Horror classic takes local stage in Australian-first

Published 12:00pm 5 July 2024

Words by Nadia Chapman

One of the most iconic horror films, The Exorcist, has taken to Theatre 102’s stage in Redcliffe this week in an Australian-first.

Ghostlight Theatre Co. in collaboration with Redcliffe Musical Theatre was granted special permission to present it live on stage for the very first time in Australia.

Director Yasmin Elahi says her love of horror and pushing creative boundaries drove her to contact the playwright John Pielmeier directly.

“…After lengthy negotiations with his agent, including submitting a portfolio of my works and my company's past shows, we were granted special permission for Ghostlight to stage the production in Australia,” she says.

“When I found out about this play adaptation, I knew I had to stage it and that I personally wanted to direct it, despite never having directed a full length play before!”

The show opened on June 28 and will run until July 14 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

“(Audiences can expect) an unsettling, confronting and terrifying piece of theatre unlike anything ever seen before in Australia,” Yasmin says.

“(The show) is totally immersive, including a detailed soundscape and scents to accompany the action.

“This show is ambitious, mind-blowing and something I will be proud of as my directorial debut forever.”

Yasmin expresses her gratitude for the cast and crew.

“It was no easy feat directing and rehearsing this show, given all the technical and SFX elements, as well as navigating a demon voice,” she says.

“The girls playing Regan in particular had a monumental task embodying not only a young girl but a young girl that becomes possessed.

“I am immensely proud of our close-knit cast that have become like family. Not to mention the many illnesses and five car breakdowns which led us to believe the show might have been cursed!”