John Butler To Soundtrack Live-streamed Play Reading Featuring Rose Byrne

Aussie muso John Butler has been selected to soundtrack an upcoming live-streamed reading an acclaimed play featuring beloved local talent Rose Byrne.

Earlier this month, Alec Baldwin took part in a live reading of the play Orphans, and now organisers Red Line Productions has announced a follow-up for May, Gruesome Playground Injuries by Rajiv Joseph, which will feature Byrne and Ewen Leslie with live music from Butler.

The event will take place on May 9, kicking off at 10:30am Sydney time via the production company’s YouTube channel.

“In these unprecedented times of COVID-19, the arts sector have been doing what they always have.... being creative!” Butler said.

“Finding new and exciting ways to create and nurture culture. This project is right in line with that and sounded so cool and I just had to be a part of it.”

Red Line Artistic Director Andrew Henry added: “Gruesome Playground Injuries just one of the most gorgeous scripts of friendship, love and life.

“This time we will be connecting Rose Byrne in New York and Ewen Leslie in Sydney to read the two characters and we are adding live music by John Butler who will be connected from Perth as this play asks for a musical language between the scenes of the play.”

Viewers will have the option to purchase a ticket to the one-off stream, with part of the funds raised supporting The Australian Theatre for Young People, Support Act and the Actors Benevolent Fund of NSW.

For more details, head over to the Red Line Productions website.