As offices empty and sunscreen sales soar – the festive summer season has arrived with a seemingly endless carousel of parties and social engagements. Now the theatre’s have closed – there are a few of the industry who have a list of 2011 projects lined up… and the rest of us face family Christmas lunch/dinner gently quizzed by family “so how is your drama stuff going?” and “have you thought about an apprenticeship?” and other such brutal questions asked by well-meaning members of your gene pool.

Normal folk – the ones with contented lives filled with relaxing weekends, 9-5 work hours, paid holidays, a structured career path and regular pay cheques – look forward to the end of the year as a time of snooze and booze and lavish materialistic rewards for their year of hard work. For theatre folk it’s a little different.

The two week gap whilst Sydney prepares itself for the Sydney Festival is a time of reflection as it is for others but it is also a time for administration. “To do” lists for artists may involve getting new headshots, tightening up one’s bio, getting a new agent, landing a major gig, invoicing for that last job… Those who think being an artist is a lifestyle of excessive leisure time, relaxation and being paid a huge amount just to sit and think – rarely last more than a year in the business. This industry is not a get-rich-and- famous-quick scheme. In fact as a teenager, I remember reading an article talking about Geoffrey Rush’s “25 year preparation for an overnight success” – a slice of that idea can be seen here: http://www.urbancinefile.com.au/home/view.asp?a=8189&s=Features. It is this time of year which asks us to reflect and evaluate for ourselves (informally) – and to also write acquittals (formally) to those who have granted us money.

In my career, though I have been employed by companies that have received grants for specific projects (The City of Sydney has supported Off the Shelf and Brand Spanking New in 2008 and 2009) – the only grant I have ever received as an individual was for Stories from the 428. I received $4000 from Marrickville Council – which covered the insurance, the “comp ticket allocation” for the Marrickville Council offices, the set design and materials and rehearsal space. The other $14,000 that went into the project came from my personal savings. That project in its first incantation harnessed the talent of nearly 100 artists – and provided entertainment for 1400 punters in 10 nights. I will now spend a good three days writing an acquittal for the Council to prove that the project was completed and money was spent accordingly. It’s times like this I envy actors.

There’s a lot of paper involved. There’s a lot of writing, spreadsheets… and it is due on the 31st December.

As the year winds up – aquittals are due and the news filters out of all those who are heading off to Drama schools. And I think about the luxury of study – how wonderful it would be to be housed in an institution for a year or three, just to focus on theatre. The people who are not heading to Drama school prepare for another year of production – grant writing, residency writing, fundraising, acquittals, contact lists, names, numbers, project descriptions. And if you have had a big year of production, if you have had a big year of making art/theatre – the thought of leaping into that mode of writing, pitching, presenting etc is enough to make you run into a school – or an arts admin job or prison.

It’s funny, schools don’t seem to prepare students for a life of unemployment – they prepare them for employment. Which is all very well and good when you are working – but, how do you deal with the feast or famine of this industry? How do you live a good and moderate life – without feeling seasick from the swing between elation/stress of work and the aching paranoia/fear that you may never do/make anything ever again? It appears that schools are a resting place – not a preparatory place for artists.

One thing that has often worried me is the well-known conversation about people who enter drama schools whilst being in a relationship. The Schools I have heard f warning or penalising those students or potential-students warning them that their relationship wont last. This is something I don’t believe is necessary. It gives the impression that all theatre makers have to be available – all the time. That you can’t maintain a healthy relationship and be in the arts. This is not true. This is rubbish, in fact. I think it is perpetuated by a certain generation. It has been one thing I have struggled with reconciling – as I had bought into that myth that I had to choose between a life in the theatre and a life with a partner. It’s rubbish. You can have both. Both takes work. Both takes time and attention. And I believe both inform each other. Many times in my relationship I have looked to the lessons and guidance of great plays to help me solve and inform my dilemmas. In particular plays (eg Airsick, The Return, The Bermuda Love Triangle, Black and White, it was raining all afternoon) I direct often speak of where I am at personally. I choose them because I am trying to sort out, discover or say something about a relationship. I worry that certain schools prepare our future dramatists by teaching them in a vacuum of emotional/relationship connection. What is theatre but the study of interpersonal relationship? From the subject matter to the collaborative nature of the artform – it’s all about the interpersonal. As I have said for many years – I am in the business of other people.

This year I have provided 31 opportunities for directors, 41 opportunities for writers, sat on two lots of Shopfront’s Artslab panels for emerging artists (providing 12 residencies),programmed 12 shows for the Fringe festival, sat on a board (which included recruiting an Artistic Director and being involved in strategic planning for the company), attended 118 plays, written 55 reviews and 2 children’s plays- all whilst maintaining a day job and my relationship with my partner, known to many as “the botanist”.

For me, there is one thing for certain: If there is one thing my botanist has taught me it is the importance of fallow ground. I believe in artists having a break – and a real break – time to think and digest and dream and develop their thinking. I am going to do as I say next year – and do less. I’m not saying I won’t be working on something – I will be – I just am not sure what that is at this stage. I hope I’ll get approached to direct a fabulous new Australian play… or two. But I’m going to have some fallow time to plan and dream. First, I’ll finish this paper work for Marrickville Council… and this play that I am writing… have a cup of tea…

AND send a huge hug, big kiss out to the people who have made a huge impact on me this year – those that have bought me coffee and written beautiful plays- the reviewers who have held my ego so gently, the actors who have broken and made my heart sing… the people who have abused me or been nasty, those who have attended, directed, designed, applauded, cheered, read, given feedback, told me jokes those that are brave enough to make work – and share themselves… all of you. Our community. How honoured I am to keep the company I keep…

James, Me, Maggie, Tim

BSN Week 2

Week 1 Stories from the 428

The Beautiful Lucy Goleby

Rosie Chase and Miles Thomas

Stephen Peacocke in Stories from the 428

Me and TK Pok

Blueprint at Fraser Studios (with my boss James Winter in front)

Luke Carson, Helen Tonkin, Deborah Thomsen - Off the Shelf

Ian Zammit and Jane Eakin - my directing buddies

Selkirk and Magi - 428 induction

Alli, Phil, Scarlet - OTSers

Hanging with some playwrights - Noelle Janaczewska, Tahli Corin, Donna Abela, Matt Edgerton, Jasper Marlow, Patrick Lenton, Lexi Freiman, Jo Pretorius

Leah McGirr - the face behind all my photos and a truly great friend

Me and The Botanist

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

I have been receiving text messages, emails and in casual conversations I have been asked repeatedly, “So… the Sydney Fringe… there’s just so much on… I don’t know where to begin… what should I see?”

So in response to them, I say “Well there’s plenty to see- just don’t panic! Don’t panic! Stop trembling! Put down that chocolate bar- you’ll be OK! Just make sure you catch something at the inaugural Sydney Fringe!!!” And so I thought I would write a little post to let you know what I am keen on seeing, and what I know about… and what I’ve been working on… it’s been a busy couple of months! There’s a mix of stuff in here- yep, even a visual arts show! And that’s what festivals about- sampling a little bit of everything…

Visual Arts:

TIM ANDREW – WHERE’S MY PRIVATE JET?
September 9th-26th
Opening Thursday 9th 6-8pm.
ESP GALLERY 228 Illawarra Rd Marrickville NSW 2044.

There’s lots to like about Tim Andrew. And I’m not the only one who reckons his paintings are great… within the last month he was been a finalist in both the Marrickville Council’s Contemporary Art Prize and the Mosman Art Prize… so you don’t have to take my word for it. But let it be known, I am an unashamed fan. His work is bright and brutal and demands you look at it. Self conscious, utterly self-aware, awkward, yet brave and therefore loveable his work is fun, accessible and beautifully presented. One thing is for certain about Tim Andrew – his work is never, ever pedestrian.
“While dealing with the heavier, pessimistic anxieties and abjection about living and surviving in the world, I hope my work delights the viewer with bright, humorous, graphic themes and persistently entertaining titles.”
http://www.timandrewart.com/

And now for Theatre:

STORIES FROM THE 428
September 11th @8pm , 12th @8pm, 18th @5pm, 19th @2pm & @8pm
Sidetrack Theatre, 142 Addison Road, Marrickville
$24/$20 + Booking Fee

After a sold out season at Sidetrack Theatre earlier this year, Stories from the 428 returns for a very special season as a part of Sydney’s inaugural Sydney Fringe Festival. Inspired by the 428 bus route (from Circular Quay to Canterbury) a group of award winning and emerging playwrights have written a series of stories which will make you laugh, cringe, cry or even fall in love… best thing of all- the 428 stops right outside the theatre!
http://centurylive.com.au/default.aspx?Interface=3&Fshcode=68384AAD-DFC4-4F22-ACFE-46BCA3F6378B

THE HIDEOUS DEMISE OF DETECTIVE JERICHO SLATE
September 14th @ 8pm, 19th @ 5pm, 22nd @ 8pm, 23rd @ 9.30pm, 25th @ 9.30pm
The Boiler Room at the Factory Theatre, Marrickville
$20 / $16 + Booking Fee

A piece of film noir parody live radio theatre; Imagine a 1940’s hardboiled detective radio serial traveled through time, but on the way it got mixed up with that nuclear waste that made the ninja turtles, and grew legs, a fish fetish and an incredible amount of convoluted similes and threw itself on the stage. ‘With cream yourself funky live music and a stand out cast, this is a radio play like you’ve never seen before – sexy and hilarious.’ – Raymond Chandler
http://centurylive.com.au/default.aspx?Interface=3&Fshcode=9138AF2D-4C96-4A72-A183-B308294D9285

SEXY TALES OF PALEONTOLOGY
September 16th @ 8pm, 17th @ 6.30pm, 18th @ 9.30pm, 19th @ 6.30pm, 24th @ 8pm
The Boiler Room at the Factory Theatre, Marrickville
$20 / $16 + Booking Fee

Sexy Tales of Paleontology has everything you could possibly want: science, evil corporations and a lumberjack! When a group of scientists are taken over by an un-self-consciously evil corporation, a clash of ethics and robots ensue. Expect hysterical geologists in pit fights with paleontologists, flamboyant glam-pop mercenaries breaking out in song and the world’s worst narrator.
http://centurylive.com.au/default.aspx?Interface=3&Fshcode=DA4433E8-45D0-4F27-80C2-F5A9ADF05F18

COMBAT FATIGUE
September 13th @ 8pm, 17th @ 9.30pm, 18th @ 1.00pm, 22nd @ 9.30pm, 23rd @ 8pm
The Boiler Room at the Factory Theatre, Marrickville
$20 / $16 + Booking Fee

Come down, come down to the strawberry patch…A dark incantation, a letter that shouldn’t be read, a blood sacrifice. A golden couple in a toxic city on Valentine’s Day. A husband, an artist, a girl, a murderer with a poet’s heart. A battle for possession of a woman’s soul.
http://centurylive.com.au/default.aspx?Interface=3&Fshcode=34C508B0-F868-4723-9176-2595DD599F37

ZETLAND
September 14th @8pm, 15th @8pm, 17th @ 8pm, 18th @ 8pm, 19th @ 5pm
Sidetrack Theatre, Marrickville
$24/$20 +Booking Fee

Ross, 21, is leaving for the army tomorrow. He has returned home from a failed adventure in Queensland, hell-bent on confronting his older brother about their broken family. Josh (Ross’s Brother) 26, is making a clean break with a career in a call centre and a new pair of skinny-leg jeans determined to cut his losses. Kez, 25, has moved into the brothers family home claiming the throne of facetious installation artist, trying to keep the spirit of art-school activism alive when everyone around him is trying to grow up. Zetland is a play about three young men trying to live together, amid a swamp of poverty, avoidance and failed dreams. It’s a dark comedy that smacks of truth, an intimate experience of how men communicate, how they avoid conflict and how they deal with failure.
http://centurylive.com.au/default.aspx?Interface=3&Fshcode=B3F91B5C-3D50-46F2-AF7C-581166890B8B

THE CAULIFLOWER HOMICIDE: A LOVE STORY
September 11th @ 7:30pm, 17th @ 7:30pm, 18th @ 2:30pm, 19th @ 5pm
Petersham Town Hall, Crystal Street , Petersham

A new supermarket opens and the cauliflower mascot is murdered; it’s not just a case of who did it, but who was in the suit. The story follows four lonely, financially challenged individuals leading up to that fateful day – all of whom are vying for the esteemed cauliflower position. Along the way, relationships are tested and a vulnerable search for love and a sense of place in the world is illuminated.
http://centurylive.com.au/default.aspx?Interface=3&Fshcode=096152D3-74CE-446B-BCC8-C75E325D5289

SONGS FROM THE MUSICALS THAT NEVER WERE
September 12th @ 8pm, 15th @ 9.30pm, 16th @ 9.30pm, 18th @ 1pm, 19th @ 5pm
Fusebox, Factory Theatre Marrickville
$24/ $20 + Booking Fee

A fabulous night of music and comedy! See the shows that never were but should have been! “Underbelly: The Musical!” “Noah! Arc of Triumph!” on stage before your very eyes! Thrill to “Batman the Opera.” In German! (Der Fleidermausse Mench!)
Plus many more in a cavalcade of singing, dancing and fast paced comedy! Music by local musical comedy genius Benny Davis (6 million You Tube hits with Axis of Awesome!) Lyrics by Trevor Johnson (writer for TV’s D Generation plus much more!) Mary Sherman, Ray Chong Nee and Brendon Taylor bring to life Songs From the Musicals That Never Were!
http://centurylive.com.au/default.aspx?Interface=3&Fshcode=84435C3D-7E19-4F36-AD0F-2BB856943D82

Or if you don’t want to complicate things you could pick a venue and just see everything that is on at that venue, I recommend:

SIDETRACK THEATRE
142 Addison Road, Marrickville
http://www.sidetrack.com.au/
Breathe a Little and Call It Life, Landing, Stories From the 428, Violent Delights, Zetland

THE BOILER ROOM
Factory Theatre, Marrickville
http://fringeattheboilerroom.com/
Combat Fatigue, Sexy Tales of Paleontology, Hideous Demise of Detective Jericho Slate, Cuckoo, Starry Comet Night, A Thing Of Beauty

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…

Malcolm Gladwell’s book Outliers examines the reasons or causes behind people who are high acheivers- the thesis goes onto explain that for any person to be a leader in their field, they need to accrue 10,000 hours of practice in their given field. Gladwell sites the practise of The Beatles (who played 8 hours straight in Hamburg 5 days a week) and Bill Gates (who used to sneak into his local university at 2am to work on Computers as a teenage boy) … its a fascinating idea- and a hypothesis that rings true in the realm of the theatre.

One of my favourite designers, Barbara Bryce told me that “work breeds work” and this is very true- the more you do, the more you are offered… and perhaps this practice factor has something to do with it? Practise skills you up, makes you ready- keeps your mind ready and alert for challenges or problems… It arms you with confidence and knowledge. But do not mistake this – this is different from the concept “work for works sake.” The practise I am talking about is that which is quality, which keeps you challenged and invigorated and striving and is ultimately worth investing yourself in. It is the practice which you deem to be worthy of your time (your time being precious and finite) and your talent. Practise which is pedestrian and easy and the re-invention of your own wheel – is more destructive than the practice I am talking about… I am saying practise- and while you practise aim to elevate your practice.

For me, Stories from the 428 is practising my practice- my dramaturgical, directorial and producing pursuits… I am being stretched and challenged like I never have before- this is not a re-cycling of Brand Spanking New, Metamorphases or Off the Shelf- it is its own unique and marvellous beast- mainly because of the hardwork and talents of all the marvellous people who are feeding their ideas into this production- a wonderous and terrifying creation. And all of us on this production are clocking up hours- rehearsing/writing/sourcing/pitching/painting etc…

For those who are inbetween projects and looking for some practise time- If you are a writer I suggest Griffin Theatre’s playwrighting class http://www.griffintheatre.com.au/playwriting/playwriting-courses/ . If you are a director why not apply for The Colour Blind Project more info: http://jobs.australianstage.com.au/job/3380/expressions-of-interest-for-the-colour-blind-project-various-positions-at-the-colour-blind-project/ , and if you are an actor this amazing offer has fallen across my desktop-

SPECIAL FREE ACTT ACTING WORKSHOP: On Saturday 20 March from 10:30pm – 12:30pm, there will be a free acting workshop and information session at ACTT, 505 Pitt St. (15+ only) The workshop will be a fun and invigorating acting class and a unique and inspiring learning experience. BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL: Call 02 9213 4500 to register your interest.

But above all else- do what you love. And. Love what you do.

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

It’s true that I spend a good deal of my time looking for, creating projects for, promoting new writing talent. In the last 3 years I have created 3 independent projects (Metamor/phases, Brand Spanking New, Stories from the 428) and a script development hothouse (Off the Shelf) culiminating 64 opportunities for writers/directors/actors to develop/practice/ showcase their art. In the middle of all of this- working a full time job, maintaining my relationship and writing for myself and for a company in Canada when I can. I’ve tried to create opportunities that I would want – places of experimentation, colleagiate regard as opposed to competition, places where work can be written, developed and produced within a year (yes- how novel!). How delighted I was when Phil Spencer contacted me about putting a little something forward for Cut and Paste!

According to the blurb “Cut & Paste is an evening of short plays, theatrical scraps and script-in-hands, brought to you by some of Sydney ’s most exciting theatre makers. This month’s line up includes Lexi Freiman with Pip Smith, Talya Rubin, John AD Fraser, Augusta Supple, Brooke Robinson, Sean Barker and Phil Spencer.” Last year’s cut and paste session inluded work by Caleb Lewis, Scarlet McGlynn, Sean Barker and Phil Spencer… and Phil has spruiked the idea to me as a testing ground- a kind of “balls to the walls” theatrical showing- rough, ready and high energy.

My offering is called “Boxed Carnation” and is a short monologue that looks at the world of Internet dating. I am a firm believer in writers not directing their own work- and I have enlisted the directorial help of Gavin Roach (who I met in 2008, and who was my Assistant Director for Brand Spanking New 2009) and the acting talents of Lucy Goleby. I have attended a rehearsal, tweaked the script… but really the test of a work is in the watching.

For those free on a Sunday evening the 21st Feb.. make your way to The Old Fitz Hotel for a lemonade and a laksa and experience some very new works from a diverse range of practitioners… you might meet some people, see a new idea or even see the start of something great!

CUT & PASTE
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21st @ 8.00pm
THE OLD FITZROY HOTEL
$9 on the door. First in best dressed!

The view from the 428- it's a sign

Anne-Maree Magi, Vanessa Bates, Noelle Janaczewska, Ned Manning, Donna Abela, Kate Gaul

Playwrights on the 428

Week 1 writers at FraserStudios

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