2014 Theatre Season - Townsville

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2014 Theatre Season

‘THE STAGE IS A MAGIC CIRCLE WHERE ONLY THE MOST REAL THINGS HAPPEN, A NEUTRAL TERRITORY OUTSIDE THE JURISDICTION OF FATE WHERE STARS MAY BE CROSSED WITH IMPUNITY. A TRUER AND MORE REAL PLACE DOES NOT EXIST IN ALL THE UNIVERSE.’ – P.S. BABER, CASSIE DRAWS THE UNIVERSE

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3. planning ahead enables you to guarantee yourself a night out with friends 4. subscribers receive exclusive offers during the year

SUGGESTED PACKAGE COMBINATIONS Drama Package $120

Classics Package $168

1984

2 One Another

The Long Way Home

La Boheme

Dust of Uruzgan

Cinderella Henry V

Full Season 10 shows = $397.50 Choose your own 3 shows = $126 Choose your own 6 shows = $243

Townsville Civic Theatre Tuesday 4 March, 7.30pm Regular adult price: $47

Townsville City Council in association with shake & stir theatre co present

1984

by George Orwell, adapted and created by shake & stir theatre co

Big Brother is back Strap yourself in for this terrifically frightening theatrical event set against a towering wall of plasma screens.

rebel against the oppressive regime set down by the party and maintain some control over his otherwise totally controlled life.

Oceania; a Nation perpetually at war, where cameras watch every move and Thought Police roam the streets. A place Winston Smith calls home. By day, Winston is an editor at the Ministry of Truth, rewriting history to align the past with the radical political agenda of the ruling party and its illusive leader, Big Brother.

By night, Winston pursues a forbidden love affair with the mysterious Julia in an attempt to

When Winston and Julia are discovered, they are violently separated, detained and prepared for conversion. Locked in the Ministry of Love and interrogated by the quietly terrifying O’Brien, Winston is beaten, manipulated and subjected to sickening torture in an attempt to make him reject dreams of liberation and understand that free thought and logic is the only true enemy.

There’s a fine pedigree of proven experience and youthful vigour in this cast which promises much and delivers on cue. Probets is arresting and brave as Winston Smith... — BRISBANE TIMES

Townsville Civic Theatre 14 and 15 March, 8pm Regular adult price: $47

Townsville City Council presents a Sydney Theatre Company & Australian Defence Force co-production

THE LONG WAY HOME

by Daniel Keene Created from first-hand accounts, The Long Way Home reflects the Australian Defence Force’s recent experiences in Iraq, Afghanistan and East Timor as well as humanitarian and disaster relief and protecting Australia’s borders.

As we approach the centenary of The Great War, Australia and the world will pause and find their own ways to explore the impact of this war on their lives and minds. Sydney Theatre Company has embarked upon an historic endeavour with the Australian Defence Force, taking the words and experiences of servicemen and women to create a unique, inspiring and unforgettable event.

British director Stephen Rayne and Australian writer Daniel Keene have shaped a powerful

piece of theatre, featuring military personnel recovering from physical and psychological injuries. These servicemen and women will perform alongside professional actors as part of a broader rehabilitation program that will assist their recovery. We open a door on their lives while deployed on operations and illuminate the challenges of their return to everyday life.

DIRECTOR: STEPHEN RAYNE DESIGNER: RENÉE MULDER LIGHTING DESIGNER: DAMIEN COOPER SOUND DESIGNER: STEVE FRANCIS

“So I signed up to do my part Gave body and soul, I gave my heart.

For the people I love and the people that care To do my duty and pay my share.”

– EXCERPT FROM ‘CHANGED MAN’

BY CORPORAL JAMES BROMLEY

Image: Australian Defence Force

Townsville Civic Theatre Friday 21 March, 7.30pm Regular adult price: $47

Townsville City Council in association with Artback NT: Arts Development and Touring present

DJUKI MALA (CHOOKY DANCERS) Directed and produced by Joshua Bond For over a decade, Dance innovators Djuki Mala have been exploring and re-establishing the notions of contemporary Aboriginal performance.

Hailing from Galiwin’ku Community (Elcho Island) in North East Arnhem Land, Djuki Mala have again teamed up with Creative Producer and Artistic Director Joshua Bond to create a show full of excitement for the whole family.

Djuki Mala continue to redefine the unique physical language they are known and loved for by marrying it with acrobatics and diverse flavours of dance and theatre, and their own keen sense of humour.

Djuki Mala promise audiences both laughter and insight. This is a rare opportunity to engage with performers from a very remote part of this vast and diverse country.

The Chookys present more to an audience than one could imagine possible. – THE HERALD SUN

Image: Wayne Quilliam

Townsville Civic Theatre Monday 28 April, 7.30pm Regular adult price: $47

Townsville City Council presents a Fred Smith Production

DUST OF URUZGAN In 2011, songwriter and diplomat Fred Smith returned from 18 months in Uruzgan Province, southern Afghanistan with a collection of songs he released as the album Dust of Uruzgan.

As our soldiers finally come home from Afghanistan, the Dust of Uruzgan show is a unique and important opportunity for an Australian public hungry to know what it was all about, and to understand the experiences of 20,000 young Australians who, for the last eight years, have struggled to make a difference in one of the poorest provinces of this warravaged country.

The show combines songs, humour, and commentary with a stunning set of projected photographs by military and civilian photographers. Smith was actually there and the stories he tells are of real people and events.

Poignant, educational, and at times humorous, Dust of Uruzgan is an enlightening and entertaining live music performance.

Warnings: Parental guidance recommended for children under 15. Contains themes of war.

However there are no disturbing pictures or stories and no adult language.

… the music of Fred Smith comes straight from the front line…raw, ribald, but also capable of moving grown men to tears.

– SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

Townsville Civic Theatre Wednesday 16 July, 8pm Regular adult price: $47

Townsville City Council presents

ROAD TRIP

By Damian Callinan Comedians Damian Callinan and Mickey D have packed the Tarago and are en route to your town to put on their show. Only problem is they don’t have a show … Yet!!

Road Trip takes their skill for localising material a step further….The whole show will be about Townsville!! But this isn’t just a stand-up show, the third player in the game is award winning documentary film maker, Charlie Hill-Smith.

It’s through his eyes that you’ll see how the lads spend their two days in your town before

bursting onto the stage with a 90 minute celebratory roast.

You’ll revel in seeing your world portrayed back at you, be confounded by the boys’ depth of local knowledge and be amazed by the lengths they’ll go to get a laugh - but they’ll keep the Tarago’s engine running just in case.

Warnings: Suitable for audiences over 15 years of age. Mild coarse language and mild adult themes.

Thanks for popping down and making us laugh at all the silly things that make our town a wonderful place to live! – AUDIENCE COMMENT

Townsville Civic Theatre Wednesday 23 July, 8pm Regular adult price: $47

Townsville City Council and Sydney Dance Company present

2 ONE ANOTHER From the internationally acclaimed Sydney Dance Company comes an exuberant, highoctane fusion of dance, language, sound and light from Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela.

Set against a pulsing, pixelated backdrop the piece thrums with a driving, baroque-meetselectronica soundtrack, penned by the able hand of composer Nick Wales. Shot through with the exquisite poetry fragments of Samuel Webster, this is dance at its most engaging and multi-dimensional.

Featuring some of the best dancers in the country, 2 One Another is an exuberant

celebration of the power of movement from a choreographer and a Company at the height of their powers.

Winner of 3 x 2013 Australian Dance Awards Winner of 2 x 2012 Green Rooms Awards Winner of 1 x 2012 Helpmann Award CHOREOGRAPHER: RAFAEL BONACHELA PRODUCTION AND COSTUME DESIGN: TONY ASSNESS LIGHTING DESIGN: BENJAMIN CISTERNE ORIGINAL MUSIC: NICK WALES TEXT: SAMUEL WEBSTER DURATION: 65 MINS NO INTERVAL WARNING: CONTAINS STROBE LIGHTING AND SMOKE EFFECTS.

Bonachela’s complex and everchanging movement vocabulary, combined with Sydney Dance Company’s gorgeous ensemble, equals a winning formula - The non-stop choreography bursts with invention.

– HERALD SUN

Townsville Civic Theatre Friday 29 and Saturday 30 August, 7.30pm Regular adult price: $47

Townsville City Council and Opera Queensland present

LA BOHÈME The most romantic opera of all time, La bohème appeals to devotees and newcomers alike.

Mimì’s love affair with the poet Rodolfo begins on a snowy Christmas Eve in Paris on the cusp of 1914, a year that changes the world forever.

Award winning theatre director Craig Ilott (Smoke & Mirrors) and designer Penny Challen have chosen that last optimistic winter – exactly one hundred years ago - as an electric moment to set Puccini’s beloved story of bohemian life. Popular conductor Richard Gill directs an ensemble of 13 musicians from

Queensland Symphony Orchestra in his own chamber orchestration of La bohème. This intimate and revealing new production stars some of Queensland’s most exciting young singers as a group of rent-dodging flatmates living and loving precariously on the edge of society.

FEATURING AN OPERA QUEENSLAND CHORUS FROM THE TOWNSVILLE COMMUNITY. SUNG IN ITALIAN WITH PROJECTED ENGLISH TRANSLATIONS.

This tour has received financial assistance from the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland’s Playing Queensland Fund – Boost to Touring.

These Bohemians are anarchic and full of life. Their courage, hope and passion are infectious. They are scoundrels of course, without a care for tomorrow - certainly not when there is wine to be had, a kiss to be stolen and emotions to express. We love them for it - and we reminisce. – CRAIG ILOTT (DIRECTOR)

Townsville Civic Theatre Wednesday 1 October, 7pm Regular adult price: $47

Townsville City Council and Queensland Ballet present

CINDERELLA Following a sold-out Brisbane season, Queensland Ballet’s beautiful Cinderella is set to spread a little magic in regional Queensland in 2014.

Given a glittering gown by her Fairy Godmother, Cinderella travels to the royal ball in a miraculous pumpkin coach. Making a dazzling entrance, she captures the attention of all and the heart of the Prince. Yet her beautiful dream must end at midnight, and in her haste

to depart, she leaves one jewelled slipper behind…

From the antics of the Ugly Stepsisters to the beauty of the wedding pas de deux, Ben Stevenson’s classic production Cinderella will entertain and charm adults and children alike.

CHOREOGRAPHER: BEN STEVENSON OBE COMPOSER: SERGEI PROKOFIEV

Photographer Alexia Sinclair Art Direction Alexia Sinclair and Designfront

Serves up the ideal balance to enchant children and adults alike – THE COURIER-MAIL

Townsville Civic Theatre Saturday 4 October, 8pm Regular adult price: $47

Townsville City Council presents a Bell Shakespeare Production

HENRY V It’s lonely at the top. When King Henry V is manipulated by church advisors, taunted by French royalty and betrayed by English nobles, he has all the ammunition he needs to lash out and invade France. Or does he?

Having executed conspirators, and vanquished enemy forces in Harfleur, Henry’s army is ‘weak and sickly’ as it staggers towards a showdown at Agincourt. The night before battle, the king endures a long dark night of the soul, where he hears first-hand about the fears and frailties of his outnumbered soldiers. But Henry holds one

last weapon: the power of words. And it may just save his men, his country and himself.

Damien Ryan’s courageous production of Henry V promises to be an unflinching examination of the questions that Shakespeare raises; about political spin, patriotism, religion, class, monarchy, brotherhood and how leaders respond during times of crisis.

BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE DIRECTOR: DAMIEN RYAN DESIGNER: ANNA GARDINER LIGHTING: DESIGNER SIAN JAMES-HOLLAND

This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body.

Bell Shakespeare is supported by the NSW Government through Arts NSW.

There’s a reason the name Bell Shakespeare has become synonymous with quality theatre.

– ARTSHUB

Townsville Civic Theatre 8-9 October, 7.30pm Regular adult price: $47

Townsville City Council presents

CIRCUS OZ Circus Oz plummets into the Townsville Civic Theatre with their latest thrilling show!

The brand spanking new 2014 Circus Oz show draws inspiration from the pre-digital, analog world and the subsequent exponential explosion of options, data and ideas. Before the world was swamped by slick and sharp sales teams, ready to sell you anything, advertising billboards were hand painted and a show could be pulled out of a wicker trunk.

With two hours of rollicking entertainment, there will be, as ever, strong women, stuntjumping flyers, death-defying aerialists and beautiful jugglers, a cranking live multi-skilled band, all with a subversive antipodean vaudeville and cabaret twist. With bold, flashy skills, electrifying live music, and that trademark irreverent spirit, Circus Oz 2014 will have you on your feet, roaring for more!

A blend of high energy acrobatics, juggling, magic, exuberant clowning and all around derring-do, accompanied by a pounding rock score. – NEW YORK POST

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE… In addition to our 2014 Theatre Season, Townsville City Council presents the following programs.

Morning Melodies Celebrate 30 years of Morning Melodies with friends at the Townsville Civic Theatre as council presents its biggest line-up in history. Enjoy a mixture of old favourites, classics acts and brand new star studded performers complimented by free morning tea before the show. Artists include: Jackie Love, Ian Stenlake, Little Pattie, Simon Gallaher, Rhonda Burchmore, Kamahl and 2 Grands 4 Hands.

Festival of One-Act Plays Now in its 22nd year the North Queensland Festival of One-Act Plays provides amateur actors and directors an opportunity to produce quality theatre for the enjoyment of live audiences. Twelve plays are scheduled for the weekend with everything from comedy and drama to satire, the experimental and the truly absurd. Townsville Civic Theatre 2-4 May.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow is back, with a big night of comedy from some of the world’s funniest comedians. A cast of intrepid travelling comedians is hitting the road, entertaining crowds all across Australia. Be part of the fun when they roll into the Townsville Civic Theatre on Tuesday 22 April, 8pm.

CHILDREN’S THEATRE PROGRAM The 2014 Children’s Theatre Program offers high calibre educational theatre experiences designed to engage with thought-provoking performances and stimulating activities. Teacher resources are available upon request.

Pete the Sheep Monkey Baa Theatre for Young People Townsville Civic Theatre

Monday 19 May, 6pm Tuesday 20 May, 9.30am and 11.30am

Controlled Falling Project This Side Up Acrobatics Townsville Civic Theatre

Friday 30 and Saturday 31 May, 7.30pm

The 13-Storey Treehouse Christine Dunstan Productions Townsville Civic Theatre

Wednesday 11 June, 6.00pm Thursday 12 June, 9.30am and 11.30am

Still Awake Still!

Jumpleads theatre Riverway Arts Centre

Tuesday 26 August, 9.30am and 12.30pm

Wombat Stew Gary Ginivan Townsville Civic Theatre

Thursday 4 September, 6.30pm Friday 5 September, 9.30am and 11.30am

Tickets

Single Tickets: $15 Group 10+: $12ea

RIVERWAY SESSIONS An intimate night of entertainment and food

An intimate venue that places you at its heart.

Artists who know their craft. Shows that challenge, entertain and absorb you. Great food and wine at your table throughout the show.

When you pull all these elements together you have Townsville’s exciting new cabaret season: Riverway Sessions.

Wind down with a drink in the newly furnished bar, listening to the pre-show entertainment, then relax the night away in the best cabaret style.

Arrive at 6pm for 7pm start.

RIVERWAY SESSIONS

THE COMPLETE WORKS OF GILBERT & SULLIVAN...

In 89 minutes All the Gilbert and Sullivan musicals in one hit show! Featuring songs and scenes from The Mikado, Lolanthe, Ruddigore, Pirates, Pinafore, The Sorcerer, Patience and more.

Riverway Arts Centre Friday 21 February, 7pm

RIVERWAY SESSIONS

HARMONIOUS Antonio Serrano Solar de Artistas (Australia) presents the first Australian tour of world renowned harmonica genius Antonio Serrano and his one man show “Harmonious�.

Effortlessly crisscrossing between the genres of Classical, Jazz, Blues, Pop, World and Flamenco, Antonio plays an eclectic repertoire of his own unique arrangements of melodies from film themes to folk songs,

Bach to Bacharach as well as his own original compositions. As each song is accompanied by its own story the maestro invites you into his life for one unforgettable night in a personal and intimate setting.

Riverway Arts Centre Friday 21 March, 7pm

RIVERWAY SESSIONS

THE MAGIC HOUR

By Vanessa Bates Directed by Chris Bendall Thought you knew Grimm’s fairy tales?

Think again. Little Red Riding Hood meets Trainspotting in this wicked retelling of classic bedtime stories.

Helpmann Award winner Ursula Yovich (Australia, Jindabyne, The Secret River) plays a cast of sideline female characters who’ve been updated and dropped into the gutters and alleyways of bleak Australian life.

From one of Australia’s most original

contemporary playwrights, Vanessa Bates, The Magic Hour is a gutsy one-woman comedy told with dark humour and soulful song. A night of stories told at twilight with werewolves and a touch of magic.

WARNINGS: UNSUITABLE FOR PEOPLE UNDER 14 DUE TO OCCASIONAL COARSE LANGUAGE, SEXUAL AND ADULT THEMES.

Riverway Arts Centre Friday 13 June, 7pm

Government of Western Australia Department of Culture and the Arts

WA

RIVERWAY SESSIONS

AN EVENING WITH GROUCHO Frank Ferrante recreates his New York, London and PBS triumph as the legendary Groucho Marx in this fast-paced comedy packed with songs, stories and inspired audience interaction.

Riverway Arts Centre Friday 11 July, 7pm

RIVERWAY SESSIONS

LIOR This is your chance to hear the acclaimed vocalist Lior in a manner harking back to archetypal ‘salon’ concerts; where both audience and performer share an evening enjoying the connection that only proximity can offer.

Lior is known for his dynamic and moving performances, and has earned a reputation as one of Australia’s finest live performers. He is

part of a rare breed of artists that has achieved a great degree of success and critical acclaim, whilst maintaining an independence and individuality in their craft.

Don’t miss the chance to see him in this oneoff intimate solo show!

Riverway Arts Centre Tuesday 15 July, 7pm

RIVERWAY SESSIONS

GRACE BARBE The Afro sounds of the Seychelles.

Seychelles Islander Grace Barbe is the real deal, a genuinely exotic world music star for the 21st century, with the talent, looks and voice to match. Grace’s soulful music reflects and celebrates the diverse cultural influences of her Indian Ocean heritage (African, Asian and European).

A colourful and energetic fusion of tropical rhythms with African percussion, reggae, pop, rock and Latin flavours, Grace’s “Afro-Kreol” sound is original, fresh and funky.

Riverway Arts Centre Wednesday 3 September, 7pm

RIVERWAY SESSIONS

VIBES VIRTUOSO Celebrated as one of the most exciting vibes players in the world today, Nick Parnell makes old music new again, injecting energy into a repertoire that might be familiar to some, but definitely inspirational to all. With a spirit of recklessness, Parnell takes one of the newest

of classical instruments and gives it a genrebending makeover.

Riverway Arts Centre Friday 10 October, 7pm