NORPA (Northern Rivers Performing Arts) welcomes you into a world of theatre. We create and produce our own work as well as present dynamic theatre from some of Australia’s most exciting performing arts companies.
Cockfight premiered at NORPA in 2015
Photo | Darcy Grant
Our home is the Lismore City Hall.
Let’s play
Welcome to 2016 Our 2016 Season of performances is gutsy and glitzy – they celebrate the depth of human expression and the spectacle of performance. Amongst the styles of work are boundary-pushing circus, high-calibre cabaret, powerful drama set in regional Australia, delightful performances for children and compelling theatre for young adults. This year we launch Lismore Laughs which will be an annual event bringing the best comics to our region for a weekend of laughs for adults and the whole family. We also premiere our new work Dreamland. Following on from the incredible ride that was Railway Wonderland, Dreamland is our new site-specific work set in and around Eureka Hall. We love being based in regional Australia – we wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. We thrive working within this community, which is continually redefining itself, that values art, embraces diversity, isn’t afraid of a challenge and seeks to express itself boldly. We choose to live here, it informs our values and ideas of what makes a good life. This area reflects essential notions of what Australian culture is and can be. This cultural and geographical terrain propels NORPA to develop creative projects that connect us to audiences throughout the Northern Rivers and beyond. We hope that the shows in the 2016 Season inspire you to enter our theatre in Lismore or into the experiences we will create in the breathtaking landscape of the Byron Bay hinterland.
Julian Louis Artistic Director
Photo | Kate Holmes
We welcome you to join us – come to a show, a workshop, a work-in-development showing, a Q&A session – the journey we are on is exciting, it’s not always easy, but it’s always an adventure.
2016 Season 4-8
About NORPA 27
Lismore Laughs
WHO WE ARE
18 March
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THE LISTIES
GENERATOR
HANNAH GADSBY
19 March NAZEEM HUSSAIN 19 March
10 Thomas Murray and the Upside Down River STONE SOUP THEATRE
15 & 16 April
34 NORPA COMMUNITY
36 EMBRACE NORPA
38 NORPA PARTNERS
12 Sugarland ATYP
3 & 4 May
14 The 52-Storey Treehouse CDP PRODUCTIONS
31 May & 1 June
16 Rumour Has It LITTLE RED COMPANY
22 & 23 July
18 Il Ritorno CIRCA
31 August - 2 September
20 Feline Intimate MEOW MEOW
30 September & 1 October
22 Dreamland NORPA
23 November - 3 December
Buying tickets & subscriptions 41 YOUR VISIT
43 TICKET INFORMATION
44 WHY SUBSCRIBE
45 SUBSCRIPTION FORM
48 CONTACT US
NORPA AND COOPERS PRESENT LISMORE LAUGHS
Hannah Gadsby — Dogmatic CREATED BY HANNAH GADSBY
Hello.
Hannah Gadsby is one of Australia’s most distinctive comic performers.
I would like to invite you to attend my show, Dogmatic. I have worked very hard on it and I am a very charming performer. But these things alone do not maketh a show. I need you. I need you to buy a ticket, attend the relevant session and laugh at me. What a darling team we will be. Ok. Bye.
A storyteller par excellence with a joke rate that most dads at a family BBQ would envy, Hannah is guaranteed to make you laugh, if not split your sides, as she takes you on an unforgettable journey through her unusual brain. Her droll delivery, delightful wordplay and self-deprecating observations have delighted audiences all over the world, drawn critical acclaim and a swag of awards.
Hannah x
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(This invitation does not extend to knob biscuits.)
In Dogmatic, Hannah will be attempting to explain her thought processes and woeful life choices that have led her to where she is today. You will laugh. She will remain confused.
“...one of our best comedians: at once outré and heartfelt, brutal and uplifting. She’s a marvel.” THE AGE
DATE
Friday 18 March, 7.30pm Diner & bar from 6pm — Lismore City Hall — 60 mins (no interval)
TICKET PRICES
A $42 S $38 C $36 U/18 $22
PATRON ADVICE
Recommended for 15 years +
PERFORMANCE PARTNER
Subscriber price A $34 S $31 C $29 U/18 $18
Photo | Alan Moyle
NORPA PRESENTS LISMORE LAUGHS
The Listies Make You LOL! DEVISED AND PERFORMED BY THE LISTIES (RICHARD HIGGINS & MATT KELLY)
“Nobody else does comedy for kids this brilliantly, but what’s more astounding is that adults have just as much fun. The Listies occupy a dimension all of their own.” ★★★★½
A few years ago Rich and Matt decided to shake up the world of kids comedy, and The Listies were born. Since then they have become Australia’s most sought after family comedians. Hilarious, messy and decidedly insane The Listies sold out shows all over Australia, NZ and the UK, delighting audiences and critics alike.
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The Listies Make you LOL! features alien attacks, toilet paper guns, spew, the rudest word in the world and the most disgusting pair of undies you have ever seen in your entire life. Raucous, unruly and guaranteed to have the whole family LOLing, ROFLing and ROFLSHALBOWCOing.*
THE AGE
Winner Best Production for Children 2013 Sydney Theatre Awards Winner Best Children’s Show (Edinburgh Fringe) BBC Scotland
Don’t miss it! (*Rolling On the Floor Laughing So Hard a Little Bit of Wee Came Out)
Nominated Best Show Melbourne International Comedy Festival
This show is rated S for Stupid.
DATES
Saturday 19 March, 11am Lismore City Hall — 55 mins (no interval) Subscribers A $25 S $23 C $21 U/18 $18
TICKET PRICES
A $30 S $27 C $25 U/18 $22
PATRON ADVICE
Recommended for 4-12 years and their families
SPECIAL Meet The Listies after BONUS the show!
Photo | Andrew Wuttke
NORPA AND COOPERS PRESENT LISMORE LAUGHS
Nazeem Hussain in Legally Brown WRITTEN, DEVISED AND PERFORMED BY NAZEEM HUSSAIN
“Reinventing Australian comedy.”
Award-winning comedian Nazeem Hussain brings his brilliant debut solo show Legally Brown to the NORPA stage for one night only. Nominated for a Helpmann Award for Best Comedy, Hussain has toured Legally Brown to sold out houses across Australia and also bagged a LOGIE nomination for his ground-breaking SBS TV show of the same name.
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HERALD SUN
“Hussain’s cheerful manner belies the acuity of his observation.”
A master of exposing the inherent absurdity in prejudice and flipping stereotype on its head, Hussain’s live shows are cerebral, confronting and uproariously funny.
DATES
THE GUARDIAN UK
Saturday 19 March, 7.30pm Diner & bar from 6pm — Lismore City Hall — 60 mins (no interval) Subscribers A $28 S $25 C $24 U/18 $18
TICKET PRICES
A $35 S $32 C $30 U/18 $22
PATRON ADVICE
Recommended for 14 years +
PERFORMANCE PARTNER
Photo | Karl Grant
NORPA AND SOUTHERN CROSS UNIVERSITY PRESENT
Thomas Murray & The Upside Down River BY REG CRIBB STONE SOUP THEATRE & CRITICAL STAGES
Invoking the expansive, beauty of rural Australia, Reg Cribb’s new play is about a man ravaged by drought, family secrets and love.
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The Murray family have been farming the land along the Darling River for five generations. For Thomas Murray, it’s all he’s ever known. When his childhood friends Lucy and Billy reappear, deep friendships are tested, secrets long buried are finally awakened, and Thomas must make the long journey downstream to reconcile past wrongs and to fight for his wife.
Reg Cribb is a highly-awarded playwright and screenwriter. His plays Last Cab to Darwin and The Return / Last Train to Freo have both been adapted into successful feature films and he wrote the screenplay for the award-winning Bran Nue Dae.
DATES
“Swept me along with its sharply observed, richly poetic and deeply moving prose... A work you really shouldn’t miss.” AUSTRALIAN STAGE
CREATIVE TEAM Director Chris Bendall
Set & Costume Designer Dann Barber Composer & Sound Designer Kingsley Reeve Lighting Designer Alexander Berlage Co-Producers Pippa Bailey and Chris Bendall With Grant Cartwright, Vanessa Downing, Francesca Savige, Nicholas Papademetriou & Bjorn Stewart
Friday 15 April, 7.30pm & Saturday 16 April, 2pm & 7.30pm Diner & bar from 6pm — Lismore City Hall — 120 minutes (incl interval) SUBSCRIBERS A $38 S $34 C $32 U/18 $18
TICKET PRICES
A $48 S $43 C $41 U/18 $22
PATRON ADVICE
Recommended for 15 years+ Occasional coarse language and adult themes
PERFORMANCE PARTNER
SPECIAL Join Director Chris Bendall for BONUS a Q&A after the Friday night performance
Photo | Robert Catto
NORPA AND SOUTHERN CROSS UNIVERSITY PRESENT
Sugarland AUSTRALIAN THEATRE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE (ATYP)
Nina is 16 years old, good at school, has a job at the cinema and one of the best singing voices around. But none of that is important. She needs a place to live. Living with her Aunty in an overcrowded house, things aren’t going well, and it’s getting complicated.
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Erica is 16 and the new girl in town. Her Dad’s in the RAAF and the family’s just moved to Katherine. She’s lived all over Australia and every time she makes somewhere home, she moves again. She’s so used to being an outsider, she’s stopped trying to fit in.
“...a beautifullycalibrated play, pitched perfectly to the adolescent ear and with a compassion for its characters... this is a play for young people, but it’s an important play for everyone.” AUSSIE THEATRE
The only thing Nina and Erica have in common is the music they listen to. Sometimes that’s enough.
CREATIVE TEAM Writers Rachael Coopes with Wayne Blair Directors Fraser Corfield & David Page Set Design Jacob Nash Costume Design Ruby Langton-Batty Original Lighting Design Juz McGuire Sound Design Guy Webster
DATES
Tuesday 3 May, 7.30pm & Wednesday 4 May, 11am Diner & bar from 6pm — Lismore City Hall — 95 mins (incl interval) SUBSCRIBERS A $34 S $31 C $29 U/18 $18
TICKET PRICES
A $42 S $38 C $36 U/18 $22
PATRON ADVICE
Recommended for 14 years+ Coarse language, drug use and simulated self-harm
PERFORMANCE PARTNER
SPECIAL Join the cast for a Q&A after BONUS both performances Sugarland is part of NORPA’s 2016 Theatre for Schools program
Photo | Zan Wimberley
NORPA AND THE MACADAMIA CASTLE PRESENT A CDP PRODUCTION
The 52-Storey Treehouse A PLAY BY RICHARD TULLOCH ADAPTED FROM THE BOOK BY ANDY GRIFFITHS & TERRY DENTON
“Lively, colourful and very funny... a cool, clever show that all youngsters will love.”
They’re back! Andy and Terry’s Treehouse is now 52 storeys high, but there’s no time to play! Mr Big Nose has mysteriously disappeared, Jill has fallen into a deep sleep and Andy and Terry just can’t wake her up. Can they solve the mysteries and survive the dangers that test even their ingenuity?
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DAILY TELEGRAPH
CREATIVE TEAM
Andy Griffiths’ and Terry Denton’s bestseller comes to life on the stage as the team behind the hit adaptations of The 13-Storey Treehouse and The 26-Storey Treehouse return with this imaginative and engaging play under the creative direction of NORPA’s Artistic Director, Julian Louis.
Director Liesel Badorrek Set & Costume Designer Mark Thompson Lighting Designer Nicholas Higgins Sound Designer Ross Johnston Artistic Director Julian Louis Winner Best Production for Children 2015 Sydney Theatre Awards
What are you waiting for? Come on up!
DATES
Tuesday 31 May & Wednesday 1 June, 6pm Diner & bar from 5pm — Lismore City Hall — 60 mins (no interval) SUBSCRIBERS A $34 S $31 C $29 U/18 $18
TICKET PRICES
A $42 S $38 C $36 U/18 $22
PATRON ADVICE
Recommended for 6-12 years and their families
PERFORMANCE PARTNER
SPECIAL Get up close to a special visitor from BONUS The Macadamia Castle before the 6pm Tuesday night performance The 52-Storey Treehouse is part of NORPA’s 2016 Theatre for Schools program
NORPA AND TNR PRESENT
Rumour Has It FEATURING NAOMI PRICE AS ADELE A LITTLE RED COMPANY PRODUCTION
Australia’s newest cabaret star and Ricky Martin’s leading lady from The Voice Australia 2015, Naomi Price makes her NORPA debut with her award-winning, careerdefining original cabaret, Rumour Has it.
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Winner of the Matilda Award for ‘Best Musical or Cabaret’ and featuring all the greatest hits from Adele’s mega-platinum catalogue including Skyfall, Rolling in the Deep and Someone Like You, this universally acclaimed Australian homage to pop’s most loveable lass guarantees a truly rollicking night out!
You’re invited to spend an evening with Adele - working class diva, Grammy goddess, and pottymouthed everywoman. Share a gin & tonic and journey from the rowdy streets of Tottenham to the Royal Albert Hall; from bright joy to sweet melancholy, and catch a glimpse behind the glossy veneer of a pop star to discover an everyday girl who just wants to be loved.
CREATIVE TEAM Created by Adam Brunes & Naomi Price Music Director Jason McGregor Original Arrangements Naomi Price, Jason McGregor & Michael Manikus Vocal Arrangements Naomi Price & Luke Kennedy Production Manager/Audio Engineer Jamie Taylor Starring Naomi Price with Mik Easterman, Rachel Everett-Jones, Andrew Johnson, Michael Manikus, Jason McGregor and Lai Utovou
“Both poignant and pithy...Fabulously entertaining!” THE COURIER-MAIL
DATES
Friday 22 July & Saturday 23 July, 7.30pm Diner & bar from 6pm — Lismore City Hall — 120 mins (incl interval) SUBSCRIBERS A $41 S $37 C $35 U/18 $18
TICKET PRICES
A $50 S $45 C $43 U/18 $22
PATRON ADVICE
Recommended for 15 years+ Coarse language & adult themes
PERFORMANCE PARTNER
SPECIAL Lucky door prizes for the BONUS best Adele lookalike
Photo | Dylan Evans
NORPA PRESENTS
Il Ritorno BY CIRCA CREATED BY YARON LIFSCHITZ WITH QUINCY GRANT AND THE CIRCA ENSEMBLE
CREATIVE TEAM
The stage is awash with bodies tumbling, lifting and clutching. Then, out of the darkness the Greek hero Ulysses appears after twenty long years of war and wanderings. Will he reach his faithful wife Penelope before she succumbs to her suitors?
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Created by Yaron Lifschitz with Quincy Grant and the Circa Ensemble Music by Monteverdi, Grant, Mahler, Pisador and traditional Director Yaron Lifschitz Composer/Musical Director/Arranger Quincy Grant Senior Producer Danielle Kellie Technical Director /Lighting Designer Jason Organ Stage Design Yaron Lifschitz & Jason Organ Costume Design Libby McDonnell
Il Ritorno is Circa’s groundbreaking new work fusing Circa’s world-renowned stripped-back acrobatics with baroque opera. At the core of Il Ritorno is the hunger to return home – saturated with loss and war, powered by longing and haunted by the past.
“Il Ritorno offers a powerful vision of humanity and compassion... a luminous new work.”
Created by circus visionary Yaron Lifschitz in collaboration with composer and arranger Quincy Grant Il Ritorno is performed by an outstanding cast of singers and accompanists who join the famed members of Brisbane’s own Circa Ensemble.
DATES
THE AUSTRALIAN
Wednesday 31 August, Thursday 1 & Friday 2 September, 7.30pm Diner & bar from 6pm — Lismore City Hall — 75 mins (no interval) SUBSCRIBERS A $41 S $37 C $35 U/18 $18
TICKET PRICES
A $50 S $45 C $43 U/18 $22
PATRON ADVICE
All ages welcome but best suited for 12 years +
SPECIAL Join the cast for a Q&A after the BONUS Wednesday night performance
Photo | Damien Bredberg
NORPA AND TNR PRESENT
Meow Meow IN FELINE INTIMATE
Hang on to your hats Lismore! The cat is ready to pounce! International singing sensation and comedienne extraordinaire Meow Meow is coming to town!
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Meow Meow’s unique brand of kamikaze cabaret and performance art exotica has hypnotized, inspired and terrified audiences worldwide. The spectacular crowd-surfing queen of song “drags cabaret kicking and screaming into the 21st Century” (Time Out NY) with a wild night of sequins and satire; original ‘chansons’; revisionings of witty wicked Weimar, Brel, Brecht, Kitt and Radiohead; music; politics and mayhem. Oh yes. And a great set of pins. Meow Meow’s solo works have been curated by David Bowie, the legendary Pina Bausch and Mikhail Baryshnikov amongst others and she’s performed everywhere from Wroclaw to Shanghai.
“Meow Meow can stun an audience into pindrop silence with an exquisitely delivered torch song one moment and rock the rafters with laughter the next. She is that rare combination — devilish funny bones and heavenly vocal chords... no one now does it better than Meow Meow.” EVENING STANDARD UK
meowmeowrevolution.com @meowtopia
DATES
Friday 30 September & Saturday 1 October, 7.30pm Diner & bar from 6pm — Lismore City Hall — 70 mins (incl interval) SUBSCRIBERS A $45 S $41 C $39 U/18 $18
TICKET PRICES
A $56 S $51 C $48 U/18 $22
PATRON ADVICE
Recommended for 15 years + Coarse language & adult themes
PERFORMANCE PARTNER
Photo | Karl Giant
NORPA PRESENTS
Dreamland A NORPA GENERATOR PRODUCTION IN ASSOCIATION WITH ARTS NORTHERN RIVERS
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From the team behind Railway Wonderland, Dreamland is NORPA’s new work to be performed at Eureka Hall in the rolling hills of the Byron Bay hinterland.
NORPA and an exciting creative collective bring the universal stories of our community halls to life in a glorious evening of music, laughter, dance and performance.
Small halls are hallowed ground for rural communities the country over. They are the gathering places for celebrations of births, deaths and marriages, of sporting victories and defeats, of concerts and picture shows, of debutante balls, blue light discos and school Christmas concerts, with scones and lamingtons and gallons of tea.
Step into our Dreamland at Eureka Hall!
Within these halls the ghosts of generations danced and dance still - from the pioneering days of tree-felling to the coming of today’s tree-changers.
Dreamland is being made as part of Arts Northern Rivers If These Halls Could Talk project, and in collaboration with the Eureka Hall Committee and community.
Small halls are monuments to the dance of life, where lovers meet on moonlit nights, dreams are made and broken, and the dance goes on and on.
DATES
CREATIVE TEAM Director/devisor Julian Louis Writer/devisor Janis Balodis Musical Director Shenzo Gregory
Dreamland was developed with the support of Arts NSW and Linnaeus Estate.
Wednesday 23 - Saturday 26 November, 8pm Tuesday 29 November - Saturday 3 December, 8pm Eureka Hall, Cnr Eureka Rd & Federal Drive Eureka SUBSCRIBERS A $30 S $27 C $25 U/18 $18
TICKET PRICES
A $37 S $33 C $31 U/18 $22
PATRON ADVICE
Limited capacity per performance All weather event
Photo | Megan Louis
Production Partners
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Hannah Gadsby
The Listies
Nazeem Hussain
Thomas Murray and the Upside Down River
Thomas Murray and the Upside Down River
The 52-Storey Treehouse
Rumour Has It
Sugarland
Dreamland
Il Ritorno Sugarland
These projects have been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts funding and advisory body
ll Ritorno is co-comissioned by Brisbane Festival, The Barbican, Les Nuits de Fourvière/ Département du Rhône, CACCV Espace Jean Legendre-Compiegne, Dusseldorf Festival and Les Théâtres de la ville de Luxembourg and was first presented at the Brisbane Festival.
Sugarland
Dreamland
The 52-Storey Treehouse Sugarland Thomas Murray and the Upside Down River Dreamland These projects are supported by the NSW Government throught Arts NSW.
Sugarland
Dreamland
Dreamland
Il Ritorno
This project has been assisted by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland
Photo | Evan Malcolm
About NORPA
Railway Wonderland, at Lismore train station (2015)
Photo | Kate Holmes
Railway Wonderland, at Lismore train station (2015)
Who we are
Formed in 1993, NORPA (Northern Rivers Performing Arts) is one of the leading performing arts organisations in regional Australia. NORPA creates and produces original Australian work that reflects our region’s unique environment, people and diverse cultural heritage. We create work through a process that attracts national and international artists while also directly engaging local artists and community. The Northern Rivers region is our physical and spiritual home – we draw inspiration from its landscape, history, people and culture. We are driven to tell our stories in accessible and dynamic ways, and our works challenge perceptions of the performing arts. We also program works from leading and emerging national companies that reflect the diversity of our community – we balance risky productions with sure-fire entertainment.
We love to spark robust conversation in the foyer and we love to surprise our audiences. NORPA is a not-for-profit organisation led by a management committee of local professionals, run by a small team of theatre and venue professionals, and supported by a large group of volunteers. We also manage the Lismore City Hall, part of a cultural alliance with Lismore City Council, as a venue for hire as well as a space for many different community gatherings. NORPA is part of the conversation defining contemporary Australian performing arts and storytelling. It is proof that small towns have big scope for creativity.
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Generator Generator is NORPA’s creative program, it’s at the heart of what we do and why we exist. We love making original works that push theatre as an art form and take us, and our audiences to new places. Our projects are created through a collaborative and dynamic approach to story telling – we use different combinations of dance, circus, design, live music, surprising locations, and all manner of human and technological skill within our shows. Generator works display our collaborative approach to making theatre that is imaginative, adventurous and connects theatre to audiences in the Northern Rivers and beyond.
“It’s what I want in the theatre. When I go to the theatre I want to see a story and have the feeling that only these people could have told this story, in this way.” MICHAEL CATHCART, ABC RADIO NATIONAL
GET INVOLVED WITH GENERATOR Throughout the year we run workshops, open auditions, free events, development showings and open rehearsals. We welcome your involvement, input and feedback. Sign up to our newsletter at norpa.org.au to learn more, or contact Marisa Snow, Producer — creativeproducer@norpa.org.au Photo | Heidrun Lohr
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My Radio Heart, performed in Lismore & Sydney (2014)
Generator in development THREE BROTHERS A universal story of family legacy and cultural identity. Through the language of dance, song, storytelling and imagery, renowned Aboriginal theatre and dance practitioners are collaborating to develop a powerful new work – Three Brothers.
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The poignancy of this story rests in the parallel of a fictional Aboriginal family to the ancestral Three Brothers creation story of the Bundjalung people. Three Brothers invites us into the lives of three brothers and tackles notions around death, family, immortality and the struggles of contemporary life. It is a story of healing old wounds, addressing truths and sharing deep secrets in a new century.
Three Brothers is part of Bundjalung Nghari, an ongoing NORPA initiative celebrating and connecting with our local Bundjalung culture. Three Brothers will premiere at NORPA in 2017.
Directed and devised by Rhoda Roberts and Julian Louis, the creative team includes David Page, Kirk Page, Tibian Wyles, Djon Mundine and Mitch King. The project will also include a community engagement program, delivering workshops in song, dance and craft, mentored by the creative team and supported by the Project Partners: Bundjalung Elders Council, Ngulingah Local Aboriginal Land Council, Northern Rivers Conservatorium, Playwriting Australia, Interrelate Family Centre and Arts NSW.
Three Brothers, in development (2015)
DREAMLAND NORPA in association with Arts Northern Rivers brings the stories of our community halls to life with Dreamland, set and performed at Eureka Hall in the Byron Bay hinterland. Dreamland is developed as part of Arts Northern Rivers If These Halls Could Talk project and premieres in our Season this year – see page 22 for details.
JOURNEY TO AN UNNAMED WORLD*
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This year NORPA journeys to a yet unnamed world of lost things, magical visions, alien landscapes and strange friendships, inspired by the beautiful imagination of Australian writer, artist and filmmaker Shaun Tan.
Shaun Tan’s incredibly magical books are the focus of this year’s Book Week (August 20-26). Directors Valley Lipcer (Roundabout Theatre) and Julian Louis are working together to realise this exciting new project.
* working title
Photo | Rebecca Rushbrook
Working in partnership with Catholic Schools Office Lismore Diocese and Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP), NORPA is developing a work where primary school students will inspire the making of the project, participate in creative learning and enter a world of imagination.
Generator tour ready RAILWAY WONDERLAND A NORPA GENERATOR PRODUCTION
Take your seat under the stars as Railway Wonderland brings a disused railway station back to life. Using local stories and the region’s history of postwar immigration as inspiration points, Railway Wonderland combines drama, song, physical theatre and audio visual projections to transport audiences on a magical journey from the 1940s to the present day.
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Created in the Northern Rivers region of NSW, Railway Wonderland was first performed at Lismore’s disused train station in 2012 for a season of 6 performances. NORPA restaged it in 2015 for 15 performances. Both seasons sold out.
“One of the great plays of the year.” MICHAEL CATHCART, ABC RADIO NATIONAL
COCKFIGHT BY THE FARM; CO-PRODUCED BY NORPA & PERFORMING LINES
Cockfight is a poetic look at the power play that occurs between men and the frailty of the body. It is evocative of age and passing time and questions our culture’s desperate desire for achievement. Without each other these two performers have nothing left to fight for. One older, one younger, each body pushed to its limits in a hilarious and ultimately tender piece of physical theatre.
Cockfight was made by The Farm in collaboration with NORPA with support from The Judith Wright Centre and Arts Queensland. Cockfight premiered at NORPA in 2015, then toured to COCA and Dancenorth in Queensland.
“These guys make dance like the Coen brothers make film.” LINDY HUME, SYDNEY FESTIVAL
MY RADIO HEART A NORPA & URBAN THEATRE PROJECTS CO-PRODUCTION; COMMISSIONED BY NORPA
Inspired by the Marvel comic book series X-Men and arcade video games, My Radio Heart is a love story for the 21st Century. Immersed in a breathtaking fantasy world, audiences are treated to cinematic audio-visuals and an original soundtrack of rock, pop and electronica music.
My Radio Heart features the internationally renowned Tralala Blip – a mixed-abilities experimental sound ensemble – as both actors and composers. My Radio Heart premiered at NORPA in 2014 before touring to Sydney for a season presented by UTP at Bankstown Arts Centre.
“So creative and unique... My Radio Heart lingers in the mind long after the piece ends.” THE NORTHERN STAR
For more information about tour ready works please visit Generator at norpa.org.au or contact Emily Berry, Executive Producer — ep@norpa.org.au
Photo | Darcy Grant
Cockfight premiered at NORPA in 2015
Community NORPA takes pride in our role as a cultural hub within our community.
We aim to provide local artists and theatre makers opportunities to earn and learn. We work with and purchase from local businesses and are always mindful of protecting our beautiful environment. We continually look for ways to positively contribute to our dynamic and vibrant community.
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THEATRE FOR SCHOOLS Do you remember the first time you experienced the magic of a live theatre show? Ask any playwright, actor or theatre maker and it’s often their early exposure to the theatre that had a profound effect on them. In 2016 NORPA have an exciting program of shows that will inspire, educate and engage with young people of all ages. We connect with preschools, primary, high schools and homeschoolers across the region. We offer student group prices (teachers complimentary), provide teacher resources specific to each show, and organise additional activities such as workshops and opportunities to meet the cast. If you would like more information about our program please contact our Education Coordinator — coordinator@norpa.org.au
NOT-FOR-PROFIT SUPPORT Each year NORPA provides tickets to performances in our Season to four local registered not-for-profit organisations for them to use in their fundraising activities. To be eligible, the not-for-profit must operate locally, benefit our community’s wellbeing and be socially inclusive. Politically based organisations do not qualify. Please check our website for details on our annual selection process.
VOLUNTEER
VENUES FOR HIRE
When you come to NORPA the people who greet you at the door, or show you to your seat, are all volunteers - doing it for the love of the arts. There are too many to list here individually, however, we thank each and every one of them for their help and support. NORPA could not survive without them!
Our home, the Lismore City Hall, is here for you too. No matter how big or small, there is a space just right for your event at the beautifully renovated Lismore City Hall.
If you are interested in volunteering for NORPA please contact our Audiences Services Coordinator on 02 6622 0300 or — foh@norpa.org.au
WORKSHOPS There’s nothing quite as rewarding as learning first hand from experts in the field. Throughout the year NORPA runs workshops across a number of areas and disciplines, often in conjunction with the companies that are touring. If you’d like to be kept informed please sign up to our newsletter at norpa.org.au or contact our Producer — producer@norpa.org.au
INTERNSHIP PROGRAM In late 2015 NORPA and TAFE launched an Internship Program for Diploma Event and Tourism students. The program provides students with practical workplace experience across a range of events including performances, conferences, expos and gala dinners.
In order to support our community we offer a 40% discount on venue hire to the following groups: — Registered local not-for-profits — Primary and secondary schools — Locally owned and operated businesses with an annual turnover of less than one million dollars. For more information about venue hire please visit www.norpa.org.au or contact our Venue Coordinator on 02 6622 0300 or — venue@norpa.org.au
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With you, our stories can be told
Stories from regional Australia are vital to our nations’ cultural landscape. NORPA is one of the few regional Australian theatre companies that is still creating new work. The 2015 hit, Railway Wonderland, is an example of a story inspired by our region that captivated the Northern Rivers and reached a national audience. NORPA’s work is unique because it is inspired by our home, and the stories created here touch on universal themes that connect humanity across continents: love, loss, yearning, freedom, laughter, family. Every year NORPA proves that regional stories are a vibrant colour in the national fabric of our collective identity.
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NORPA’s greatest asset is you: audiences and donors who enjoy creative risk and are willing to come on the journey of creating new Australian work. With you, NORPA can realise our current creative projects and continue to shape contemporary theatre from regional Australia. We encourage you to read all about our creative projects in this brochure and on our website. With you we sing. With you we dance. With you our stories can be told.
GIVE AND BE PART OF NORPA’S FUTURE NORPA is a not-for-profit organisation on the register of cultural organisations, so all donations over $2 are tax deductible. Make a donation alongside your 2016 Season subscription or contact Patrick Healey General Manager — gm@norpa.org.au You can also donate online at norpa.org.au
Images clockwise from top left | Cockfight (Darcy Grant), Dreamer in development (Kate Holmes), Railway Wonderland (Kate Holmes), My Radio Heart (Heidrun Lohr), Three Brothers in development (Rebecca Rushbrook) and Dreamer in development (Kate Holmes).
Our Partners We couldn’t do it without you! Thank you to the following organisations and businesses who are helping us enrich the cultural life of our region. GOVERNMENT PARTNERS
GENERATOR PARTNERS
of
a
state pl y PERFORMANCE PARTNERS
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MEDIA PARTNERS
SEASON PARTNERS
If you are interested in partnering with NORPA please contact Patrick Healey, General Manager — gm@norpa.org.au
Catholic Schools Office Diocese of Lismore
Photo | Kate Holmes
Buying tickets & subscriptions
Photo | Dominic Finlay Jones
Your visit
OUR HOME
ACCESS FOR ALL
In 2013, the Lismore City Hall underwent extensive renovations transforming the 1960s building into a multi-purpose performance venue. Lismore City Hall, with its fully-licensed bar, covered outdoor areas and fully upgraded theatre is a wonderful destination for a special night out.
Lismore City Hall is committed to ensuring disabled access. There is a lift from ground level to the theatre with entry from both Ballina Road and Bounty Street. A hearing loop is installed in the venue’s theatre.
DINER AND BAR Before each evening performance of a NORPA show enjoy a scrumptious, light meal with your friends as the sun sets. Our licensed bar is open before, during and after the show. Drinks purchased from the bar are permitted inside the theatre. Please note smoking is not permitted at the venue.
MEET THE MAKERS Join cast members, directors and/or writers at an open friendly Q&A session directly after selected shows in the Season. Look for the Special Bonus on each show page in this brochure for more details.
LATECOMERS We will do our best to seat latecomers if there is a suitable break in the performance, but some performances may have a lock-out period. It’s best to arrive at least 30 minutes before the performance start time to collect your tickets, have a drink at the bar and settle into your seats without the rush.
Please contact the Box Office for assistance with the hearing loop and seating for disabled patrons. 1300 066 772 or boxoffice@norpa.org.au
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MOBILE PHONES, CAMERAS AND RECORDING EQUIPMENT Photography or recording of any kind is not permitted in the theatre. Please remember to turn off mobile phones when you enter the theatre.
PARKING Street parking is available in Bounty Street, Molesworth Street and on Ballina Road. Disabled parking is available at the Ballina Road entry to Lismore City Hall.
Photo | Kate Holmes
Ticket information BUYING TICKETS
TICKET PRICES
Online Purchase tickets at www.norpa.org.au Internet sales close two hours before the show commences.
Subscription packages
Please note booking fees apply. Visit the Box Office The Box Office is located at Lismore City Hall, 1 Bounty St, Lismore and is open 9am-4pm Monday to Friday and two hours before show times. By telephone Call 1300 066 772 during Box Office operating hours. Please note booking fees apply.
A PERFECT GIFT Get in everyone’s good books and shout your friends or family to a show or a NORPA Subscription Package. Gift vouchers are available for purchase online, over the phone or in person at the Box Office during operating hours.
CHILDREN AT PERFORMANCES We’re kid-friendly. Children two years and under are welcome to sit on the lap of a paying patron. All too uncomfortable? Buy an extra seat - tickets for children are sold at the Under 18 price.
NUMBERED SEATING Tickets are issued for numbered seats unless otherwise stated.
REFUNDS & EXCHANGES There are no refunds on tickets except as required by law or under the Live Performance Australia Ticketing Code of Conduct. Ticket exchanges are available to NORPA Season subscribers by contacting the Box Office at least 48 hours before the show commences. The unwanted ticket must be returned before the exchange ticket can be issued.
NORPA subscribers enjoy 20% discount on all eligible ticket prices. Create a Subscription Package from your choice of 3 shows or more. See page 44 for the full list of subscriber benefits. Groups Groups of 4 or more people enjoy concession priced tickets (15% discount on full-priced tickets) Concessions Concession priced tickets (15% discount on full priced tickets) are available to the following cardholders: Centrelink concession (Healthcare & Pension), full-time students, Veterans Affairs, Australian Apprenticeship, Northern Rivers Writers Centre. Concession cards must be presented at the Box Office/entry to theatre. Seniors Seniors enjoy 10% discount on full-priced tickets. Seniors card must be presented at Box Office/entry to theatre. Under 18s Fixed $22 ticket price for shows in NORPA’s 2016 Season. Proof of age must be presented at Box Office/entry to theatre. Please note the patron advice for each show. Student rush $22 tickets are available for full-time student cardholders on the night of the performance, at the Box Office only. Subject to availability. School groups At select performances school groups of 10 or more students receive $15 tickets per student. One complimentary ticket for teachers per 10 students. Please note patron advice for each show. Please contact our Education Coordinator — coordinator@norpa.org.au for more information.
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Why subscribe? You only need to choose 3 or more shows to create a NORPA Subscription package, and look at what you get!
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MAJOR DISCOUNTS
FLEXIBILITY
NORPA subscribers enjoy a 20% discount on eligible ticket prices. Subscription packages start from as little as $54 (Under 18) $75 (Concession) $81 (Senior) $89 (Adult) for 3 shows – a fraction of what folks are paying in the big cities for the same shows. Subscribe and experience worldclass theatre at small town prices. Don’t forget, kids can be subscribers too – it’s a wonderful way to introduce young people to theatre and to experience events together.
NORPA subscribers are free to exchange their tickets for another show in the NORPA season, if tickets are available. Just contact the staff at our box office, at least two days before the show, and they will do the hard work for you.
NEVER MISS OUT Purchasing a subscription package means your seats are organised well in advance. You’ll be patting yourself on the back for getting those (cheaper!) tickets to the sell-out shows instead of saying “Oh, I really wanted to see that!”
ADD TICKETS When you subscribe you can add additional (regular priced) tickets to your subscription package so you can sit together.
SUPPORT NORPA Purchasing a subscription package is a great way to support NORPA so we can continue to present outstanding performing arts in this region.
SUBSCRIBE
STEP 1
Subscribe by choosing three or more productions and follow these easy steps. STEP 1 STEP 2 STEP 3 STEP 4 STEP 5
Complete your details and those of your accompanying subscriber(s). Each subscriber needs to complete the information section. Choose your subscription. Add any additional tickets for children or friends. Indicate your seating preference. Complete your payment details. Submit your booking.
1. SUBSCRIBER INFORMATION Details must be completed for each subscriber. If there are more than two subscribers please use an extra booking form which can be found at norpa.org.au. If you wish to be seated with friends please submit your request under Step 3 Seating Preferences.
SUBSCRIBER ONE
YOUR TICKETS WILL BE SENT TO THIS ADDRESS
HAVE YOU SUBSCRIBED PREVIOUSLY?
Yes
No
Name
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Address Postcode Telephone (home )
(mobile)
Yes, I would like to receive your email newsletter Card number
Concession type
Please provide a photocopy or scan of your concession card. See page 43 for accepted concession types.
SUBSCRIBER TWO HAVE YOU SUBSCRIBED PREVIOUSLY?
Yes
No
Name Address Postcode Telephone (home ) Email Concession type
(mobile) Yes, I would like to receive your email newsletter Card number
Please provide a photocopy or scan of your concession card. See page 43 for accepted concession types.
SUBSCRIBE
STEP 2
2. BUILD YOUR SUBSCRIPTION Select 3 shows or more, indicate the show times, number of tickets and calculate the cost. Then, add any regular tickets for friends and family.
PRODUCTION HANNAH GADSBY
18 March, 7.30pm
THE LISTIES
19 March, 11am
NAZEEM HUSSAIN
19 March, 7.30pm
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THOMAS MURRAY
PERFORMANCE DAY + TIME
TICKET Adult
QUANTITY
SUBS $ $34
ADD REGULAR TICKETS
(A) SUBTOTAL
QUANTITY
REG $ $42
Senior
$31
$38
Conc // Group 4+
$29
$36
Under 18
$18
$22
Adult
$25
$30
Senior
$23
$27
Conc // Group 4+
$21
$25
Under 18
$18
$22
Adult
$28
$35
Senior
$25
$32
Conc // Group 4+
$24
$30
Under 18
$18
$22
Adult
$38
$48 $43
Senior
$34
15 & 16 April, 7.30pm
Conc // Group 4+
$32
$41
Under 18
$18
$22
SUGARLAND
Adult
$34
$42
Senior
$31
$38
Conc // Group 4+
$29
$36
3 May, 7.30pm 4 May, 11am
THE 52-STOREY TREEHOUSE
Under 18
$18
$22
Adult
$34
$42
Senior
$31
$38
31 May & 1 June, 6pm
Conc // Group 4+
$29
$36
Under 18
$18
$22
RUMOUR HAS IT
Adult
$41
$50
Senior
$37
$45
Conc // Group 4+
$35
$43
Under 18
$18
$22
Adult
$41
$50
Senior
$37
$45
Conc // Group 4+
$35
$43
Under 18
$18
$22
Adult
$45
$56
22 & 23 July, 7.30pm
IL RITORNO
31 August - 2 Sept, 7.30pm
MEOW MEOW 30 Sept & 1 Oct, 7.30pm
DREAMLAND
23-26 November, 29 Nov - 3 Dec 8pm
Senior
$41
$51
Conc // Group 4+
$39
$48
Under 18
$18
$22
Adult
$30
$37
Senior
$27
$33
Conc // Group 4+
$25
$31
Under 18
$18
$22
A$
B$
(B) SUBTOTAL
SUBSCRIBE
STEP 3, 4 & 5
3. SEATING PREFERENCES Please indicate if you have any special seating requirements: Wheelchair access required
On an aisle
Best seating available
Mobility/easy access
If other, please describe: Do you require any Access Services, such as hearing loop or wheelchair access? If so, please describe: I'd like to sit next to my friend (please provide friend's name):
EMBRACE NORPA | MAKE A DONATION (OPTIONAL) Do you love our home grown shows? Help us fuel our Generator program. Read more online at norpa.org.au. Our NORPA donors are greatly valued, and are critical to the future of the creative community in the Northern Rivers. Please include your dollar contribution in Section (C) of Step 4, below.
4. PAYMENT DETAILS
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(A) Subscription SUB-TOTAL
$
(B) Regular tickets SUB-TOTAL
$
(C) Donation SUB-TOTAL
$
(D) Postage FEE*
$
(E) Booking FEE TOTAL
$ 3.30
*Add Postage fees | Standard $2.50 or Registered $7.00
$
PAYMENT METHOD By cash (Box Office only) VISA
Cheque payable to NORPA
Mastercard
Credit card
CVC (last 3 digits in signature panel)
Card number Name on card
Redeem gift voucher # _________
Card expiry Signature
5. SUBMIT BOOKING IN PERSON NORPA Box Office Lismore City Hall 1 Bounty Street Lismore NSW 2480
MAIL NORPA Box Office PO Box 225 Lismore NSW 2480
EMAIL NORPA Subscriptions boxoffice@norpa.org.au * please attach scanned booking form & copy of concession card if required
Contact NORPA BOX OFFICE 1300 066 772 boxoffice@norpa.org.au Lismore City Hall 1 Bounty St, Lismore, NSW Open 9am–4pm weekdays & 2 hours before shows
norpa.org.au
ADMINISTRATION 02 6622 0300 admin@norpa.org.au PO Box 225 Lismore NSW 2480
NEWSLETTER Sign up for our newsletter to keep up with our latest news. You can join online at norpa.org.au
SOCIAL MEDIA
NORPALismore
norpalismore
NORPAOz
NORPALismore
My Radio Heart, performed in Lismore and Sydney (2014)
Photo | Kate Holmes Brochure design | MeganBrochure Louis design | Megan Louis
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