TESTIMONIALS / MEDIA / LINKS (more info to come soon) "TOPO" By Neil Cole "Topo" was exhibited at the Seymour Theatre Centre (Sydney University, Darlington) in May-June 2007.  All financial proceeds of "TOPO" were re- directed to the Brain & Mind Research Institute, contributing towards the fight against Bipolar and Depression, as well as youth suicide prevention. Victorian play writer Neil Cole, former member for Melbourne (Victorian Parliament) and a Bipolar sufferer himself, has had twelve plays produced in Victoria New South Wales and Queensland. Such plays include "Alive at Williamstown Pier", "A Policewoman's Absurdity, "Billy Possible", "Dr. Cade", "The Campaign", and "Personality Games" (which he co-wrote with Prof. Gordon Parker from the Black Dog Institute in Sydney). His most recent play was the "Trial of Adolf Eichmann". He has won the Griffin Theatre Award for the best new writing for theatre in 1999 and was short-listed for the Victorian Premiers Literary Award in 2001. His plays are written and performed by and for people with mental illnesses include "I Could Have Been Carmen", "Radio Play", "Depression: The Great Debate" and "Bring On The Carrots" "Topo" the play is set initially in a mental hospital in 2005. Topo has just lost his taxi driver's license, doesn't have much money and has been diagnosed with Bipolar disorder. His old coach from playing days, Alan Jones, comes to visit him and they begin to reflect on the 1984 Grand Slam victory of the Australian Rugby Union team. The contrasting lives and experiences of former champion team mate Mark Ella and Topo are tightly intertwined as the play evolves. These lead back to where it all started and we see the relationship between the three protagonists developing. The obsessive coach, the equally obsessive champion player and the laid back Ella are all depicted in a comical fashion. The play traces the triumphs and tribulations of the coach and the players. Topo's struggles really begin when he stops playing Rugby and the Coach still supports him. E: info@toporodriguez.com - Ph: +61 412 403 304 - Fx: +61 (2) 8116 3111 - PO Box 4131, Carlton NSW 2218 Australia