Weather

By Gary Baxter

ISBN: 978-1-921918-06-3

Genre: Drama

Cast: 2m, 2f

Settings: 1

Approximate Length: 114 mins

Synopsis: As an old woman piles her recently deceased husband’s belongings in the street for collection the objects spark recollections of their life together. She still feels guilt about the actions she took (At his request.) as he neared the end of his life. She weighs the value of his life through her memories. The vicissitudes of their younger life are juxtaposed with the turmoil and pain of their last few days as she looks back with joy, humour, sadness and ultimately, acceptance.

Weather invites you into the heart of a relationship that has endured fifty years of rain, hail and shine. The laughter, tears and everything that life can dish up in a world changing day by day.

History: Weather was first produced by The Railway Street Theatre Company (now The Q Theatre Company) from March 1-18, 2006 at The Q Theatre, Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre, Penrith and subsequently toured country NSW.  It featured the talents of Julia Blake, Terry Norris, Michelle Doake and Jo Turner.

Review:

“Gary Baxter's play is at heart concerned with euthanasia and the debate about whether we have rights over our own existence. … Can humans not be allowed to decide their own full stop, and what's the point of maintaining a life that its owner rationally decides is no longer worth living?”

“… the play is strongly written and emotionally compelling.”

“This is a good, solid and rewarding new Australian play, engaging a timely and urgent issue via subtly drawn characters and a mix of humour and emotion. Perhaps, like comedy, the secret of a really good exit is timing.”

Stephen Dunne

March 6, 2006

Sydney Morning Herald