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Circle
Raising the curtain for the first time
AWimmera theatre group will stage its first production at Ararat Town Hall in March, bringing to life an Australian rendition of a modern murder-mystery.
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Ararat Youth Theatre will perform ‘Mystery at Mo’s’, based within a humble Australian eatery.
Ararat Youth Theatre founder and president Zafirah Davies-Harrison said the group was excited to put ‘Mystery at Mo’s’ on stage for the first time.
“Mystery at Mo’s is set in an Australian diner, where waitresses Daisy, Cindy and Tina work. However, one morning Tina doesn’t clock on, and the two friends realise something isn’t right. They call in the help of local detectives, Sam and Jack, who solve a murder-mystery,” she said.
Ms Davies-Harrison, 19, said the theatre group was created amidst the coronavirus pandemic, which gave young people a chance to develop new skills and confidence.
“In mid-2020 I decided to create a youth theatre group in Ararat and was immediately blown away by the support the community showed,” she said.
“Youth programs are very important, especially now. They not only build confidence but create a safe space where young people can escape the stress, worry and drama of school and day-today events.
“It’s also a great opportunity to make new friends, learn new skills and build another family while having a whole lot of fun.”
As production started during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms Davies-Harrison said seeing it come together would be rewarding given the effort put into the performance during lockdowns.
“Throughout lockdown, we committed several hours a week running lines through Zoom. I am looking forward to rehearsing in-person at the town hall,” she said.
“For many of our members, this will be their first-time being part of a production.
“Though we’re deep in rehearsals, we’re always on the lookout for new members and behind the scenes assistance.
“I’m hoping our productions will become an annual event for several years to come.
“I am beyond excited to finally bring this show to life.”
Ararat Rural City Council mayor Jo Armstrong said the group’s enthusiasm and grit was inspiring.
“I think it’s wonderful that Ararat now has a dedicated group for the youth in our community to develop their performance skills and perform at Ararat Town Hall,” she said.
“Ararat Youth Group had to wait a little longer to get back on stage and I truly hope our community will come out and support their first performance.”
SHOWCASE: Singer-songwriter Ernest Aimes will kick off a series of performances organised by Ararat Live.
Ararat Live series returns
The first in a series of monthly shows kicks off the return of live music to Ararat Town Hall this month.
Not-for-profit group Ararat Live will host Melbourne singer-songwriter Ernest Aines in the first of eight concerts this year, on February 9.
Aines said his music showed glimpses of Ray Lamontagne, Elliott Smith, Bon Iver, Jonny Lang and Jeff Buckley influences, delivered with an inspired and truthful earnestness.
He said his new single ‘So far’, taken from a debut album set to be released this year, was an American country-style tune about ‘trying to reach a point in life that is satisfying, being determined and changing attitude’.
Supporting act and musician Glen Wee will perform at 8pm.
Organisers said COVID-19 protocols would be enforced and proof of vaccination was required for entry to the town hall.
Dr. Pauline Walsh B. Clinc Sci B. App. Sci (Chiropractic), DACCP
We are still open and helping with your spinal health and movement through adjusting the spine and contributing to a healthy nervous system.
Three major things affect the nervous system, 1) How we move, (have an adjustment – don’t put up with a problem even if it’s not painful – if it’s stopping you from moving well, you need a hand from me.) 2) How we think (keep positive and read something uplifting every day, being overanxious causes stress on the nervous system & compromising the immune system) – and what you may notice with the constant use of masks is that your upper back is start to feel tighter. It can also lead you to feel a little more anxious than you normally might. This is because not being used to masks we breathe a little differently in them. (An adjustment can help in this situation as well.) 3) How we eat. (Eat good quality food, lots of fruit, vegies and some fresh meat. Absorbing nutrients from food helps us heal and have a healthy nervous system & immune system. Remember when you were sick, healthy bone broths of chicken and beef were always good you.)
