Talented duo in theatre

Emerging professionals play roles in JUTE’s Higher Faster Louder

l CAIRNS CBD | Gail Sedorkin

REMEMBER the names Esther Elder and Adria Cunningham. While each aspires to establish a theatre career, individually their goals and passions differ.

Now beneath the wings of JUTE Theatre Company, the two emerging theatre professionals are gaining valuable experience aboard the team of its latest production, ‘Higher Faster Louder’ by Marilyn MarshBooth.

Recognising JUTE and the chance they’ve been given to work with an award-winning team, including the production’s highly respected director Matt Scholten, the pair is excited for the time ahead culminating in a world premiere season of Higher Faster Louder opening at Bulmba-ja Theatre on Friday, August 25.

An alumnus of JUTE’s Write Sparks program for emerging playwrights, Higher Faster Louder is Ms Marsh-Booth’s first play, born from her own remarkable story as one of the world’s first female commercial pilots during the transformative era of women’s liberation in the 1960s.

JUTE’s artistic director and CEO Suellen Maunder, who also happens to play the mature version of Ms Marsh-Booth in the forthcoming production, said Higher Faster Louder challenged the status quo and persistent gender barriers that lingered in today’s modern world.

“It is fast and furiously funny while delivering a strong message that true change comes from courage and perseverance, embracing the unknown, and pushing the boundaries of possibility,” she said. It is this message that is powering the young duo forward in their new pivotal roles in the crew of Higher Faster Louder.

Hungry to apply her learning after completing a Bachelor of Theatre degree, Rockhamptonbased Esther Elder jumped at the chance to extend her skills by completing a series of JUTE’s Build Back Better regional training Programs Of Development (PODs) across all theatre disciplines earlier this year.

It was all the confidence she needed and immediately after finishing JUTE’s stage management POD facilitated by Ms Maunder, she secured a stage manager’s role in Darwin and now, JUTE’s Higher Faster Louder in Cairns.

“I feel so privileged to be here at JUTE and be part of this story, learn new skills and hopefully, pass them on,” Ms Elder said.

Joining Ms Elder on Higher Faster Louder is 18-year-old Innisfail-based Adria Cunningham whose dreams of becoming an accomplished actor are being ignited but also broadened as an assistant to director Matt Scholten.

“The team at JUTE truly value emerging artists and the exploration of this new generation,” Ms Cunningham said.

JUTE Theatre Company’s production of Higher Faster Louder runs from Friday, August 25 to Saturday, September 2, 2023. For information and tickets visit https://jute.com.au/hfl/