Jenny Ellis (in white) shocked the audience when she appeared to physically vomit during the play. Photos: GRAPA.
An on-stage vomit by actress, councillor and businesswoman Jenny Ellis has won a Griffith production an award for a ”magic” moment in theatre for 2024.
God of Carnage, a 2008 French comedy about two sets of parents who meet to discuss a fight between their children, was given a new interpretation last year by the Griffith and Regional Association of the Performing Arts (GRAPA), a volunteer-based group that performs shows annually.
The play landed GRAPA veteran Bernie Maxwell a nomination for best direction and saw the crew nominated for both best ensemble and best play at the 30th annual Canberra Area Theatre (CAT) Awards, which recognise excellence in theatre in both the ACT and Southern NSW.
The first CAT award win for GRAPA came in the category of John Thomson Theatre Magic, which celebrates a creative scene that makes the audience gasp.
“It’s the dream of every actress to win an award for vomiting,” Ms Ellis said, laughing.
“It was a highlight of the play as people weren’t expecting it. My character was talking about being sick, but nobody thought she would actually be sick. I hope I didn’t get anyone in the audience.”
So convincing was the scene that some audience members thought Ms Ellis had actually thrown up. But she explained the tricks of the trade.
“I had a specially created cushion with a bladder filled with water inside it. I picked it up during my diatribe and I squeezed it as I pretended to vomit,” she said.
“It was a well-scripted scene, but the way we all cleaned up the vomit afterwards was impromptu.
“It’s a credit to the writer and director for producing something so hilarious.”
Jenny Ellis said vomiting was a new experience for her.
The cushion was made by theatre technician John Bortolazzo.
“John did a brilliant job of creating that vomit-effect cushion,” Mr Maxwell said.
“The judge’s praise was as copious as the on-stage effect.”
The director was thrilled at GRAPA’s achievement.
“We were up against some huge companies. We are just a small group who don’t have the resources they have,” he said.
“We are just rapt, particularly for the cast.”
Ms Ellis explained why she continues to perform despite having a busy life as a Griffith councillor and running her own businesses.
“I love the arts. I need to have some form of art in my life, whether it’s music, acting or visual arts, around everything else I’m doing.
“As I get older, I want to keep doing things that push me out of my comfort zone. Acting is a lot of fun.”
God of Carnage also featured James Walsh, Romina Tappi and David Baxter on stage.
The CAT Awards ceremony was held at the Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre on Saturday (15 February).
Nominations for GRAPA’S God of Carnage:
BEST DIRECTION OF A PLAY – Bernie Maxwell.
BEST ENSEMBLE IN A PLAY – Romina Tappi, David Baxter, Jenny Ellis and James Walsh.
JOHN THOMSON THEATRE MAGIC – The vomiting (WINNER)
BEST PRODUCTION OF A PLAY – The full crew.
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