True West

True West is the story of two brothers who have become estranged over years. The play locks the two brothers in a battle over a Ludacris script to a final confrontation. True West is one of Sam Shepard's classic works that earned him a Pulitzer Prize nomination. This production is directed by Leigh Ormsby and stars Darcy Whitsed, Ryan Murphy, Ned Valent and Gail Bradley.

True West is being directed by Leigh Ormsby as part of his honours year project at La Trobe University. This performance is looking at the state of Shepard's work where it currently stands and where it can potentially move to. As the work of Shepard is known globally, it is also performed rigorously the same way every time. Ormsby is looking into new ways to perform Shepard's work without damaging the intent, character development and themes that Shepard has laid out. The work isn't intended to make any new points or create something bizarre just for the sake of changing Shepard's work. It is an exploration that has its beginnings from hours of reading and researching academic material on the work of Sam Shepard.

Director Leigh Ormsby has only been involved in the theatre community for a short time, but has worked tirelessly to expand his knowledge and experience. During his first year at university, Ormsby was part of Colosseum, a third year assessed theatre performance. The next year, he then performed in his first Shepard play, A Lie of the Mind, where his interest in Shepard begun. It was also at this time where he became an integral member to the theatre group Nice Productions in their inaugural play, Life is Something. From there, Ormsby has continued gaining experience, performing, writing and directing, although this will be his first full length play he has directed.

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