“Perth’s most exciting theatre company right now.” The West Australian
MESSAGE FROM OUR ARTISTIC DIRECTOR 2013 at Barking Gecko is about diversity, friendship and re-invention. Uncosy tales, familiar titles, loud teenagers and Australia’s most famous pelican are some of the ingredients that give our season its inspiration. They’re as mischievous as they are fun, as challenging as they are life-affirming and always a leap into the unknown. Each story has been chosen for its bravery, questioning, humour, daring and ability to allow the imagination to explore far beyond our day-to-day lives. Each is designed to invigorate, challenge and inspire our ongoing dialogue with audiences of young people, teenagers, schools and families. In 2013 we make some new friends and continue to partner old friends - or not so old, as the case may be! Our adaptation of Wolf Erlbruch’s award winning, delicate and humorous tale, Duck, Death and the Tulip, continues our fertile partnership with the Perth International Arts Festival and new production partner Macquarie Private Wealth (WA). In April, Shakespeare comes to a new generation with the Shakespeare Series, an ongoing collaboration with WAAPA. Each year we will reinvent and unpick Shakespeare’s works to make it relevant and accessible to our young audiences. In 2013 we present the play with the lot, Hamlet. After a controversial, sellout debut in PIAF’s 2012 festival and a Helpmann Award nomination, Driving Into Walls takes the voices of our WA teens on tour to the Sydney Opera House and Riverside Theatre in Parramatta. We are thrilled to end the year in partnership with Sydney Theatre Company to present one of the most heartfelt and extraordinary friendships in Australian literature, Storm Boy. With Trevor Jamieson and Peter O’ Brien, Storm Boy will premiere in Sydney and close in Perth in October. 2012 saw BGTC firmly place itself on the national stage with 2 sold-out seasons in the Perth International Arts Festival. We gained international recognition and celebrated 5 Helpmann Award nominations for The Red Tree and Driving into Walls. Significantly, 2013 sees us regain the generous support from the Australia Council, allowing us to keep developing the important work for you, our audience. In 2013, we look forward to continuing our growth, success and creative partnerships, old and new, with some of the best theatre companies and artists this country has to offer. But most of all we look forward to presenting you with theatre that is alive, fertile, tender and explosive - theatre where the experience outlasts the event. John Sheedy
MESSAGE FROM OUR PATRON PROFESSOR FIONA STANLEY AC “As Patron of Barking Gecko, I have been thrilled to see the significant transformation in the company’s artistic direction. Productions are at a level of international excellence, which, for WA, is quite wonderful. I am inspired by how profoundly these productions are successfully targeting the neglected “middle years” of childhood when young people are needing to be heard, still nurtured, reassured and supported along their pathways into adulthood. The new directions at Barking Gecko fulfill these needs superbly well and I look forward to what’s in store for 2013.”
MESSAGE FROM OUR AMBASSADOR CRAIG SILVEY, AUTHOR “As a writer, I aspire to create a world that my readers can escape into and explore. Theatre, however, is a more transformative means of sharing stories. It feels real. As an audience, we’re watching slices of life play out in ways that connect us and help us understand each other. It’s so vital that children have the opportunity to absorb stories in this way, and Barking Gecko continues to create these opportunities for young people to share human experiences and encourage dialogue via the stage. I am proud to be part of a company that nurtures and inspires and values its audience, many of whom have not previously experienced the magic of theatre.”
BARKING GECKO TEAM
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR JOHN SHEEDY GENERAL MANAGER NATHAN GILES PRODUCTION MANAGER GENEVIEVE JONES MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER MICHELLE WEALL EDUCATION & WORKSHOP MANAGER MICHAEL DALY FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATOR JOY CROCKER MARKETING OFFICER ROBBYN BRACKNELL ASSOCIATE PRODUCER JENNY VILA-KARPE
BOARD
CHAIR PATRIA JAFFERIES DIRECTORS MONIQUE BEAUDOIRE ANDREW CARR NICHOLAS CREED DREW DYMOND LEE LEWIS ROGER MARTIN STEPHEN MOLONEY
BARKING GECKO THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS A BARKING GECKO THEATRE COMPANY AND PERTH INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL PRODUCTION
DUCK, DEATH AND THE TULIP BY WOLF ERLBRUCH ADAPTED AND DIRECTED FOR THE STAGE BY JOHN SHEEDY
Adapted from the picture book by award winning German illustrator and author, Wolf Erlbruch, Duck, Death and the Tulip offers a thoughtful, tender and intriguing perspective on a sensitive subject not often explored in children’s theatre. In a strangely heart-warming story, a duck strikes up an unlikely friendship with Death… Barking Gecko’s stunning adaptation features a live orchestra composing an original score bringing to life the story of Duck, Death and the Tulip in an elegant, straightforward and, above all, life-affirming way. “Who are you? Why are you creeping along behind me?” “Good. You’ve finally noticed me,” said Death. “I am Death.” Duck was scared stiff. You could hardly blame her for that. SUITABLE for 5+ DURATION 50 minutes no interval SUBIACO ARTS CENTRE 8th February – 16th February EDUCATION Term 1 / Week 2 Years 1 – 12
Director John Sheedy Set and Costume Designer Alicia Clements Lighting Designer Trent Suidgeest Sound Designer Kingsley Reeve Video Designer Chris More Musical Director Tristan Parr with George Shevtsov and Ella Hetherington A CO-PRODUCTION WITH
All bookings through Ticketek www.ticketek.com.au 1300 795 012 Ticketek group bookings 1300 364 001 groupbookings@ticketek.com.au
A Perth International Arts Festival Event
BARKING GECKO THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS A BARKING GECKO THEATRE COMPANY AND WESTERN AUSTRALIAN ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS PRODUCTION
HAMLET BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE DIRECTED BY JOHN SHEEDY
Murder. Betrayal. Love. Politics. Revenge. Hamlet is Shakespeare’s most performed play. It is estimated that every minute of the day, it is being staged somewhere around the world. In 2013, we introduce the first production in our Shakespeare Series as part of our collaboration with WAAPA. Director John Sheedy, working with the next breed of emerging talent from WAAPA, will offer a fresh, contemporary interpretation of Shakespeare’s most famous protagonist.
“The Play’s the thing. Wherein I will catch the conscience of the King.” - Hamlet, Act 2, Scene 2
SUITABLE for 13+ DURATION 2 hours plus interval
with WAAPA 3rd Year Acting, Production and Design Students
SUBIACO ARTS CENTRE 16th March – 22nd March EDUCATION Term 1 / Week 7 Years 8 – 12
A CO-PRODUCTION WITH
All bookings through Ticketek www.ticketek.com.au 1300 795 012 Ticketek group bookings 1300 364 001 groupbookings@ticketek.com.au
Post performance Shakespeare Workshops available. Contact the Education & Workshops Manager for further details, education@barkinggecko.com.au or (08) 9380 3080
“THERE ARE VOICES WAITING TO BE HEARD AND THIS PRODUCTION IS A LOUD, HIGH-IMPACT START.” Robin Pascoe, The West Australian
DRIVING INTO WALLS WE ASKED. YOU TOLD US.
After its 2012 sellout season, Driving Into Walls takes the voices of Western Australian teenagers to the national stage at the Sydney Opera House and Riverside Theatre in Parramatta. Making out, fighting, laughing, dancing and confessing … drawn from over 500 starkly honest and highly confidential interviews with Western Australian teens, this intimate and confronting play draws back the curtain on what it means to be young in our modern, media-driven society. Five teenagers walk an emotional tightrope of online and offline relationships, colliding with one another and driving into the walls built around them. Nominated for a 2012 Helpmann Award, this daring, immersive production gives a raw and voyeuristic view of their deepest secrets, rages, anxieties and hopes. WARNING Includes exclusion, racism, sexuality, absent parents, bullying, violence, drug references, coarse language and most shockingly – kissing. “…engaging and challenging theatre specifically targeting adolescent audiences is rare. We have discussed the show at length and all gained so much from the process.” Teacher, Applecross Senior High School “Driving into Walls is raw theatre, emotive and confrontational. This is the best type of theatre, one that challenges, evokes, engages and makes you sit up and pay attention.” Anna Locke, Australian Stage SUITABLE for 13+ DURATION 60 minutes no interval RIVERSIDE THEATRE, PARRAMATTA 13th June – 14th June SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE 19th June – 21st June
Director John Sheedy Writer Suzie Miller Choreographer Danielle Micich Lighting Designer Matt Marshall Sound Designer Kingsley Reeve Digital Artist Sohan Ariel Hayes Costume Designer Alicia Clements with Peter Fares, Riley Lange, Thalia Livingstone, Michael Smith, Matt Tupper
The development of Driving Into Walls was supported by Perth International Arts Festival Vital Stages program
SUPPORTED BY
BARKING GECKO THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS A BARKING GECKO THEATRE COMPANY AND SYDNEY THEATRE COMPANY PRODUCTION
STORM BOY BY COLIN THIELE ADAPTED FOR THE STAGE BY TOM HOLLOWAY DIRECTED BY JOHN SHEEDY
Colin Thiele’s Storm Boy has to be one of Australia’s best loved stories for young people. A boy’s last childhood summer before beginning the long trek to adulthood is spent with his reclusive dad Hideaway Tom in the wild freedom of South Australia’s Coorong. Storm Boy roams the savage landscape, navigating the waters and searching for debris and wildlife. Along the way he picks up some unlikely friends including the enigmatic Fingerbone Bill and a family of orphaned pelicans, including his favourite, Mr Percival. The book and the film both reached huge audiences, and we are now thrilled to partner with Sydney Theatre Company to bring this moving tale to the stage in Sydney and Perth. Whether you are returning to the story as an adult, or introducing it to a new generation, we look forward to sharing with you afresh the wonder, sadness and hope of this homegrown classic.
‘A wonderful thing is the pelican. His beak can hold more than his belly can.’ Dixon Lanier Merritt SUITABLE for 6+ DURATION 1hr 20 mins no interval HEATH LEDGER THEATRE STATE THEATRE CENTRE OF WA 21st September – 5th October EDUCATION Term 3 / Week 10 Years 1 - 12
Director John Sheedy Adaptor Tom Holloway Designer Michael Scott-Mitchell Lighting Designer Damien Cooper Sound Designer Kingsley Reeve Visual Designer Mic Gruchy Puppet Director Peter Wilson with Trevor Jamieson and Peter O’Brien STC Commissioning Patron: Gretel Packer
All bookings through Ticketek www.ticketek.com.au 1300 795 012 Ticketek group bookings 1300 364 001 groupbookings@ticketek.com.au
A CO-PRODUCTION WITH
EDUCATION PROGRAM PRESENTED BY HEALTHWAY, SMARTER THAN SMOKING
Our education program is developed to support teachers by creating unique opportunities to enhance student learning, inspire classroom conversation and provide an access point into the world of the performing arts. In 2013, we will bring dedicated performances, workshops and incursions to schools throughout WA. Schools taking part in our program have access to educational resources, exclusive access to online content, discounted tickets for students and teachers and opportunities for professional development.
For more information on our education program visit www.barkinggecko.com.au/education
BGTC WORKSHOP PROGRAM Barking Gecko’s workshop program is designed to allow children and young people to explore their creative side. Our tutors create vibrant sessions that encourage the uniqueness of each student developing self confidence, team building skills and nurturing a love of the performing arts. All tutors are professionally trained and currently working in the arts.
BGTC TERM WORKSHOPS Acting Up 7 – 10 years Each term, tutors focus on a certain area of the performing arts encouraging students to think and play creatively and use their imaginations to explore fantastical scenes and characters. Acting Up is a perfect introduction into the world of the performing arts. Skilling Up 11 – 13 years Designed for students who have an interest in the performing arts, Skilling Up looks at all facets of a performance. These workshops are an exciting creative development for students, both individually and collaboratively. Acting Intensive 14 – 17 years Acting Intensive helps to prepare students to take the next step in performing arts. Helping to build self confidence through the opportunity to work with experienced actors in the industry, students develop essential skills in acting for the stage and screen. SUBIACO ARTS CENTRE Saturday mornings during school term
SCHOOL HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS Barking Gecko School Holiday Workshops take children on a fun and creative journey. We work with industry specialists - from directors to stage combat choreographers, to build self confidence, team building and performance skills in a social and fun environment. SUBIACO ARTS CENTRE During the April, July and October school holidays over two days
SPECIALIST WORKSHOPS Barking Gecko has a range of workshops suitable for schools, community groups and vacation care providers. The active participation in workshops develops skills such as confidence, expression, problem solving and teamwork - all essential attributes for developing young people. Specialist workshops can be adapted for specific age groups and abilities and can be presented ‘in-house’ or at the Subiaco Arts Centre.
STORY INC. Story Inc. is a joyous exploration of the world of children’s literature. In 2013, a cast of characters take 2 – 5 year olds on an imaginative journey as stories are read from one of our children’s classics, inspiring young minds whilst fostering a love of reading and the arts. Reading sessions are complemented by an art and drama activity. Story Inc. runs during school term only. Visit our website for current locations.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
AND BARKING GECKO THEATRE COMPANY
For more information on our entire range of workshops, or to book, visit www.barkinggecko.com.au/workshops
WA SCHOOLS TOUR artsHub
THIS GIRL LAUGHS, THIS GIRL CRIES, THIS GIRL DOES NOTHING BY FINEGAN KRUCKEMEYER DIRECTED BY NOEL JORDAN
After a sellout tour of WA schools in 2012, this charming tale is offered as an incursion to thrill, delight and surprise students. Three sisters are abandoned in the middle of a forest by their father. Facing an uncertain future, one decides to walk one way around the world, one decides to walk the other way and one decides to stay right where she is. After 20 years having crossed oceans, toppled lighthouses and conquered armies, the two wanderers find themselves back at the same place in the woods, where the third sister waits… Winner of the 2010 Rodney Seaborn Award, one of Australia’s most exciting playwrights, Finegan Kruckemeyer, has created an epic tale of the search for happiness, self and place. “This Girl Laughs... follows in the best tradition of fairytales through the ages – an engagingly told yarn for the children of today, with lessons for adults also; and with Barking Gecko’s spirited presentation bringing an extra dimension to ensure it remains in the memory.” Nerida Dickinson, artsHub
METRO SCHOOLS TOUR REGIONAL SCHOOLS TOUR 17th June - 5th July EDUCATION Term 2 / Week 7-9 Years 2 – 12
Director Noel Jordan Set and Costume Designer Alicia Clements Lighting Designer Trent Suidgeest Sound Designer Quincy Grant Production development supported by Casula Powerhouse Arts Centre and Q Theatre Company
DURATION 60 minutes no interval
Contact the Education & Workshop Manager for further details, or to book, education@barkinggecko.com.au or (08) 9380 3080
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THEATRE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE Through Barking Gecko Theatre Company’s Private Giving Program, individuals help to fund the production costs associated with our annual program. Many of our donors contribute toward our mentoring programs, which aim to foster the next generation of creative and industry talent in Western Australia. It is through these incredible contributions that we are able to deliver outstanding theatre performances and infuse the community with social and cultural vibrancy. Donations – no matter how large or small – are fully tax deductible with all our donors receiving regular updates through our enewsletter. All donations over $500 will be acknowledged in the Company’s Annual Report and receive invitations to opening night performances and special Company events. We would like to thank all our current donors for their consistent contributions and generosity. It is through this generosity that we are able to deliver our mission of developing world class Theatre for Young People. We couldn’t do it without you! If you would like to know more about our Private Giving Program, please contact Nathan Giles, General Manager – nathan@barkinggecko.com.au or by telephone - (08) 9380 3080.
THANKYOU AND PARTNERSHIPS Established in 1991, Barking Gecko Theatre Company is a not-for profit organisation. It is one of the leading Australian theatre companies for young people and their families, dedicated to the production and development of contemporary theatre. Our focus on building artistic collaborations with nationally recognised theatre companies is critical to our ability to present challenging new works of the highest standard that illuminate, entertain and challenge artistic convention. Our 2013 program includes significant collaborations with the Perth International Arts Festival, the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts and the Sydney Theatre Company. Our programs are supported by an investment from the State of Western Australia through the Department of Culture and the Arts WA in association with Lotterywest and assistance from the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body. Support from our corporate, government and private partners provides a valuable contribution for the Company and assists us in realising our goals and aspirations. We would like to acknowledge our current partners including - Healthway, Country Arts WA, The City of Subiaco, Professor Fiona Stanley AC, Hawaiian, Lotterywest, Karrinyup Shopping Centre and Macquarie Private Wealth. We welcome Woodside Energy LTD. as our Development Partner. This three year partnership will enable us to harness our history and develop the company for future generations. We would also like to pay respect to the significant contribution of Professor Fiona Stanley AC, Craig Silvey, The West Australian, Lush TV, Guerilla Construction, Abbott and Co Printers, Creative Partnerships Australia, Jon Green Photography, All of the Above Creative, Avant Card, Maxim Hall Chadwick, James Luscombe, Gerard Daniels, Student Edge and the phenomenally talented artists and arts workers of whom we have the distinct pleasure of collaborating with. Without the generosity of our partners we would not be able to continue to connect communities and audiences to the imaginative, socially relevant and fantastical experience theatre can be. Should you wish to know more about our corporate and private partnership opportunities, please contact Nathan Giles, General Manager – nathan@barkinggecko.com.au or by telephone - (08) 9380 3080.
PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY
Barking Gecko Theatre Company is assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.
PRODUCTION PARTNER DUCK, DEATH AND THE TULIP
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STYLING BY HANNAH MCGRATH, ALL OF THE ABOVE CREATIVE PHOTOGRAPHY BY JON GREEN PHOTOGRAPHY, LUKE THOMPSON AND CAMERON ETCHELLS DESIGN BY GUERILLA CONSTRUCTION PRINTED BY ABBOTT & CO. PRINTERS