POPE HEAD – The Secret Life of Francis Bacon
Following its success at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Garry Roost’s one-man production POPE HEAD -The Secret Life of Francis Bacon premieres in Sydney starting February 24th. The production will return for a second season later this year.
Kicked out of home after his father found him in his mother’s stockings, beaten by his father’s henchmen and enduring a string of tumultuous relationships, Bacon’s life was as complex as his artworks. Since the 20th century artist’s scandlle ridden history is well known, Roost aims to be truthful in his black comedy drama.
“I think Bacon was a very humble person, but also very sensitive. And he could be very kind but you had to push him” Roost explains. “I’m not saying anything new really about him, but what I am doing is that I am putting little messages in the script. They are very subtle because it’s difficult.”
Although Roost never created his performance with the intention of ticking critic boxes, his performance has garnered praise from both critics and close friends of the turbulent artist. But it was Bacon’s friends whose receptions proved most testing for the actor. “They came to see it and they absolutely loved it, but I was petrified,” Roost admits, “It was a test and a half.”
Roost is excited for the six weeks of scheduled performances in Australia. He says, “There’s a really big thing for the arts in Australia… They’re on the lookout for new work, different things.”
Feb 24- Mar 6, Old Fitz Theatre, Woolloomooloo, $22
