Dark dealings in a one star motel

HOME TRUTHS: Salesman Elvis Leadbetter (Mark Hinton) has a scrap with the motel manager (Hal Morgan)

HOME TRUTHS: Successful salesman Elvis Leadbetter (Mark Hinton) has a confrontation with the motel manager (Hal Morgan).When it comes to exploring the darker, taboo issues lurking under the facade of polite society, a sleazy, one-star motel is the perfect setting.

Some of these issues, including death, sex, adultery and infertility will be brought to life in Harlequin Theatre's production of Motel, a "slice of life" tragicomedy by Kiwi playwright April Phillips.

In the play characters of various professions and ages grapple with life crises, harbour secrets, make sinister plans and try escaping their mundane existences.

Each of their stories is played out at the titular motel, where they endure the insufferable manager and face some home truths.

Director Rita Ann Penhale-Cashmore said Motel touches on delicate matters which often remain behind closed doors -- but are uncomfortably familiar.

"All these issues are going on in the community, but are rarely discussed," she said.

"The audience will recognise them as something they've had to help a neighbour or a friend through, but hope to never to experience.

"It brings to life what we don't like talking about in public."

On stage, guests check into a motel -- which has seen better days but is suitably isolated, in keeping with each character's agenda.

"It was rated a two-star when it opened, but it's sunk a little since then," Mrs Penhale-Cashmore said.

"And the manager is an absolute nightmare -- no social skills, and just wants to take your money and watch TV."

The first guest to arrive is Jenny, a career woman with a secret -- to be joined by Ben, with whom she has arranged a special business transaction.

Next are happily married couple Pearl and Harry Wentworth, seeking refuge following a traumatic event.

Following them is high-flying salesman Elvis Leadbetter, who is in the area to find new clients, and gains new insights after an exchange with the manager.

Finally, Annabel, a glamourous PA, checks in, expecting a pleasant evening -- and gets more than she bargained for when a unexpected visitor arrives.

Mrs Penhale-Cashmore said she was drawn to Motel because of its well-rounded characters..

"They're not silhouettes -- they're all real people we can relate to," she said.

"It's a challenge for the cast as they're dealing with huge emotion -- they're having to dig into their lives and memories and bring up things with correspond to the characters' experience."

She said there is plenty of humour, but each character's problem is treated sensitively.

"There are some hilarious moments -- but tender moments as well."

Motel will be the first full-length play Mrs Penhale-Cashmore has directed -- though she was awarded Best First Time Director at last year's Theatrefest one act play festival.

Motel runs from Thursday 19 May to Saturday 28 May, starting at 8pm, with a matinee on Sunday May 22 at 4pm. Tickets available from www.iticket.co.nz.