THE MENTOR

WORKSHOP PRODUCTION

WRITTEN BY JOSHUA WHITE

Photos from 2022 workshop production.

The Mentor features one-time Hollywood star, Amanda Redfern, who’s life has spiralled in her later years. When she begins tutoring young actor Jordan Ridley, the two discover a vastly different set of perceptions across themes of sexism, ageism, respect, consent, mental health; and their methodologies as actors fuelled by vastly different lived experience.

This play is driven by a mature female voice, juxtaposed against an idealistic young male perspective. It highlights that equality and equity are still values that haven’t been achieved, socially. It demands that we consider how we treat the most vulnerable, and how we examine our own privilege. A two-hander, set in a messy apartment flat, The Mentor uniquely puts 70-year-old Amanda Redfern in the driver’s seat and pairs her with a character that embodies everything she isn’t. This play features a series of intimate encounters, and although the characters are actors exploring their craft, it is very much about the highs and lows of the human experience.

CREATIVES & CAST

The Mentor was written by Joshua White in 2019 and first underwent creative development through Hope New Works Development Initiative in 2020.

The play has been supported by Theatre Works, Geelong Arts Centre and City of Greater Geelong.