Eumundi Voice Issue 119

ART ABOUT

The Play Must Go On

What is a play festival or even a writing competition without some hiccoughs?

During rehearsals, Noosa Arts Theatre’s One Act Playwriting festival committee found out that Benign Departures – one of the finalist scripts –had been previously performed, breaking the guidelines.

The committee decided to continue the play’s performance without prize money eligibility, however the actors and the director remained eligible for awards. The 4th play received the prize money, and it will be performed at a later date.

Theatre President Tania Nash and Festival Convenor Jenni McCaul stepped in when an actor and a director suddenly withdrew, ensuring the festival could open on time, proving an enormous success with audiences.

Noosa Arts Theatre’s One Act Playwriting Competition is rated as one of the best in the world. This year’s competition received 69 entries from Australia and overseas. Industry professional actors, directors and writers – Dr Kate Foy, Helen Howard and Lucas Stibbard –selected the final 3 scripts with the order a secret until after the last performance on 1 June, when awards were decided and presented.

The Mourning After Phil by Rob Selzer won Best Play, with Hook, Line & Tinder by Sheree Ann Veysey as runner up. As Benign Departures was not eligible for prize money, Michael Olsen was awarded 3rd for The Gift of Machiavelli. All 3 playwrights have often featured amongst past winners. The audience voted its favourite play as The Mourning After Phil. Best Actor went to Bruce Campbell in Hook, Line & Tinder, with Sepi Burgiani awarded Best Actress for her role in The Mourning After Phil. Jenni McCaul won an adjudicator’s award for her moving performance as a homeless woman in Benign Departures. Tania Nash was awarded Best Director. Noosa Mayor Frank Wilkie was awarded Most Promising Talent by professional agent Rupi Gill.

Michael Olsen and audiences will see The Gift of Machiavelli performed during the Shorts on Stage Season at Noosa Arts Theatre 30&31 August. Noosa Arts Theatre now is closed for renovations until further notice.

Cooroy Butter Factory exhibitions

The Cooroy Butter Factory Arts Centre located at 11 Maple St, has 3 new solo exhibitions and a suite of new artwork from Butter Factory members with an exhibition opening event on 27 June from 6-8pm. Everyone is welcome to this free event, with nibbles and a bar to purchase drinks.

Andrew Hillhouse’s On the Nature of Daylight, investigates the fragmentation of light and image, drawing inspiration from the natural environment’s shifting forms and elusive beauty. Alex Naray’s exhibition – aptly named Sunshine Coast to Outback Qld – presents a collection of oil paintings expressing his life-long love for Australia’s unique and dramatic environment, from the East-coast to the Northern Territory. Carnival by David Thorogood explores the curious internal sensations and simultaneity of levity and gravity, stillness and movement.

In the upstairs Member’s Gallery, there is a brand-new collection of works by talented, local members. Packed with paintings, drawings, ceramic and mixed media works, there will be something for everyone to enjoy! Visit: butterfactoryartscentre.com.au.