to be nursing a terrible resentment. Then there's the small matter of Brian's agoraphobia, complicated by haunting memories of his long dead wife. Brian soon learns that dysfunction, like charity, begins at home. With a keen sense for the absurd, Michael Galvin has crafted an exquisitely dark and comic play. Your own family never seemed so sane.
Playwright
Michael Galvin
Michael Galvin was an original cast member of Shortland Street, appearing as Chris Warner in the very first episode on 25 May, 1992. Michael is a talented actor, writer and singer, demonstrated by his on-screen alter-ego.
A graduate of Victoria University and Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School, Michael had an extensive stage career before joining Shortland Street. His theatre credits include roles in the New Zealand classics Ladies Night, Foreskin’s Lament, and Blue Sky Boys as well as Phantom of the Opera.
In 1996, Michael took a break from Shortland Street to write and travel. During this time, he had roles in the television productions Highwater and Coverstory,and feature film The Climb. He returned to New Zealand and Shortland Street in early 2001.
Michael has had short stories published in anthologies, The Picnic Virgin and Boy’s Own Stories.
Director
John Edwards
John Edwards has appeared on stage throughout Auckland and Sydney as an actor and produces voice work professionally. He previously directed Spotlight for the 2021 One Act Play Festival at Dolphin. As a son and a brother, for all that those relationships entail, John fell in love with this play and is honoured to introduce the piece to Dolphin Theatre audiences.
Director’s Vision
The play oscillates between exuberant comedy and bleak reality, but ultimately examines that nebulous grey bit that lives between the emotional swings - the family unit. The script interrogates the misgivings that have long since been forgiven and forgotten, as well as the transgressions for which time and grace will never be sufficient. Those nasty event horizons that drive family apart, and the circumstances that force us back together. And just how the hell do we manoeuvre through these moments? By addressing them head on, or avoiding them all together? It’s honest, it’s absurd, and it’s very “us”.
Cast
Richard DeLuca
as Brian
Richard is thrilled to be back in a Dolphin production. The role of Brian is a million miles from his last role at Dolphin in 2020 as the cunning psychopath in Deathtrap, so he is relishing not being type-cast! A deeply emotional play, The Ocean Star happily wallows in the self-loathing that sits behind so much family dysfunction but goes unsaid. Having come to the end of a year off teaching math to travel and write, Richard is very happy to have finally completed his most recent play Sunny Jim. Time for some sun, then back to the classroom!
HĀMIORA JACKSON
as Jeremy (Jay)
In his debut performance for the Dolphin, Hāmi portrays Jeremy – an elder son, struggling to fulfil his potential, ensnared in a monotonous life rhythm. Hāmi's theatrical journey has been marked by memorable roles, including his compelling portrayal of Juror 12 in the intense drama 12 Angry Jurors in 2023 and his charismatic turn as Gomez Addams in the whimsical The Addams Family in 2022. Adding to his diverse repertoire, he showcased his versatility as the witty Sergeant of Police in Pirates of Penzance and the dynamic Trapper John in M*A*S*H. Hāmi's magnetic stage presence and nuanced performances continue to captivate audiences, promising a riveting and unforgettable performance in The Ocean Star.
Jared Abel
as Edward (Ted)
Jared is a free range, fair trade, additive-free actor and voiceover artist working out of Auckland. This is Jared's second show at the Dolphin, having played Ezra Chater in the 2022 production of Tom Stoppard's 'Arcadia'. During 2022, Jared also played the role of Jim Wormold in 'Our Man in Havana' for the Ellerslie Theatrical Society.
The role of Ted in 'The Ocean Star' is an exciting departure from the affable buffoons Jared has played in the past, and he is relishing the opportunity to explore this much darker character.