I’ve been very occasional with my posts haven’t I? Tardy to say the least… you see I have wrapped up in Brand Spanking New – my major project which is at the end of every year and now we are two performances away from finishing Brand Spanking New 2010. Week 2 of the 2 week season is in full swing and has been enjoying healthy houses at the new theatre – full of punters and writers curious to see what’s on, who’s in, what’s hot!

It’s always interesting for me to hear the response from plays I programme – last week a rather rambuncious satire by Phil Spencer conjured audible gasps from audience members who found it offensive (indeed that is the point of that play – to expose our sensitivity to language and our desire for self-sensorship). This week we have another opportunity for people to be outraged by ideas with a bit of social commentary by the one and only Alana Valentine starting the show.

What is extremely important to me is the curation of the season – how one show sets the tone for another – how the experience of one idea tips us into another experience. The play order in a suite like this is just as important as the scene order of a full length play. It takes alot of thinking about – to make sure each play is best placed and well represented. That’s my job. To make everyone’s work be best placed and well represented – so that everyone knows, beyond a shadow of a doubt – that I am taking care of their work. I am taking care of them. There is nothing haphazard about this. There is method this isn’t curated based on furniture and set up – it is curated with ideas front and centre.

What is also fabulous to me is to see who turns up – which actors and which writers and directors turn up – especially writers or actors who applied/auditioned and who may not have “gotten in” this time – the fact they turn up and follow through on their interest and intent impresses me no end.. and I am more likely to cast someone who has attended one of my shows than one who doesn’t – because at least I know they are interested in my work and working with me, and that is important to me: I always want actors to want to work with me, not because they want to work – but because they want to work with me… I always feel like I need to win the actor – and this helps me want to win them!

Anyway enough from me – I; have to head to the theatre – second last show… perhaps I’ll see you there?

Here is my director’s note for week 2 –
It is a great thrill to bring to you this year’s selection of Australia’s best and brightest writers, directors and actors on board Brand Spanking New – and this year’s program is certainly a cross section of contemporary Australian writing at best- poignant, brutal, honest, terrifying and utterly fearless.
This is where theatre practitioners can dive into freshly crafted scripts, vigorous, rigorous rehearsal processes, explore character, form and genre – all on one stage – to inspire conversation and elevate us above the everyday.
In week two of Brand Spanking New, we hear the inner thoughts of Redfern locals, delve into the intricacies of teenage loyalty, forge new territory beyond Prypiat, find the light in a dark dank cave, discover things aren’t what they used to be and yearn to take a walk in the park. This is a bouquet of plays, designed to stir and surprise whilst revealing a difficult personal truth and moments of great universal reckoning put together by a team of collegiate theatre artists who are propelled by grand artistic daring and steely-eyed faith in new Australian work.
Tonight is a celebration of the brave. Our playwrights, the brilliant historians of our times. The passionate and generous directors who drive the work so selflessly. The endlessly intuitive and audacious actors who unnervingly auditioned without knowing what they were auditioning for: I am honoured to have the opportunity to showcase each and everyone of these talented and brave artists, who shape our consciousness and our theatre community.
Brand Spanking New is created by the adventurous, for the adventurous: those who are willing to break out from what they know or expect and allow themselves to be challenged, invigorated, or inspired to go beyond the safe and the ordinary into a brave new world.

Opening Wed 3rd November- Saturday 6th November 2010, 8pm
New Theatre, 542 King Street , Newtown
All tickets $22

Week Two

A Walk In The Park by Donna Abela
Directed by Vanessa Hughes | Performed by Libby Ahearn and Emma Jones

Atomograd by Caleb Lewis
Directed by Nick Curnow | Performed by Melissa Matheson and Kate Skinner

Extra Curricular by Suzie Miller
Directed by Louise Fischer | Performed by Kelly Anderson, Persia Blue, Lib Campbell, Mel Firbank, Belinda Jombwe, Camelia Mowbray, Alannah Robertson and Georgia Woodward

HereNowThenThere by Catherine Zimdahl
Directed by Jane Eakin | Performed by Kenneth Moraleda and Matt Young

Apples and Onions by Alison Rooke
Directed by Heath Wilder | Performed by Madeleine Jones and Rhys Wilson

The Importance Of Being Ernest Dragons by Alli Sebastian Wolf
Directed by Scarlet McGlynn | Performed by David Adlam, Richard Cox, Sarah Hodgetts and Corinne Younan

The Locals by Alana Valentine
Directed by Scott Selkirk | Performed by Kellie Jones and Arabella Macpherson

The Pursued, the Pursuing, the Busy and the Tired by Tim Spencer
Directed by Augusta Supple | Performed by Peter Buck Dettman and Lucy Goleby

A Reunion by Ian Wilding
Directed by Dom Mercer | Performed by Lucy Goleby, Emily Morrison, Sean Ohlendorf and Salman Shad

Creative Team

Season Artistic Director Augusta Supple
Designer Paul Matthews
Lighting Designer Miles Thomas
Choreographer Sam Chester
Composer/Sound Design Rosie Chase
Stage Manager Alexander Hayden
Assistant Stage Manager Alison Murphy-Oates
Production Coordinator Julia Lenton
Partnerships Coordinator Leigh Russell
Assistant Designer Bri Small
Photographer Leah McGirr

Since April, I have been reading, researching, approaching playwrights… It’s what I spend most of my time thinking about… I talk to them, I read plays, I see plays, I hang out at playwriting courses… I see readings, I hold readings… all in the name of BRAND SPANKING NEW.

Brand Spanking New has developed over it’s three years… and the spirit and the structure remains the same- this is not a competitive short play festival. There are no “prizes”- being in, working on a beautiful, surprising, tender, challenging play with a playwright who dreams big, feels more, hopes unwaiveringly- is truly the real prize. The plays are housed on one set, linked with one sound design, and are considered a suite of plays. I approach directors, directors approach me- I spend my spare hours in coffee shops talking to directors, hearing what they want, what they love, what they believe and why they want to work on new work…. I gather the team of designers, crew, coordinators, the project rolls along…

There are two ways to be included in Spankers if you are a playwright- 1. If you are established, I write to you and I offer you a meagre sum of money and say “I love your work… and this is why… I will programme you what ever you write- write what you want” And you either say “I’m busy, not now, Gus” or you say “I’ll try to rustle up something, when’s the due date? OK, leave it with me…” and I sit and wait. I chew my nails. I do some baking. I try to think about other things….
or
2. I send out an email through the New Theatre, this site, my email list, my friends that say -”hey I heard you write… if you want to apply to Spankers please fill in this form, write me a play, and I’ll have a read and see what I reckon.” And then I wait nervously, hoping writers want to submit something… I chew my nails. I sit. I wait. I send little wishes out to the world that says, “I can’t wait to find the next great writer.”

Risk and optimism- the best way to be. Adrenilin.

This year- The established/approached writers said yes… and I was joyfully flooded by writers who approached me. Then the reading (which took 3 weeks)… the emails, the phone calls… the shortlist arrived… and now the list of writers and directors is ready.

The team is ready- most writers & directors know their pairing- and there are a few more to come… I am the match maker. And it gives me grand and great joy to see the great minds, big hearts articulate why they love the pieces they want… I love the conversation- I love the feeling of when I also get my writer- it feels like I have won the lottery… it’s thrilling. I love it.

The next thing is the auditions- starting next weekend: details are below: I’d love to see you there…

NEW THEATRE PRESENTS

Julia Lenton
Brand Spanking New 2010
Production Coordinator
0410 748 039
julia.ann.lenton@gmail.com

Remounting a show is a huge gamble- the hope that people who missed it last time are in town and can see it, the hope that those who saw the original show feel such a fondness for the show they want to see a replay (like that much loved VHS tape from my childhood) or are curious to see how it has changed. It’s a gamble that the writers, the directors and actors want to see it again, want to work on it again- want to plunge their foot in the same river twice… and the risk feels huge.

Luckily for Stories from the 428, a collection of the writers, directors and actors were available, keen and generous enough to lend their time and talent- and with the help of Leslie, Naomi, Guy and Kendall at ACTT the rehearsals were sorted out- and before long everyone was back ready to jump on board and into the Fringe Festival.

But of course there are a few changes- the two weeks have been combined and refined, some of the original cast are overseas, in other shows and so there is an ensemble cast- largely made up of the original with a few fresh faces thrown in.
Some scenes have been completely re-directed- others reinstated- but the selection is fun, festive, bright and I am utterly proud of all involved:it’s an honour to work with these writers, directors and artists.

After a nail-biting preceding week, 3 hours in which to tech and dress the show with a cast of 17, 11 writers, 5 directors and a crew of 2- the opening of (Selected) Stories From the 428 last Saturday was amazing. The audience full, the laughter loud, the applause generous… Three more shows to go (this weekend) before the show is put to bed.

The dates and times:
Saturday 18th Sept 5pm
Sunday 19th Sept 2pm*
Sunday 19th Sept 8pm

*please note this performance will not include “Baby Doll”

Bookings:
$24/$20 + Booking Fee
http://thesydneyfringe.com.au/shows/stories-428
http://sa2.seatadvisor.com/sabo/servlets/TicketRequest?eventId=100201510&presenter=AUCENTURY&venue=&event=FR428
02 9550 3666

I look forward to seeing you there!

(Selected) Stories From the 428
Bethlehem
Written by Kit Brookman, directed by Augusta Supple
Performed by Jan Langford-Penny

Story 2
Written by Lexi Freiman, directed by Scott Selkirk
Performed by Lucy Goleby, Luke Carson, Lib Campbell, Daniel Fischer

You Are Here #1
Written by Alison Rooke, Directed by Zoe Carides
Performed by Bridgette Sneddon and Felix Gentle

She
Written by Matt Edgerton, directed by Louise Fischer
Performed by Daniel Nemes and Kailah Cabanas

Playlist
Written by Sime Knezevic, directed by Glenn Hazeldine
Performed by Stephen Peacocke

Baby Doll
Written by Joanna Erskine, directed by Ngaire O’Leary
Performed by Maggie Blinco and Alan Faulkner

Oliver Twist Is…
Written by Donna Abela, directed by Scott Selkirk
Performed by Melissa Hume, Daniel Nemes, Luke Carson, Lucy Goleby, Daniel Fischer, Lib Campbell

Clean Skin
Written by Matt Edgerton, directed by Louise Fischer
Performed by Matt Charleston

It was raining all afternoon…
Written by Kit Brookman, directed by Augusta Supple
Performed by Lucy Goleby and Stephen Peacocke

An Advertiser’s Dream
Written by Brooke Robinson, directed by Augusta Supple
Performed by Kailah Cabanas and Julian Ramundi

Mastadon Special
Written by Patrick Lenton, directed by Ngaire O’Leary
Performed by Matt Charleston, Jan Langford-Penny, Lucy Goleby, Lib Campbell

You Are Here #2
Written by Alison Rooke, Directed by Zoe Carides
Performed by Bridgette Sneddon, Felix Gentle, Julian Ramundi and Helena Stamoulis

No Rides Left
Written by Jasper Marlow, directed by Louise Fischer
Performed by Lib Campbell, Luke Carson and Matt Charleston

The 428 Song
Lyrics by Tahli Corin, music by Rosie Chase, directed by Augusta Supple
Performed by Luke Carson, Julian Ramundi and Toby Villis

Earlier this year, a group of playwrights, directors, crew and actors came together to create a project inspired by Sydney’s transport system. A suite of plays were presented at Sidetrack theatre- a different suite each week for two weeks celebrating the bizarre, fantastical, romantic, infuriating Sydney Commuter experience. With a total of nearly 100 artists on board- nearly 1500 people over 10 performances enjoyed the fruits of their labours. Six months later, most of the directors and an ensemble cast have come together with a selection of the scenes from both weeks, culminating in a new show- full of surprises! If you missed it- this is your chance!

The premise is simple: A group of award-winning and emerging playwrights have collaborated to create a unique show inspired by conversations, scenes from the bus window, overseen text messages or perhaps the person sitting across from them on the 428 bus from Circular Quay to Canterbury. And the best thing is- you can catch the 428 to the show as it stops outside Sidetrack Theatre.
Supported by Queen Street Studio, New Theatre, Actors College of Theatre and Television (ACTT), a selection of Scenes from Stories from the 428 has been curated as an official selection of the Inaugural 2010 Sydney Fringe Festival this month.

Directed by: Scott Selkirk, Glenn Hazeldine, Ngaire O’Leary, Louise Fischer, Augusta Supple, Zoe Carides.

Written by: Sime Knezevic, Joanna Erskine, Patrick Lenton, Donna Abela, Matt Edgerton, Lexi Freiman, Brooke Robinson, Tahli Corin with Rosie Chase, Kit Brookman, Jasper Marlow, Alison Rooke

Performed by: Lucy Goleby, Stephen Peacocke, Maggie Blinco, Alan Faulkner, Jan Langford-Penny, Lib Campbell, Luke Carson, Matt Charleston, Daniel Nemes, Melissa Hume, Kailah Cabanas, Julian Ramundi, Bridgette Sneddon, Felix Gentle, Helena Stamoulis,Toby Villis

Creative Producer: Augusta Supple, Sound Designer: Jeremy Silver Lighting Designer: Miles Thomas, Graphic Design: Tim Andrew, Publicist: Julia Lenton, Web Construction: Grant Moxom, Stage Manager: Alison Murphy-Oates

Performance Dates:
Saturday 11th September at 8pm
Sunday 12th September at 8pm
Saturday 18th September at 5pm
Sunday 19th September at 2pm
Sunday 19th September at 8pm
Tickets: $24/$20 + Booking Fee
(02) 9550 3666
www.thesydneyfringe.com.au/shows/stories-428
www.storiesfromthe428.com

” Stories From The 428 is shaping-up as a cult phenomenon. Audiences have been overflowing; generous with applause, laughter and, where appropriate, mesmerised silence.” – lloyd bradford syke www.australianstage.com.au

“The very idea of bringing so many theatre artists together, established and emerging, is fabulous enough. But the fact that so much of the work was good makes the event truly special… and has led to delightful results.” James Waites www.jameswaites.com

“Each scene finds little joys and tragedies in the commonplace; it is a meditation on the private within the communal, and variation within routine. ” Vivienne Egan www.timeoutsydney.com.au

In eight days time, Sidetrack Theatre will be hosting the first week of Stories from the 428. In under 3 months, two groups (a cluster perhaps?) of 8 writers will have created two full length works – which have been auditioned for by 150 actors, rehearsed by 8 directors and finally staged at Sidetrack Theatre, in the Addison road centre…

Largely this has been a playground for theatre practitioners: writers- given permission to write hatever they want (to a maximum of 12 minutes) and know that whatever they offer, will be staged. Directors- given actors, time, space and scripts with which to work. Actors- given a chance at being a part of an exclusive Australian premiere. Designers- given the chance and the challenge to create for 32 vignettes…

Over the past 6 weeks, I have been asked “where did the idea for this project come from?” and “what’s it about”… to which I take a deep breath and reply- community.

It seems as though the more tools we have to keep in touch- mobile phones, texting, email, facebook, internet- the harder it is to feel well and truly connected to people. As the tidal wave of technology swells, and the immediate heat of someone else’s presence subsides and is substituted for the blue glow of a computer screen… However- it is a truth that I hold with both fists- that ultimately all humans- regardless of faith, background and politics yearns to be loved and understood. We need each other- we want to be around and with each other- because it gives us something to respond to. Something to think about. Something to learn. People seek to teach and seek to be taught by each other- we yearn for a connection or a connectedness that reassures and reminds us- we are not alone.

To best explore this notion, this project has a two fold approach-
Firstly, it seeks to create a collegiate space within which writers and directors work together, sharing cast and resources. It seeks to create a realm wherein all crew are valued for what they bring to the community of artists- and a keen awareness that without anyone person working on a show- we are weaker. 428 would be nothing without Gavin Roach as sponsorship coordinator- it wouldn’t be lit without Miles Thomas, nor would people be rehearsing and scheduled without Alison Murphy-Oates. There would be movement but no sound with Jeremy Silver, No one would have an image to associate with it- if it wasn’t for Karolina, no one would have heard of it without Julia Lenton… without PJ Gahan at the helm- I don’t know what we would be doing… and without the tenacity and designs from Gemma-Lark Johnson- the stage would not be set. And without Leah McGirr- no proof that any of this ever happened. This is the crew and creatives that have created a community- taking care of each other, the show and the to-do lists.

Secondly, this is a show which reaches out into the community to say, that local is wonderful, inspiring- that the everyday is important and sublime- that theatre isn’t for the lucky, the rich nor the recent art school graduates- it is for everyone- and it is as simple and honest as telling a story about where we live- how we feel- what we think- what we yearn for- what frightens us- what annoys us… this is a snapshot of the community which thrives along the artery of the 428 bus route.
This is a reaction to the life and times of where we are- it is a reflection, a response, a fantasy and a re-telling… which says to all – “you are not alone, you are not invisible, you are apart of my community whether you know it, want it, like it, or not.”
Week 1 is stunningly beautiful, quirky and surprising- check out the work from:

The writers: Vanessa Bates, Kit Brookman, Rebecca Clarke, Sime Knezevic, Ned Manning, Brooke Robinson, Alison Rooke and Phil Spencer.

The Directors: Zoe Carides, Glenn Hazeldine, Augusta Supple, Ian Zammit.

The Cast: Anna Lise Phillips, Rob Jago, Stephen Peacocke, Emma Jones, Jan Langford-Penny, Brendan Hawke, Leo Domigan, Felix Jozeps, Bridgette Sneddon, Julian Ramundi, Suz Mawer, Amy Kersey, Jovana Miletic, Kailah Cabanas, Felix Gentle, Adam Demos and Helena Stamoulis

Go to the theatre- embrace your community- experience something completely new and unexpected- go on… can’t be as bad as waiting for someone to “like” something on your facebook page…

Stories from the 428 launched last night- with the help from our friends at the Coopers Hotel in Newtown, Marrickville Council, ACTT and Queen Street Studio- writers, directors, designers, crew came together to have a few drinks, to meet the people who they will be working with in the next 3-4 weeks. This launch was for the participants… United by a love of theatre, new Australian Playwriting and buses- nearly 100 local artists are starting rehearsals this week.

Combining the a mix of writers from a range of backgrounds this is theatre at its most diverse- a patchwork of ideas that are stitched together through the common experience of the 428 Bus ride from Circular Quay to Canterbury.

What never ceases to amaze me is the passion people have within them – to make theatre- to make anything where before there was nothing. It is truly breathtaking.

People from different backgrounds and different levels of experience coming together to say something they believe in…

People who wouldn’t ordinarilly cross paths, meet each other in the context of this type of project- share ideas, contribute, support and inspire each other.

But one thing is for certain- without an audience these stories are mute, these ideas lay dormant. It is the everyday and the ordinary which inspires us to come together and share our Stories.

All this will come together in 3 weeks at Sidetrack Theatre. Tickets are $25… hope to see you at the show!
http://sa2.seatadvisor.com/sabo/servlets/EventSearch?presenter=AUCENTURY&event=428STORY

The premise is- I take 8 playwrights at a time on the 428 bus from Circular Quay, through the city, through Newtown , Marrickville and Canterbury in Sydney’s Inner West- as a point of reference for their writing. Their writing is then discussed in a collaborative way around table and read out for their fellow writers to enjoy and be inspired by. Then another bus trip is taken and the playwrights meet again to discuss their work. Out of this process approx 60-80 minutes of performance script is developed, rehearsed and produced at Sidetrack Theatre.

This project is about the joy of writing, finding everyday people/public situations a source of inspiration and creative invigoration.

Getting this show on the road (so to speak) is a marvellous one- and fairly exciting one too! I have been well caffeinated by the lads at Buzzzbar in Newtown during this experience of meeting playwrights and directors.

Originally conceived as a one week season for 8 writers to collaborate- this project has blossomed due to the interest, passion and curiosity of Sydney’s most vibrant writers. This project has now expanded to two weeks of two hour-long works (8 writers per week) with a mixture of emerging and established writers. Although I can’t yet announce the directors (there will be 4 directors , directing per week) I can announce the writers:
Donna Abela, Vanessa Bates, Kit Brookman, Rebecca Clarke, Tahli Corin, Matt Edgerton, Joanna Erskine, Lexi Frieman, Noelle Janaczewska, Sime Knezevic, Patrick Lenton, Ned Manning, Jasper Marlow, Lachlan Philpott, Brooke Robinson and Phil Spencer.

This is a collection of truly inspiring and lovely people- their voices are unique and diverse and hail from a wealth of experience- I am truly honoured to have them on board.

I’ll keep you posted on more as this project develops:

4 Directors/ 2 Weeks/ 8 Writers= Stories from the 428