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The Orderly
"Hospitals are battlefields."
Mind must be the firmer,
heart the more fierce,
courage the greater,
as our strength diminishes.
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"Solo theatre as it should be."
Capital Times
Approximate running time: 1 hour
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The video of our 2019 production is currently available: https://www.speechoffire.org/watch-the-orderly
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In The Orderly, raspy-voiced Peter shares his passion for Anglo-Saxon historical reenacting as an escape from his normal life as an orderly in a New Zealand hospital. Through the story of the Battle of Maldon, juxtaposed against the everyday struggles of daily life in a hospital, Peter uses history, literature, and the imagination to enrich life in a thankless job, and to make sense of loss.
The Orderly Trailer (2019)
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Mind must be the firmer,
heart the more fierce,
courage the greater,
as our strength diminishes.
.jpg)
THE ORDERLY
"Hospitals are battlefields."
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Written and performed by Michael Downey
Directed by Lauren Ash-Morgan
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Appropriate for all ages, aside from a few curse words.
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Approximate running time: 1 hour
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Meet Peter—orderly during the week, ferocious warrior on the weekend. As he prepares for the weekend’s battle against the notorious Vikings, a long day at work changes his life. Time flickers. Empty hospital wards turn into long-forgotten battlefields and everybody fights for their lives. This is the basis for The Orderly, Michael Downey's poignant, heartfelt solo show.
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This comedic and moving play blends the world of the hospital with that of an ancient battlefield. Downey takes on all the parts of the play; ranging from the gorgeous nurse Donna to a semi-nude Viking berserker high on mushrooms and lusting for blood.
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The Orderly is inspired by the life of the now deceased Peter Russell, whom writer and performer Michael Downey met when he worked as an orderly at Auckland’s North Shore Hospital. Peter, a small and frail man, was a hospital orderly during the week and fought as a Viking in the weekends as the member of the historical re-enactment group, the Auckland Norse.
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The Orderly was the first production of The Rebel Alliance Theatre Company, founded by Michael Downey and Anders Falstie-Jensen in 2006. It went on to tour New Zealand for a number of years and was adapted for radio by Radio New Zealand in 2009. In 2013, Downey revived The Orderly for Probationary Theatre Company, in association with The Rebel Alliance, at the White Box Theatre, Seoul. The Orderly was revived again in 2019 as a co-production between Seoul Shakespeare Company and Speech of Fire.
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This show is appropriate for all ages (aside from a few curse words)
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"Shows us that the humdrum can contain the heroic"
Korea Herald
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"A small and surprising gem"
Natasha Hay, theatre reviewer for The Listener
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"Heart-warmingly humble"
NZ Herald
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"Quality work… solo theatre as it should be."
Capital Times
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"A touching slice of an interesting life"
Scoop
Michael Downey
Playwright / Actor
Lauren Ash-Morgan
Director
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Original New Zealand production team:
Director: Anders Falstie-Jensen
Set Design: Rachel Walker
Lighting Design: Bonnie Burrell
Sound Design: Jared Neems
The Orderly Original (2007) Trailer
The Orderly in the Press
Michael Downey Interview for The Orderly,
Breakfast, TVNZ, 2006
"Speech of Fire enriches Seoul's theater scene" Korea Times, 2019
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Review: "A life of a different order" Korea Herald, 2013
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"One-man show 'a unique little piece'" Auckland City Harbour News, 2009
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"Review: The Orderly at Herald Theatre" NZ Herald, 2008
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“Saxon Games” Theatreview, 2006
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"The Orderly" Theatreview, 2006
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The Orderly Press Release: New Zealand Fringe Festival, Scoop News, 2007
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"Play: The Orderly Highlights Hospice Appeal Week" Scoop Independent News, 2008
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Audience reactions
"I was lucky enough to catch a preview of this show last night. It's a terrific show. Definitely well-worth your time and money. Truly excellent show."
“Excellent characterizations, fluidity and story!”
“I was really drawn into the story and your characters. Wonderful writing and beautiful arc!”
“Run to this show, it is absolutely fantastic. Michael Downey is a force.”
“Funny and poignant.”
“Beautiful, touching, one-man show. Excellent theatre!”
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“I watched the last performance of 'The Orderly' yesterday, a terrific one-person play written and performed by Michael Downey. Forget the flying man with the cape or the legions of zombies. The Orderly was the most spectacular thing I've seen in recent months. I’m so proud to know this man. Bravo, Michael. “Mind must be the firmer!”
“Really enjoyed the show! Well done.”
“Super impressed by Michael Downey. He shows us what art in a pure form looks like.”
“The more I see this play, the more I love it. It really is a gem of a play and Michael gives a brilliant performance. It's so much fun to see each audience respond to its humor, cleverness, and heart. One weekend done, and one more to go! If you are in Korea, come see this show. When else will you get to see it performed by its creator?”
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“Well done Mr Michael Downey. I lovely little story, well executed. I fell in love with Peter, the poor soul. You should be very proud. It also brought out a bit of the history geek in me.”
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“Great show!! Was so impressed. Dunno why but especially liked your "Donna" hehe my roleplaying bf loved it too. Superb!!~~”
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“Wonderful show just as I expected it would be! My friends really loved it, too :).”
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“Great job, Michael Downey! It was so lovely to see the breadth of your range in this show. Best of luck for opening weekend!!”
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“If you are looking for your theatre fix this weekend, look no further- touching, funny, and expertly performed- a rare chance to see a truly original piece of theatre performed by the creator himself!”
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“Go see The Orderly at Whitebox this weekend. I saw it last weekend and it is truly a moving, funny, touching, and visually stunning piece of theatre that you DO NOT want to miss. Really fantastic show!”
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“Go check out "The Orderly" at White Box. You can thank me later!!!”
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“Seoul people! Need something for the weekend? I recommend THE ORDERLY at the White Box Theatre. One man. One hour. I would love to tell you more, but where's the fun in that?”
Posters
2013
Graphic design: Liam Mitchinson
2019
Graphic design: Joongwon Jeong