barking gecko theatre company 2013 season program

“Perth’s most exciting theatre company right now.”The West Australian

MESSAGEFROM OURARTISTIC DIRECTOR2013 at Barking Gecko is about diversity, friendship and re-invention. Uncosy tales, familiar titles, loud teenagers and Australia’s most famous pelican are some of the ingredients that give our season its inspiration. They’re as mischievous as they are fun, as challenging as they are life-affirming and always a leap into the unknown.

Each story has been chosen for its bravery, questioning, humour, daring and ability to allow the imagination to explore far beyond our day-to-day lives. Each is designed to invigorate, challenge and inspire our ongoing dialogue with audiences of young people, teenagers, schools and families.

In 2013 we make some new friends and continue to partner old friends - or not so old, as the case may be! Our adaptation of Wolf Erlbruch’s award winning, delicate and humorous tale, Duck, Death and the Tulip, continues our fertile partnership with the Perth International Arts Festival and new production partner Macquarie Private Wealth (WA).

In April, Shakespeare comes to a new generation with the Shakespeare Series, an ongoing collaboration with WAAPA. Each year we will reinvent and unpick Shakespeare’s works to make it relevant and accessible to our young audiences. In 2013 we present the play with the lot, Hamlet.

After a controversial, sellout debut in PIAF’s 2012 festival and a Helpmann Award nomination, Driving Into Walls takes the voices of our WA teens on tour to the Sydney Opera House and Riverside Theatre in Parramatta.

We are thrilled to end the year in partnership with Sydney Theatre Company to present one of the most heartfelt and extraordinary friendships in Australian literature, Storm Boy. With Trevor Jamieson and Peter O’ Brien, Storm Boy will premiere in Sydney and close in Perth in October.

2012 saw BGTC firmly place itself on the national stage with 2 sold-out seasons in the Perth International Arts Festival. We gained international recognition and celebrated 5 Helpmann Award nominations for The Red Tree and Driving into Walls. Significantly, 2013 sees us regain the generous support from the Australia Council, allowing us to keep developing the important work for you, our audience.

In 2013, we look forward to continuing our growth, success and creative partnerships,old and new, with some of the best theatre companies and artists this country has tooffer. But most of all we look forward to presenting you with theatre that is alive,fertile, tender and explosive - theatre where the experience outlasts the event.

John Sheedy

MESSAGE FROM OUR PATRONPROFESSOR FIONA STANLEY AC

MESSAGE FROM OURAMBASSADOR

CRAIG SILVEY, AUTHOR

“As Patron of Barking Gecko, I have been thrilled to see the significant transformation in the company’s artistic direction. Productions are at a level of international excellence, which, for WA, is quite wonderful. I am

inspired by how profoundly these productions are successfully targeting the neglected “middle years” of childhood when young people are needing

to be heard, still nurtured, reassured and supported along their pathways into adulthood. The new directions at Barking Gecko fulfill these needs

superbly well and I look forward to what’s in store for 2013.”

“As a writer, I aspire to create a world that my readers can escape into and explore. Theatre, however, is a more

transformative means of sharing stories. It feels real. As an audience, we’re watching slices of life play out in

ways that connect us and help us understand each other. It’s so vital that children have the opportunity to absorb

stories in this way, and Barking Gecko continues to create these opportunities for young people to share human

experiences and encourage dialogue via the stage.

I am proud to be part of a company that nurtures and inspires and values its audience,

many of whom have not previously experienced the magic of theatre.”

BARKING GECKO TEAM ARTISTIC DIRECTOR JOHN SHEEDY

GENERAL MANAGER NATHAN GILESPRODUCTION MANAGER GENEVIEVE JONES

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER MICHELLE WEALLEDUCATION & WORKSHOP MANAGER MICHAEL DALY

FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATOR JOY CROCKERMARKETING OFFICER ROBBYN BRACKNELLASSOCIATE PRODUCER JENNY VILA-KARPE

BOARDCHAIR PATRIA JAFFERIES

DIRECTORSMONIQUE BEAUDOIRE

ANDREW CARRNICHOLAS CREED

DREW DYMONDLEE LEWIS

ROGER MARTINSTEPHEN MOLONEY

DUCK, DEATH AND THE TULIPAdapted from the picture book by award winning German illustrator and author, Wolf Erlbruch, Duck, Death and the Tulip offers a thoughtful, tender and intriguing perspective on a sensitive subject not often explored in children’s theatre.

In a strangely heart-warming story, a duck strikes up an unlikely friendship with Death…

Barking Gecko’s stunning adaptation features a live orchestra composing an original score bringing to life the story of Duck, Death and the Tulip in an elegant, straightforward and, above all, life-affirming way.

“Who are you? Why are you creeping along behind me?”“Good. You’ve finally noticed me,” said Death.“I am Death.”Duck was scared stiff. You could hardly blame her for that.

Director John SheedySet and Costume Designer Alicia ClementsLighting Designer Trent SuidgeestSound Designer Kingsley ReeveVideo Designer Chris MoreMusical Director Tristan Parr

with George Shevtsov and Ella Hetherington

SUITABLE for 5+ DURATION 50 minutes no interval

SUBIACO ARTS CENTRE8th February – 16th February

EDUCATIONTerm 1 / Week 2Years 1 – 12

All bookings through Ticketek www.ticketek.com.au 1300 795 012

Ticketek group bookings1300 364 001 [email protected]

BY WOLF ERLBRUCHADAPTED AND DIRECTED FOR THE STAGE BY JOHN SHEEDY

BARKING GECKO THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTSA BARKING GECKO THEATRE COMPANY AND PERTH INTERNATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL PRODUCTION

A Perth International Arts Festival Event

A CO-PRODUCTION WITH

HAMLETMurder. Betrayal. Love. Politics. Revenge.

Hamlet is Shakespeare’s most performed play. It is estimated that every minute of the day, it is being staged somewhere around the world. In 2013, we introduce the first production in our Shakespeare Series as part of our collaboration with WAAPA.

Director John Sheedy, working with the next breed of emerging talent from WAAPA, will offer a fresh, contemporary interpretation of Shakespeare’s most famous protagonist.

with WAAPA 3rd Year Acting, Production and Design Students

SUITABLE for 13+ DURATION 2 hours plus interval

SUBIACO ARTS CENTRE16th March – 22nd March

EDUCATIONTerm 1 / Week 7Years 8 – 12



BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEAREDIRECTED BY JOHN SHEEDY

BARKING GECKO THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTSA BARKING GECKO THEATRE COMPANY AND WESTERN AUSTRALIAN ACADEMY OF PERFORMING ARTS PRODUCTION


“The Play’s the thing. Wherein I will catch the conscience of the King.”- Hamlet, Act 2, Scene 2

Post performance Shakespeare Workshops available. Contact the Education & Workshops Manager for further details, [email protected] or (08) 9380 3080

“THERE ARE VOICES WAITING TO BE HEARD AND THIS PRODUCTION IS A LOUD, HIGH-IMPACT START.” Robin Pascoe, The West Australian

DRIVING INTO WALLSAfter its 2012 sellout season, Driving Into Walls takes the voices of Western Australian teenagers to the national stage at the Sydney Opera House and Riverside Theatre in Parramatta.

Making out, fighting, laughing, dancing and confessing … drawn from over 500 starkly honest and highly confidential interviews with Western Australian teens, this intimate and confronting play draws back the curtain on what it means to be young in our modern, media-driven society.

Five teenagers walk an emotional tightrope of online and offline relationships, colliding with one another and driving into the walls built around them.

Nominated for a 2012 Helpmann Award, this daring, immersive production gives a raw and voyeuristic view of their deepest secrets, rages, anxieties and hopes.

WARNING Includes exclusion, racism, sexuality, absent parents, bullying, violence, drug references, coarse language and most shockingly – kissing.

“…engaging and challenging theatre specifically targeting adolescent audiences is rare. We have discussed the show at length and all gained so much from the process.”Teacher, Applecross Senior High School

“Driving into Walls is raw theatre, emotive and confrontational. This is the best type of theatre, one that challenges, evokes, engages and makes you sit up and pay attention.” Anna Locke, Australian Stage

Director John SheedyWriter Suzie MillerChoreographer Danielle MicichLighting Designer Matt MarshallSound Designer Kingsley ReeveDigital Artist Sohan Ariel HayesCostume Designer Alicia Clements

with Peter Fares, Riley Lange, Thalia Livingstone, Michael Smith, Matt Tupper

SUITABLE for 13+DURATION 60 minutes no interval

RIVERSIDE THEATRE, PARRAMATTA13th June – 14th June

SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE19th June – 21st June

WE ASKED. YOU TOLD US.

SUPPORTED BYThe development of Driving Into Walls was supported by Perth International Arts Festival Vital Stages program

STORM BOYColin Thiele’s Storm Boy has to be one of Australia’s best loved stories for young people.

A boy’s last childhood summer before beginning the long trek to adulthood is spent with his reclusive dad Hideaway Tom in the wild freedom of South Australia’s Coorong. Storm Boy roams the savage landscape, navigating the waters and searching for debris and wildlife. Along the way he picks up some unlikely friends including the enigmatic Fingerbone Bill and a family of orphaned pelicans, including his favourite, Mr Percival.

The book and the film both reached huge audiences, and we are now thrilled to partner with Sydney Theatre Company to bring this moving tale to the stage in Sydney and Perth.

Whether you are returning to the story as an adult, or introducing it to a new generation, we look forward to sharing with you afresh the wonder, sadness and hope of this homegrown classic.

Director John SheedyAdaptor Tom HollowayDesigner Michael Scott-MitchellLighting Designer Damien CooperSound Designer Kingsley ReeveVisual Designer Mic GruchyPuppet Director Peter Wilson

with Trevor Jamieson and Peter O’Brien

STC Commissioning Patron: Gretel Packer

SUITABLE for 6+DURATION 1hr 20 mins no interval

HEATH LEDGER THEATRESTATE THEATRE CENTRE OF WA 21st September – 5th October

EDUCATIONTerm 3 / Week 10Years 1 - 12



BY COLIN THIELEADAPTED FOR THE STAGE BY TOM HOLLOWAYDIRECTED BY JOHN SHEEDY

BARKING GECKO THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTSA BARKING GECKO THEATRE COMPANY AND SYDNEY THEATRE COMPANY PRODUCTION


‘A wonderful thing is the pelican.His beak can hold more than his belly can.’Dixon Lanier Merritt

EDUCATION PROGRAM

BGTC WORKSHOP PROGRAM

BGTC TERM WORKSHOPS

Our education program is developed to support teachers by creating unique opportunities to enhance student learning, inspire classroom conversation and provide an access point into the world of the performing arts.

In 2013, we will bring dedicated performances, workshops and incursions to schools throughout WA. Schools taking part in our program have access to educational resources, exclusive access to online content, discounted tickets for students and teachers and opportunities for professional development.

For more information on our education program visit www.barkinggecko.com.au/education

Barking Gecko’s workshop program is designed to allow children and young people to explore their creative side. Our tutors create vibrant sessions that encourage the uniqueness of each student developing self confidence, team building skills and nurturing a love of the performing arts.

All tutors are professionally trained and currently working in the arts.

Acting Up 7 – 10 yearsEach term, tutors focus on a certain area of the performing arts encouraging students to think and play creatively and use their imaginations to explore fantastical scenes and characters. Acting Up is a perfect introduction into the world of the performing arts.

Skilling Up 11 – 13 yearsDesigned for students who have an interest in the performing arts, Skilling Up looks at all facets of a performance. These workshops are an exciting creative development for students, both individually and collaboratively.

Acting Intensive 14 – 17 yearsActing Intensive helps to prepare students to take the next step in performing arts. Helping to build self confidence through the opportunity to work with experienced actors in the industry, students develop essential skills in acting for the stage and screen.

SUBIACO ARTS CENTRESaturday mornings during school term

PRESENTED BY HEALTHWAY, SMARTER THAN SMOKING

SCHOOL HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS

SPECIALIST WORKSHOPS

STORY INC.

Barking Gecko School Holiday Workshops take children on a fun and creative journey. We work with industry specialists - from directors to stage combat choreographers, to build self confidence, team building and performance skills in a social and fun environment.

SUBIACO ARTS CENTREDuring the April, July and October school holidays over two days

Barking Gecko has a range of workshops suitable for schools, community groups and vacation care providers. The active participation in workshops develops skills such as confidence, expression, problem solving and teamwork - all essential attributes for developing young people.

Specialist workshops can be adapted for specific age groups and abilities and can be presented ‘in-house’ or at the Subiaco Arts Centre.

For more information on our entire range of workshops, or to book, visitwww.barkinggecko.com.au/workshops

Story Inc. is a joyous exploration of the world of children’s literature. In 2013, a cast of characters take 2 – 5 year olds on an imaginative journey as stories are read from one of our children’s classics, inspiring young minds whilst fostering a love of reading and the arts. Reading sessions are complemented by an art and drama activity.

Story Inc. runs during school term only. Visit our website for current locations.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

AND BARKING GECKO THEATRE COMPANY

WA SCHOOLS TOUR

artsHub

THIS GIRL LAUGHS,THIS GIRL CRIES,

THIS GIRL DOES NOTHING

After a sellout tour of WA schools in 2012, this charming tale is offered as an incursion to thrill, delight and surprise students.

Three sisters are abandoned in the middle of a forest by their father. Facing an uncertain future, one decides to walk one way around the world, one decides to walk the other way and one decides to stay right where she is. After 20 years having crossed oceans, toppled lighthouses and conquered armies, the two wanderers find themselves back at the same place in the woods, where the third sister waits…

Winner of the 2010 Rodney Seaborn Award, one of Australia’s most exciting playwrights, Finegan Kruckemeyer, has created an epic tale of the search for happiness, self and place.

BY FINEGAN KRUCKEMEYERDIRECTED BY NOEL JORDAN

Director Noel JordanSet and Costume Designer Alicia ClementsLighting Designer Trent SuidgeestSound Designer Quincy Grant

Production development supported byCasula Powerhouse Arts Centre and Q Theatre Company

METRO SCHOOLS TOUR REGIONAL SCHOOLS TOUR 17th June - 5th July

EDUCATIONTerm 2 / Week 7-9Years 2 – 12

DURATION 60 minutes no interval

Contact the Education & Workshop Manager for further details, or to book,[email protected] or (08) 9380 3080

“This Girl Laughs... follows in the best tradition of fairytales through the ages – an engagingly told yarn for the children of today, with lessons for adults also; and with Barking Gecko’s spirited presentation bringing an extra dimension to ensure it remains in the memory.”Nerida Dickinson, artsHub

THANKYOU AND PARTNERSHIPS

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORTTHEATRE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE

Established in 1991, Barking Gecko Theatre Company is a not-for profit organisation. It is one of the leading Australian theatre companies for young people and their families, dedicated to the production and development of contemporary theatre.

Our focus on building artistic collaborations with nationally recognised theatre companies is critical to our ability to present challenging new works of the highest standard that illuminate, entertain and challenge artistic convention.

Our 2013 program includes significant collaborations with the Perth International Arts Festival, the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts and the Sydney Theatre Company.

Our programs are supported by an investment from the State of Western Australia through the Department of Culture and the Arts WA in association with Lotterywest and assistance from the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.

Support from our corporate, government and private partners provides a valuable contribution for the Company and assists us in realising our goals and aspirations.

We would like to acknowledge our current partners including - Healthway, Country Arts WA, The City of Subiaco, Professor Fiona Stanley AC, Hawaiian, Lotterywest, Karrinyup Shopping Centre and Macquarie Private Wealth.

We welcome Woodside Energy LTD. as our Development Partner. This three year partnership will enable us to harness our history and develop the company for future generations.

We would also like to pay respect to the significant contribution of Professor Fiona Stanley AC, Craig Silvey, The West Australian, Lush TV, Guerilla Construction, Abbott and Co Printers, Creative Partnerships Australia, Jon Green Photography, All of the Above Creative, Avant Card, Maxim Hall Chadwick, James Luscombe, Gerard Daniels, Student Edge and the phenomenally talented artists and arts workers of whom we have the distinct pleasure of collaborating with.

Without the generosity of our partners we would not be able to continue to connect communities and audiences to the imaginative, socially relevant and fantastical experience theatre can be.

Should you wish to know more about our corporate and private partnership opportunities, please contact Nathan Giles, General Manager – [email protected] or by telephone - (08) 9380 3080.

Through Barking Gecko Theatre Company’s Private Giving Program, individuals help to fund the production costs associated with our annual program. Many of our donors contribute toward our mentoring programs, which aim to foster the next generation of creative and industry talent in Western Australia.

It is through these incredible contributions that we are able to deliver outstanding theatre performances and infuse the community with social and cultural vibrancy.

Donations – no matter how large or small – are fully tax deductible with all our donors receiving regular updates through our enewsletter. All donations over $500 will be acknowledged in the Company’s Annual Report and receive invitations to opening night performances and special Company events.

We would like to thank all our current donors for their consistent contributions and generosity. It is through this generosity that we are able to deliver our mission of developing world class Theatre for Young People. We couldn’t do it without you!

If you would like to know more about our Private Giving Program, please contact Nathan Giles, General Manager – [email protected] or by telephone - (08) 9380 3080.

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY

CHECK OUT EXCLUSIVE CONTENT ON OUR WEBSITEWWW.BARKINGGECKO.COM.AU

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STYLING BY HANNAH MCGRATH, ALL OF THE ABOVE CREATIVEPHOTOGRAPHY BY JON GREEN PHOTOGRAPHY, LUKE THOMPSON AND CAMERON ETCHELLS

DESIGN BY GUERILLA CONSTRUCTION

PRINTED BY ABBOTT & CO. PRINTERS

PRODUCTION PARTNER DUCK, DEATH AND THE TULIP

Barking Gecko Theatre Company is assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.

barking gecko theatre company 2013 season program

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