THE FOOTBALL DIARIES
By Ahilan Ratnamohan

PERFORMANCE HISTORY
22 April to 2 May 2009 Hackett House, Bankstown

THE FOOTBALL DIARIES
On a life-long quest to create football that is beautiful, Australian-born Sri-Lankan Ahilan Ratnamohan encounters the ugliness of humanity and a curious relationship between sport, art and philosophy.

At the age of 18, while studying media at university, Ahil realised and admitted for the first time that he wanted to play professional football. After years of lingering between his two passions, art and sport, Ahil set aside art and journeyed to Europe in search of a professional contract.

Between 2004 and 2007 Ahilan played in Sweden, The Netherlands and Germany before his dream was cut short due to injury. Now 23, and back in Australia on football hiatus, Ahil still yearns for some resolution. Was football more than a game? Was he ever good enough?

While Ahil shares his obsession with Dutch football legend Johan Cruyff and the Total Football philosophy developed through the 60s in Amsterdam, his adventures in Europe raise issue that run deeper than just the game. He entertains the idea of football karma and his own re-incarnation in a football world which becomes more and more unbearable as he witnesses racism, politics, money and - worst of all - ugly football.

Athletic virtuosity, explosive physicality and dreams of unknown futures in far-flung places converge in this evocative and insightful show.

Staged in an intimate venue, the audience is immersed within the space and the action. Enveloped by sound and video, the experience is one of being transported onto a surreal playing field, ready for a pass, and part of this unique and moving journey.

Read an anthology of Football Writings by Ahil and Lux Ratnamohan HERE

Director/Devisor
Lee Wilson

Sound Artist
James Brown

Video
Lara Thoms & Fred Rodrigues

Set & Lighting
Mirabelle Wouters

Dramaturg
Alicia Talbot

Production Manager
Neil Simpson

Technical Operations
Joshua Emanuel

Media Info
Rosie Dennis: 0407 210 032
rosie@suture.com.au





...patterned into something approaching dance, Ratnamohan's ball skills are enviable and entertaining, but he's also no slouch as a writer.
Sydney Morning Herald