B A R K I N G G E C KO T H E AT R E
LET’S PLAY
ACKN OWL EDGMEN T OF COU NTRY Barking Gecko Theatre acknowledges the traditional owners of country throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to land and culture. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We are honoured to create our work on Whadjuk country, the ancestral lands of the Noongar people.
Working as the artistic leader of Barking Gecko Theatre for these past years has been a big, joyful masterclass in creativity. In this I have had many teachers but the most profound lessons have all come from children. My final season, for the company’s 30th year, has the fingerprints of children all over it. Each show is infused with their creative input and for this I am very grateful. After three years of development A Ghost in My Suitcase, our epic adventure set in a Chinese water town, will play the Sydney Opera House before coming home for Perth Festival. Finegan Kruckemeyer’s AWGIE award-winning play My Robot will spark up again for a Perth season, before rolling all over regional WA. And we are thrilled to be collaborating with Black Swan on a new Australian work of spoken-word poetry, Fully Sikh, featuring the prodigious talents of Perth performers Sukhjit Kaur Khalsa and Pavan Hari.
“ May what I do flow from me like a river, no forcing and no holding back, the way it is with children.”
RAINER MARIA RILKE
Our Creative Learning program is expanding yet again in 2019, in new and exciting ways: our weekly Gecko Ensembles for all ages will be humming with creativity from Kwinana to Kununurra, our Living Lectures will provoke passionate responses to Shakespeare in high schools round the state, while School DramaTM will give primary school teachers powerful tools to explore creativity in the classroom. It is with a buoyant heart that I hand over the Artistic Director role to the brilliant Luke Kerridge who is already working alongside our indomitable Executive Producer Helen Hristofski to develop work for 2020 and beyond. I am immensely proud of my time at Gecko since 2015 and I can’t wait to see how the company flourishes in the coming years. See you at the theatre!
Matt Edgerton Artistic Director
WELCOME Barking Gecko Theatre has been a cultural institution for the past 30 years in WA and is not only locally cherished, but a nationally significant theatre company.
Barking Gecko Theatre has delivered transformational theatrical productions and Gecko Ensemble experiences for 30 years. We aspire to grow our reach across Western Australia, Australia and the world to continue touring productions that are brave and respectful of young people’s capacities to understand and grapple with life’s big issues. Never has it been more important to create spaces for families to come together to talk and share experiences or via our Ensemble programs that support children to express, understand and value who they are in this complex world. I would like to acknowledge the work of our brilliant outgoing Artistic Director Matt Edgerton, and with much excitement welcome incoming Artistic Director Luke Kerridge. I hope you are as inspired and excited by the 2019 Season as we are. See you there! Bev East Chair Barking Gecko Theatre
The work of Barking Gecko in both metropolitan Perth and regional WA plays a great role in our community to bring theatre to everyone regardless of their background or where they live. In 2019, Barking Gecko Theatre continues to bring wonderful art to children and their families, with spectacular performances, the continuation of their Gecko Ensembles around WA and an innovative and engaging Creative Learning program. The State Government is proud to support Barking Gecko Theatre, its wonderful shows and creative learning program, and wish the company every success this year. Hon. David Templeman Minister for Local Government; Heritage; Culture and the Arts
At Woodside, we know the value of collaboration, innovation and creativity in developing vibrant, resilient and inclusive communities. As an Australian Energy company, these are the qualities that drive our success and they're the same qualities that have enabled Barking Gecko to achieve national recognition for their creative excellence. Woodside shares Barking Gecko Theatre's commitment to building stronger communities by introducing artistic development and creativity to audiences at a young age. Through our partnership, we’re also proud to be supporting the development of local West Australian artists.
Supporting the growth and development of young minds through creativity and adventure is essential in today’s world. It is a privilege to be the Cultural Ambassador for Barking Gecko who provide creative thinking and challenge throughout the array of activity they proudly develop. The value and contribution of actively engaging young minds through the arts should be revered across our community.
Barking Gecko’s vision of inspiration is to be commended for their contribution to the arts and our youth. I congratulate the entire team on the development of such an engaging and creative 2019 program. I hope you enjoy, learn and become inspired by it. Colin Pettit Commissioner for Children and Young People WA; Barking Gecko Theatre Ambassador
Since 2013, Woodside has supported Barking Gecko as Development Partner and we have witnessed their achievements grow from strength to strength. We are truly excited at what the future holds. Congratulations to outgoing Artistic Director Matt Edgerton and CEO & Executive Producer Helen Hristofski on an engaging program, and we welcome new Artistic Director Luke Kerridge to the Company. We hope you and your family will enjoy the 2019 program of work designed to engage and inspire our communities. Peter Coleman Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Woodside – Development Partner
12
COUNTRIES TOURED
171
PRODUCTIONS
Barking Gecko Theatre hatched in 1989 as Acting Out, a branch of WA Theatre Company’s theatre-ineducation program. After sprouting roots at the Subiaco Arts Centre, Barking Gecko evolved into an independent young people’s theatre company – mixing in-schools programmes with major theatrical productions. In the last 30 years Barking Gecko Theatre has become Western Australia’s longest running professional theatre company and established itself as an indispensable asset to the WA community. Today, Barking Gecko continues to touch children’s lives from Perth to Karratha to Edinburgh through the company’s deep commitment to creative learning and exquisite, award-winning theatre.
I N S PI R I N G A LIFE F U LL OF CURIOSIT Y, E MPATH Y AND PL AY.
15 , 000 HOURS
OF DRAMA WORKSHOPS FOR CHILDREN EVERY YEAR
5
HELPMANN AWARDS
REACHING ALMOST
1 MILLION CHILDREN
2019 SEASON PRODUCTIONS A GHOST IN MY S U ITCAS E MY ROBOT FULLY SI K H
“ Superb family theatre – a stylish, big-hearted and vibrant adaptation of a much-loved children’s book.”
THE AGE
“ A multi-generational show that explores cultural identity, A Ghost in My Suitcase is beautifully realised in theatrical form.”
ARTSHUB
Barking Gecko Theatre’s
A GHOST IN MY SUITCASE BY GABRI EL L E WA NG
ADAPTED FOR STAGE BY VA NE S SA B ATE S
AUT HOR
Gabrielle Wang PL AYWRIG HT
Vanessa Bates CO -DIRECTORS
Ching Ching Ho & Matt Edgerton S ET & COST UME DESIG NER
Zoë Atkinson L I GHT ING DESIGNER
The spirits you carry, they carry you too. Travel from contemporary Australia to cosmopolitan Shanghai and to the misty byways of rural China in the enchanting family mystery A Ghost in My Suitcase. Twelve-year-old Celeste arrives in China to scatter her mother’s ashes, but in no time flat she’s thrust into a world of magic and myth. Her grandmother has carried on the family tradition of ghost catching and Celeste finds she too has a knack for the hair-raising pursuit.
Matthew Marshall CO MPOSER & S OUND DESIG NER
Rachael Dease MEDIA ART IST
Sohan Ariel Hayes
A Ghost in My Suitcase is a visually spectacular adaptation of Gabrielle Wang’s award-winning novel by Vanessa Bates. Featuring a female-led ensemble of Asian-Australian actors in a heart-warming adventure that will appeal across cultures and through generations.
CAST
Alice Keohavong Amanda Ma Yilin Kong Frieda Lee Imanuel Dado
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government’s Major Festivals Initiative, managed by the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body, in association with the Confederation of Australian International Arts Festivals Inc., Perth Festival, Melbourne Festival and Sydney Festival.
S U ITABLE
S Y DN E Y F EST I VA L
P E R T H F EST I VA L
for children aged 7+
9 – 19 January 2019
26 February – 8 March 2019
Drama Theatre, Sydney Opera House
Heath Ledger Theatre, State Theatre Centre of WA
BOO K IN G S
B OO K I NG S
sydneyfestival.org.au
perthfestival.com.au
DU RATIO N
75 mins, no interval
Barking Gecko Theatre’s
MY ROBOT BY FI N EGAN KRUCK E M E Y E R
PL AYWRIG HT
Finegan Kruckemeyer DI RECTOR
Matt Edgerton S ET & COST UME DESIG NER
Isla Shaw L I GHT ING DESIGNER
Chris Donnelly CO MPOSER & S OUND DESIG NER
James Luscombe R O B OT DESIG NER
Steve Berrick CAST
Marlanie Haerewa St John Cowcher Sarah Nelson
A play about making new friends – literally! When Ophelia moves with her family to the seaside, she’s not impressed. She doesn’t like the beach, misses her old home and thinks the people in this town are pretty strange. She feels like she’s missing a piece of herself. As she unpacks she finds a strange box full of parts with a curious note attached that reads ‘You. Make. Me.’ Ignoring her father’s warnings about the dangers of her ingenious inventions, she sets to work and builds herself a new robot friend, naming her Olivetti. Together they take on the local bully and start making new friends. But are they smart and brave enough to take on a daring rescue at sea? Barking Gecko Theatre’s AWGIE award-winning My Robot reminds us that we are all made up of different parts, and that when we feel less than whole we can find – or make – a part that fits. A story bursting with special robot tricks, laughter and bewildered parents, My Robot is a must see for all families.
S U ITABLE
P E RTH
R EG I O NA L WA TO UR
for children aged 4+
1 – 14 July 2019
19 July – 2 August 2019
Studio Underground, State Theatre Centre of WA
Albany, Margaret River, Bunbury, Mandurah, Merredin
BOO K ING S
5 – 10 September 2019
ptt.wa.gov.au
Port Hedland, Karratha
DU RATIO N
55 mins, no interval
“ What lies at its heart is a beautiful, poetic tale about acceptance.”
SUBIACO POST
“ This is children’s theatre at its best.”
SEESAW MAGAZINE
A Barking Gecko Theatre & Black Swan State Theatre Company co-production
FULLY SIKH BY SUKH JI T KAU R K HA LSA
PL AYWRIG HT
Sukhjit Kaur Khalsa DI RECTOR
Matt Edgerton DRA MAT URG
Clare Watson S ET & COST UME DESIG NER
I’m not the one that’s a freak, I’m fully Sikh. Sukhjit Kaur Khalsa shot to fame in Australia and around the world with her poetry on Australia’s Got Talent. But before she went viral, Sukhjit was a brown, hairy Sikh girl growing in the Perth suburbs. Fully Sikh is her story.
Pavan Hari
The show is a heartfelt and hilarious poetic procession through Sukhjit’s life, her family and her faith, all told through her trademark lyrical flow. Fully Sikh will be a sensory feast for audiences, full of music, dance, poetry and food.
PERFORMER
The first Aussie Sikh story to hit our stages, this is a unique and unmissable show.
Isla Shaw CO MPOSER
Sukhjit Kaur Khalsa MUSICIAN
Pavan Hari
S U ITABLE
P E RT H
for children aged 12+
10 – 27 October 2019
DU RATIO N
Est. 60 mins, no interval
Studio Underground, State Theatre Centre of WA BOO K I NG S
bsstc.com.au
WHERE WE’LL BE GOING IN 2019
KUNUNURRA PERTH PORT HEDLAND MANDURAH KARRATHA BUNBURY SYDNEY MARGARET RIVER MERREDIN ALBANY
“ Drama engages children in the big questions in life.”
PROFESSOR ROBYN EWING AM
P R I MA RY S C HOO L EN GAGEMEN T
SCHOOL DRAMA ™ In partnership with Sydney Theatre Company School Drama connects artists with teachers to build their creative capacity and in doing so, support children’s academic learning and social development. Founded in 2009, it is with great enthusiasm that Barking Gecko will facilitate the program in Western Australia. The primary focus is on the individual teacher’s professional learning. With this in mind, Barking Gecko Theatre will match each classroom teacher with a Barking Gecko Teaching Artist. Together they undertake a unique co-mentoring partnership, in schools across 7 weeks. Through quality literature, proven drama strategies and experienced Teaching Artists, School Drama enables children to dive into stories in a creative way, as their teachers gain valuable and sustainable professional learning.
“ School Drama was highly engaging, practical and the best professional learning I have been involved in throughout my 15 years of teaching. I cannot recommend this program highly enough.”
LISA PHILLIPS, MANLY VALE PUBLIC SCHOOL
Since its inception by Sydney Theatre Company and University of Sydney, School Drama has reached over 27,000 children and teachers across Australia, and has been the subject of significant academic studies demonstrating that the program: F UR T HER I NF O R M AT I O N
Increases student academic achievement in literacy and English
Results in significant improvements in class collaboration
Improves student confidence
Creates positive shifts in empathy
Increases student engagement and motivation
To register your school, contact Barking Gecko Theatre at learning@barkinggecko.com.au. In 2019, School Drama is available in metropolitan Perth only. Investment is being sought to reach regional children and teachers. If you can support a regional School Drama role, please contact us at development@ barkinggecko.com.au.
“ It really brought the performance to life for the students and the analysis and presentation of scenes greatly assisted in their understanding of the plays.�
LIVING LECTURE TEACHER
SECON DARY SCH OOL E NGAGE M E NT
LIVING LECTURES Shakespeare’s Toolkit
From Macbeth’s dagger to Juliet’s balcony to Hamlet’s skull, Shakespeare has given us some of the most iconic and enduring images in world theatre. Shakespeare’s Toolkit gives students powerful tools to understand and interpret these moments, tools that will unlock any play, scene or speech in the canon. This concentrated two-hour session will combine performances from Perth’s best actors with in-depth analysis covering language, character, theatrical devices, performance history and artistic intention. Living Lecture's have a strong emphasis on interpretation with replays of key scenes and discussions about staging throughout history. Students will explore how the big ideas in these stories connect with themselves. Shakespeare’s Toolkit runs as an incursion and incorporates performed scenes from Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth and Hamlet. The content is applicable to any of Shakespeare’s plays. The most important aspect of Living Lecture is the genuine enthusiasm and confidence students gain in their study of Shakespeare.
S U ITABLE
M E TR O PO L I TA N SC HOO L S
R E G I O NA L WA TO UR
Years 8+
29 July – 9 August 2019
12 – 31 August 2019
Term 3 (Week 2 & 3)
Term 3 (Week 4–6)
BOO K I NG S
Please contact learning@ barkinggecko.com.au if you are interested in having a Living Lecture program at your school.
DU RATIO N
1 hr 45 mins + 15 mins Q&A or Specialist Focus.
learning@ barkinggecko.com.au
P RO U D L Y SUP P O R T E D B Y
“ I feel happy. I just do.”
LITTLE GECKO ENSEMBLE MEMBER
“ Confidence in myself and who I am has skyrocketed.”
SENIOR GECKO ENSEMBLE MEMBER
“ I can be anyone or anything.”
JUNIOR GECKO ENSEMBLE MEMBER
Photography by Louise Coghill
GECKO ENSEMBLES Barking Gecko Theatre’s Gecko Ensembles are our weekly drama sessions where children come together to explore their creativity in a joyful, safe and supportive environment. Gecko Ensembles are a place for young people to take creative risks and explore the full extent of their expressive potential through drama. Content is age-appropriate and helps to develop self-expression, self-confidence, empathy and literacy and performance skills. Performance outcomes at the end of each term give parents and friends an insight into the fabulous ideas that our Gecko Ensembles have explored.
G E C KO E NSEM B L ES
Terms 1–4 during the year L OCAT I O NS
• Nedlands • Kalamunda • Midland • Kununurra
• Subiaco • Kwinana • Karratha
Gecko Ensembles are taught by the finest teaching artists in WA. They are industry professionals passionate about working with young people and extending their minds and imaginations.
B OO K I NG S A ND I NF O R M AT I O N
L ITTL E GECKOS
J UNIO R G E CKO S
S E N I O R G E C KO S
5 – 7 years
8 – 12 years
13 – 17 years
The Little Gecko Ensembles are all about learning through creative play, exploring stories and characters and continuing to foster their curious and courageous imaginations.
The Junior Gecko Ensemble is the perfect place for participants to have fun and lose themselves in the joy of drama skills. The Junior Geckos extend their mind, body and imagination as they work as an ensemble to develop new creative ideas and respond to topics presented by Barking Gecko’s Teaching Artists.
The Senior Gecko Ensemble has a fundamental focus on the discipline of acting and professional practice. Over the course of the year the Senior Gecko Ensemble will work on a variety of fundamentals including devising, performance techniques, script interpretation and character development.
The Junior Gecko Ensemble has a focus on exploring creativity, testing boundaries and ideas all while learning new drama skills.
The Senior Gecko Ensemble is a place where like-minded young people come together in a safe and supportive environment where they can push their capabilities as an ensemble.
In this environment children develop confidence in their physical, vocal and imaginative expression through a creatively charged learning environment, as well as having a core focus on ensuring social and emotional wellbeing, building empathy and curiosity.
learning@barkinggecko.com.au or visit barkinggecko.com.au
MAKE A DONATION –
Inspiring a life full of curiosity, empathy and play.
Barking Gecko Theatre premieres two new productions annually and tours these shows around the state, the country and overseas. Children in Perth or Karratha or Albany experience the same awardwinning productions that also tour to the Sydney Opera House and beyond.
Alongside Barking Gecko’s theatre productions is the company’s deep commitment to creative learning and social outreach. At a grassroots level Barking Gecko delivers over 15,000 hours of drama workshops for WA children aged 4 – 18 across the vast state of WA every year.
Over the past 30 years the company has delivered over 100 original Western Australian productions, toured 12 countries and reached almost 1 million children.
Demand for our productions and programs continue to grow. We ask you to please consider supporting the work of the company so we can reach children wherever they gather. Please join our supporting cast and ensure every Western Australian child can access the wonder and imagination that is Barking Gecko Theatre.
“ My child has suffered from anxiety and seen a psychologist, but really, the community can be saving themselves a lot of money if they invest more in the arts. Having a professional organisation like Barking Gecko legitimise creativity – play – the stuff that makes kids happy does make a difference.”
JUNIOR GECKO ENSEMBLE PARENT
SUPPORT US Contact Barking Gecko Theatre to support WA’s leading theatre company for children, on (08) 6212 9399 or gecko@barkinggecko.com.au All donations over $2 are tax deductable.
DONATE ONLINE AT
barkinggecko.com.au or call us today!
Where does the money go?
98¢
GOES TO OUR PROGRAMS
2¢
GOES TO ADMIN
For every $1 donated, 98 cents goes directly to Barking Gecko Theatre’s programs.
Our Story Barking Gecko Theatre has created exquisite award-winning productions for 30 years, making it WA’s longest running theatre company. During this time, Barking Gecko has created exquisite productions, with a history of innovation and excellence making it an indispensable asset to Western Australia. And we’re just getting started! Join us and play a special part in Barking Gecko’s legacy to secure the next 30 years of story telling.
LET’S PLAY
“ All children deserve great art, regardless of where they live. At the moment, Barking Gecko reaches one in nine children in WA. Our goal is to reach every child in the state with exquisitely crafted theatre. But we can’t do it without your help.”
MATT EDGERTON, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
B A RK ING GE C KO T H EATRE
CREATIVE COLLABORATIONS Supporting WA Artists
F R E SH IN K
W INT E R NIG HT S
SAV E T H E C H I L D R E N
Barking Gecko Theatre is proud to partner with Australian Theatre for Young People (atyp) to bring Fresh Ink to WA. Fresh Ink is a national mentoring program that has supported more than 50 emerging playwrights. Fresh Ink is the only program of its kind in Australia, and is designed to create opportunities for committed and talented individuals to help bridge the gap into professional practice.
Barking Gecko Theatre is thrilled to partner with The Blue Room Theatre to support a unique opportunity for an independent Perth theatre artist with an interest in developing a theatre show for children. Together The Blue Room Theatre and Barking Gecko Theatre join forces to support WA artists while broadening the landscape of children’s theatre makers.
Barking Gecko Theatre and Save the Children partner to create a bespoke drama program with a cohort of young people who are participating in the Youth Intervention Partnership. With the support of services and not-forprofits, the Youth Intervention Partnership aims to improve outcomes for young people with complex needs through the planning and delivery of community services.
Fresh Ink is a 12-month program that pairs 4 emerging playwrights with a mentor for a series of workshops that will result in a 15 minute and 30 minute script that will be rehearsed with a professional cast.
During a creative development the artist is given guidance from Barking Gecko Theatre’s Artistic Director Luke Kerridge. The collaboration between The Blue Room Theatre and Barking Gecko Theatre culminates in the presentation of a work-inprogress showing of the new work in the Studio as a part of Winter Nights.
“ Totally unique in Perth’s landscape for emerging artists, incredibly generous, with support from incredible industry directors, writers and actors.”
SCOTT MCARDLE, 2017 FRESH INK WRITER
Through this partnership students and Teaching Artists collaborate on a creative project resulting in the exploration of their own creativity and imaginations, while developing skills such as emotional identification, selfconcept, impulsivity and working memory.
THANK YOU
Barking Gecko Theatre would like to acknowledge and thank the following individuals and foundations who have demonstrated their deep and enduring engagement with Barking Gecko Theatre.
Their support has helped build the theatre company we are today. DON O RS
O UR T E AM
$5,000 +
C H AIR
Tim & Leonie Baldock Bev East Peter & Elizabeth Moore The Girgensohn Foundation
Bev East
$1,000 - $4,999 Tim McInnis Hristofski Family
Up to $999 Greg Caust Crocker-Bisset Family Dr Barry Green Halley Family Scotch College Beverley Shellbourne Stepatschuk Family Cherry Wild Anonymous (2) Donations to Barking Gecko Theatre are recognised for 12 months from the date of donation. This listing is current as of 20 November 2018.
BOARD M E M BE RS
Fran Ferreira Greg Caust (Deputy Chair) Jeanette Roberts (Company Secretary) Nicholas Creed Rachel McDonald Tim McInnis C E O & E X E C U TIVE P RO DU C E R
Helen Hristofski ARTIS TIC DIRE C TO R
Matt Edgerton (until March 2019) Luke Kerridge (from January 2019) FIN AN C E MAN AG E R
Joy Crocker E D U CATIO N MAN AG E R
Hannah Smith DE VE LO P M E N T MAN AG E R
Sue Stepatschuk
M ARK E TING & D E VE LO P M ENT COO RDIN ATO R
Aimee Hughes P RO D U C TIO N M A NAG E R
Michael Maclean S TAG E MANAG E R
T HA NK YO U
Dr Richard Walley Andrew Portwine Circuitwest Perth Festival Alice Jorgensen and the State Theatre Centre of WA team
Emily Stokoe
T HA NK YO U TO T HE V E NUES A ND STA F F T HAT SUPP O R T O UR G EC KO ENSEM B L ES:
TE AC H IN G A R T I ST S
The University of WA
Anna Brockway Christie Sistrunk Clare Moore Georgia King Giulia Petrocchi Mark Storen Megan Wood-Hill Michelle Hall Renato Fabretti Stevie Cruz-Martin Vicky Biorac
Kalamunda Performing Arts Centre Koorliny Arts Centre Subiaco Arts Centre Red Earth Arts Precinct Midland Junction Arts Centre Kununurra District High School T HA NK YO U TO A L L O F T HE WO ND E R F UL P HOTOG R A PHE R S W HO CA PT UR ED O UR JO UR NE Y OV ER T HE PAST 3 0 Y E A R S.
N ATIO N AL A R T I ST I C ADVIS O RY G R O UP
Damien Ryan Finegan Kruckemeyer Joanna Erskine Rachel McDonald Tim McGarry Tim Watts G RAP H IC D ESI G N
Clarity Communications
Details in this brochure are correct at the time of publication. Barking Gecko Theatre reserves the right to add, withdraw or substitute artists and to vary the program and prices.
PARTNERS
Barking Gecko Theatre celebrates
To learn more about our partnerships and to discuss opportunities for your business, contact, development@barkinggecko.com.au or call (08) 6212 9399.
the support of our valued partners.
DEV ELOPMENT PA RT NER
GOV ER NMENT SUPPORT
MAJ OR PA RT NER
CO RP O RATE S P O N S O RS
BUS I NES S SUPPORT ERS
AR TI STI C COLL AB ORATORS
CircuitWest
A Ghost in My Suitcase
Fresh Ink
Fully Sikh
School Drama
Regional WA Touring
Winter Nights
VI S I T U S
Level 1 178 William Street Northbridge, WA 6003
CO NTACT U S
(08) 6212 9399 gecko@barkinggecko.com.au barkinggecko.com.au
S TAY CO NNECTED
ACN 052 424 683
ABN 23 052 424 683