NORPA 2012

Railway Wonderland

admin — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 22:00:42 +0000

Performed live at the Lismore train station!

Railway stations are places of the heart, where life’s journeys begin and end, where hellos and goodbyes remain locked in time.

Four strangers take shelter in the fluorescent glare of a railway waiting room. They are waiting for a bus as the trains donít run any more. Their reasons for leaving are the stuff of melodramas, love, fame, to just run away, to go home one more time… The distant sound of a train whistle announces the arrival of a mysterious old woman who has come to catch the train. Is she an apparition, an angel, or mad or all three? The bus is delayed and the strangers are swept up into the old womanís tale of arrival as a young girl in a strange land and her search for belonging in a country town.

Take your seat under the stars as Railway Wonderland brings Lismore railway station back to life. Immerse yourself in a dreamy wonderland of strange encounters, wild stories, half-truths and bare-faced lies.

Featuring live music, a choir, laughter and romance – take a magical mystery ride across time and discover the extra in the ordinary.

Director: Julian Louis
Devisor/Writer: Janis Balodis
Devisor/Performers: Jo Turner, Johnny Nasser, Neridah Waters, Philip Blackman, Katia Molino
Composer/Musical Director: Michael Askill

Railway Wonderland has been developed through Generator, NORPA’s creative program producing original, home-grown works. Read more about the work at www.generator.org.au

Zombatland

admin — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 21:00:48 +0000

The hilariously inventive Suitcase Royale are back bringing you another masterfully-mad tale from the dusty-plains of the Australian outback.

Welcome to the Blue Lagoon Caravan Park, an idyllic paradise some-where in the dead heart of Australia. Wombats are the main attraction, loved by all, until something goes wrong, something goes very wrong! A mysterious disease has turned the Wombats into blood-thirsty demons.

Packed with smokin’ live music, junkyard sets and a caravan-full of The Suitcase Royale’s famous brand of twisted humour.

“Visionary, emancipated and transformational…A work of theatre achingly undiluted joins the soul of madcap anarchy found in the best of the Marx brothers to the self-sufficient purity found in travelling tent shows”.
Pittsburgh City Paper

“Like an inspired collaboration between Nick Cave and the League of Gentleman”
Time Out London

The Bugalugs Bum Thief

admin — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 20:00:51 +0000

A fast-paced musical comedy that will make you laugh your bum off!

Based on the book by Tim Winton

Skeeta Anderson’s got a problem – he’s woken up without his bum. He soon realises that he’s not the only one without a behind! All 496 citizens of the town of Bugalugs are BUMLESS! Along with his best mates, Mick Misery and Billy Marbles, Skeeta sets out on a side-splitting adventure to track down the culprit of the crime.

Monkey Baa’s hilarious adaptation of Tim Winton’s book, has toured across five states and territories, playing to over 100,000 young people. A decade later, this hysterical adventure returns to the stage for a new generation of young people and their families.

“Fantastic! The children loved it. They have not stopped talking about it or singing the songs. The actors were top class.”
Teacher Benalla West P.S Victoria

“We loved it. The smiles on the faces and their focus on the performers was worth bottling.”
Teacher East Ulverstone PS TAS

Director: John Saunders
Designer: Mark Thompson
Lighting Designer: Toby Knyvett
Adapted By: Eva Di Cesare, Sandra Eldridge and Tim McGarry

Bindjareb Pinjarra

admin — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 19:00:35 +0000

Created by The Pinjarra Project and Deckchair Theatre

Kelso, Pell and four other actors travel back to one of the bloodiest days in Western Australian history – the 1834 Pinjarra Massacre. Along the way, they reveal the glaring gaps in our knowledge of indigenous history. Geoff Kelso grew up in the 1960s, when the history of WA was taught from a short book that failed to include an Aboriginal perspective. For Kelton Pell, the name of his old school – Whiteside – said it all about the attitudes of the time.

At turns confronting and comical, this largely improvised production is played out in front of a dramatic backdrop painted by Nyoongar artist Tjyllyungoo (Lance Chad). A masterful fusion of history, comedy and physical theatre.

Created and performed by Nyoongar and Wadjella (whitefella) actors Isaac Drandic, Geoff Kelso, Sam Longley, Frank Nannup, Kelton Pell and Phil Thomson.

“The most effective vehicle for black-white reconciliation you’ll ever see” The Courier Mail

“Brilliant performances…a wonderful fusion of the comic with the tragic” Sydney Morning Herald

Les Ballet’s Eloelle ‘Men in Pink Tights’

admin — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:30:59 +0000

Rafter Entertainment presents

DIRECT FROM NEW YORK

LES BALLET’S ELOELLE

“Men in Pink Tights”

Making their World Premiere season in Australia, LES BALLET’S ELOELLE are bringing their new production “Men In Pink Tights” – the most spectacular, talented and hilarious all-male comedy ballet ever

From the thrilling pirouettes of the male dancers (in male and female costumes) with brilliant choreography to the side splitting humour, LES BALLET’S ELOELLE new show “Men in Pink Tights” is a show designed for the young and old.

The greatest troupe of its kind around the globe; LES BALLET’S ELOELLE features over fifty ballets in it’s repertoire and an array of the best international professional ballet dancers from thirteen nations.

These fine-looking and gorgeous soloists have executed with celebrated ballet company’s including New York Ballet, The American Ballet Theatre, the prestigious Royal Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet, The National Ballet of Canada, The Royal Swedish Ballet, Berlin State Opera Ballet, English National Ballet, Joffrey Ballet and Hong Kong Ballet.

The New York-based Company is led by Creative Director and Lead Dancer Victor Trevino, who was Artistic Director and Lead Dancer in 2007 with the hugely successful Australian and New Zealand tour of “Men in Tutu’s”.

LES BALLET’S ELOELLE “Men in Pink Tights” personifies the elemental parody of both classic and present-day ballet. The combining of magnificent dance proficiency, bantering and clamorous wittiness with designed mannerisms, dance misadventures and naturally outrageous hissy fits by gentlemen role playing both masculine and feminine personas (just about all of the gentlemen act, and in reality appear like beautiful ladies, although others are furry chested adult males with flapcake make-up but all stylish in tights and tutus) and dancing on perfect Pointe.

“Men in Pink Tights” Produces bang-up amusement and LOL “Laugh Out Loud” family entertainment for all. Be truly amazed.

“Artistically brilliant, absolutely hilarious”. – New York Post

“Brilliant, Brilliant, Brilliant”. – New York Daily Times

“It is not a drag show, but a brilliant artistic and comical send up of the world of dance”. – USA Today

Biddies

admin — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 18:00:13 +0000

A CDP Production

After CODGERS you told us it was time to hear from the ladies. So here come the Biddies!

Five ordinarily marvellous women find themselves back in the school classroom of their youth, plying their needles in a good old-fashioned session of “stitch and bitch”. Their confessions are frank, their rivalries intense and their jokes outrageous. They discover a common frustration with the limitations of being female and mature in a world still largely defined by men.

Accidentally locked in the classroom, with nothing but ingenuity, Adora Cream Wafers and a bucket to get them through the crisis, unknown reserves come to the fore. Released from their own constraints, they rediscover their capacity to love, forgive – and take control. If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!

Men see their wives, adult children see their mothers, grandchildren see Nana, and the mature Australian woman sees herself, as some of our most beloved actresses bring this delightful new comedy to life and laughter on the stage. You’ll laugh till you cry.

Vulnerable, feisty and in full bloom, these gals are everything… except old!

Written by Don Reid
Directed by Wayne Harrison
Cast includes Maggie Blinco, Annie Byron, Jeanie Drynan, Donna Lee, Linden Wilkinson

I, Bunyip

admin — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:00:50 +0000

Created by Erth Visual and Physical Inc.

Do you know what a bunyip is? Would you like to meet one?

If you were mesmerised by the life-like puppets from Erth’s Dinosaur Petting Zoo, you’ll love this new production. Developed in consultation with five Aboriginal communities, I, Bunyip portrays the mythical world of creatures from indigenous folklore.

Get ready to be taken on a journey through the mysterious heart of the Australian landscape. You will meet a host of charming creatures like nyols, yawk yawks and turongs, along with freshwater mermaids and mischievous tree-dwelling creatures.

Erth’s dinosaurs and dragons have transfixed children across the globe. Don’t miss this rare chance to meet I, Bunyip’s spirit creatures and embrace the stories that have been told since time began.

Scott Wright, Artistic Director of Erth says “These stories are part of people’s lives, the fabric of their communities and identity. We are privileged to have learnt and been given permission to share these special stories”.

“It’s a rare and pleasurable work that manages technical brilliance, cultural insight and enchantment all in one go”. Sydney Morning Herald

CIRCA

admin — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:00:58 +0000

Created by Yaron Lifschitzand the Circa Ensemble.

CIRCA is a thoroughly new kind of circus: daring, breathtaking, and cheeky.

This extraordinary troupe has left the high top and drum roll behind and stripped circus bare and its bold new vision is taking the world by storm. Rapturously acclaimed around the globe, from London to Berlin, Mandurah to Moranbah, this is movement at its most adventurous, but with a cabaret twist.

Combining high energy sound and innovative projections, seven of the world’s best perform jaw-dropping acrobatic feats. It’s dangerous and skilful, immediate and powerful, but above all, it’s intimate and real.

In high demand, Australia’s Circa are back for a limited time only between international tours. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience what the rest of the world is raving about.

“Knee-tremblingly sexy, beautiful and moving…”
The Guardian

“…in its sheer force of daring and corporeal ingenuity… it might become one of the Wonders of the World.”
The Arts Desk (UK)

Performed by Nathan Boyle, Jessica Connell, Daniel Crisp, Jarred Dewey, Todd Kilby, Alice Muntz, Brittanie Portelli
Artistic Director: Yaron Lifschitz
Associate Director: Ben Knapton
Producer: Diane Stern
Lighting Design: Jason Organ
Costume Design: Libby McDonnell

What A Man’s Gotta Do

admin — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 15:00:03 +0000

Written & performed by Andrew Horabin ASA Songwriter of the Year

When Adam’s Bucks spill out of a strip joint and right into Lucy’s Hens, there’s trouble. She says he’s never gonna grow up. Adam protests. Lucy gives him 24 hours to prove he’s a man – or the wedding is off!

Muzza and Gazza are not much help. They tell him she’s just a sheila and sheilas change their minds. But she’s not changing it back. And the hour of the wedding is fast approaching, leaving Adam asking: “What’s a man gotta do to be a man?”

With no formal initiation or rites of passage, these three young blokes must forge their own path into manhood. How lost will they get on the journey? What risks do they take in trying to initiate themselves? And will they make it back in time?

Spend a night with comedian and award-winning songwriter Andrew Horabin, laughing about sex, work, marriage, mateship, booze, coming of age, being a Dad and getting old without necessarily growing up.

Find out what a man’s gotta do to be a man in Lismore!

“brilliant… a sharp, satirical, witty one-man musical aimed at adults… up-to-the-minute, relevant to each community and very, very funny… you’ll wind up happier, better informed about modern blokes’ thinking – and awed by a unique talent.” Entertainment Geelong

The School For Wives

admin — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:00:33 +0000

Bell Shakespeare. A play by Molière.

Tied the knot with an older gentleman? Well start channelling your inner orphan. Think young, naïve – fresh from a nunnery. The more experienced man expects you to know your place – which, of course, is in the kitchen. Steer clear of trousers. He wears those. Instead opt for dresses and skirts in plain colours and keep hem and neck lines modest. A crisp apron adds a homely touch.

Falling in love is never easy. Take our hero for instance. Now here’s a guy who desperately wants to get married but is afraid that a smart woman will cheat on him. His ingenious solution? Enlist the help of a local convent to raise a girl so stupidly innocent that she won’t know the first thing about cheating – let alone the last. In his mind she will be ever-faithful. The perfect wife. But will she?

Following on from her success with Twelfth Night, Lee Lewis directs this fresh new translation of Molière’s comedic train-wreck of a love story, tangling innocence with arrogance – and the other way around.

Translated by Justin Fleming. Directed by Lee Lewis.