Winter’s Discontent

Overview

The discontent of Robert Winter, a semi-successful actor, occurs in the twilight of his career. While preparing backstage for a show, a momentous recent event forces him to examine the choices and sacrifices he has made for his craft. William Zappa, an actor who has himself experienced many of the trials and tribulations retold in Winter's story, is both the performer and writer of this piece.

This is a dissection of the cult of acting, and for this purpose all an actor's tools are employed: familiar stretches, motivational speeches, warm ups in gibberish and the famous lines of dead white males. Zappa clearly enjoys revealing these absurdities to an audience who may or may not be already familiar with them.

Zappa's approach to his character begins with great subtlety — so much so that we are initially tempted to admit that Winter has perhaps made some wrong choices. However, as the plot thickens, Zappa reveals the extraordinary depth of his skill (as well as Winter's), and we long for nothing more than the benefit of watching his performance.

Winter's Discontent is an incredibly honest piece which gives rise to some unpredictable and transcendent moments. Zappa's skill is irrefutable, and you should snap up the chance to see him perform this work at the intimate Darlinghurst Theatre.