NORPA 2015 Season

norpa.org.au

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. Our home is the Lismore City Hall.

Railway Wonderland, 2012 – photo by Grant MacIntyre

Your visit 37

Ticket information 39

Contact us 44

Let’s talk about NORPA 25

Generator 27

NORPA Community 31

Embrace NORPA 33

Our Partners 35

ABOUT nOrpA

USEFUL InFOrMATIOn

BeyondCIRCA27 & 28 March

5

Cabaret DivaCHRISTA HUGHES & BETHAN ELLSMORE8 & 9 May

7

Australia DayHIT PRODUCTIONS23 & 24 June

9

The 26-Storey TreehouseA CDP PRODUCTION17 July

11

Country SongQUEENSLAND THEATRE COMPANY13 – 15 August

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HamletBELL SHAKESPEARE29 & 31 August

15

CockfightTHE FARM & NORPA17 – 19 September

17

Railway WonderlandNORPA22 October – 7 November

19

KinshipBANGARRA DANCE THEATRE17 & 18 November

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BECOME A SUBSCrIBEr

Why subscribe 23

Win prizes 40

Subscription form 41

2015 SEASOn

2015NORPA

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Welcome to 2015

Theatre is highly collaborative and is shared in the moment. We are witnesses to it in real time. It’s not online and you can’t catch it later on-demand. Theatre is a shared experience and when it resonates, we stumble into the night a little changed, a little more alive. Illuminated.

I hope 2015 at NORPA will be full of those moments for you.

Some of the most powerful and joyous responses we get are to our homegrown works – two of which are featured in this year’s season. We’re thrilled to be putting Railway Wonderland back on the tracks at Lismore train station (for an extended run!) after so many missed out on the experience when it sold out in 2012. A wonderful combination of theatre, dance, visuals and music (a choir no less), Railway Wonderland is a spectacular theatre event created in this community and inspired by our local stories. We also bring you another NORPA Generator work, Cockfight, co-produced with our friends The Farm in a comical, combative and tender performance that pushes the limits of physical theatre.

I’m also excited for the national companies that will travel to perform here because they will experience the

joy, energy, passion and spirit of this community.

Highlights include contemporary circus superstars Circa with their new show Beyond and Bangarra Dance Theatre finally returns to Bundjalung country with Stephen Page’s breathtaking work Kinship. NORPA audiences will be the first to experience a new Indigenous work, Country Song, after its Brisbane premiere. Created by Wesley Enoch and the Queensland Theatre Company, Country Song celebrates the life and music of Jimmy Little and many of the ‘unsung’ Aboriginal entertainers in our shared history.

This year it is a real privilege to be developing our own theatre work called Three Brothers with our local Bundjalung community. I believe it is in theatre that some of the most exciting and positive exchanges are being made between black and white Australia. For more exciting news about our homegrown projects have a look at the Generator section of this brochure (pg 27).

We welcome you to be in the moment with us and celebrate the power of theatre.

Julian Louis Artistic Director

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Friday 27 & Saturday 28 March, 7.30pmDiner & bar from 6pm — Lismore City Hall — 70 minutes (no interval)

ticket prices SpECIAL BOnUScreative team patron advice

Performed by Rowan Heydon-White,

Bridie Hooper, Rudi Mineur, Kathryn O’Keeffe,

Paul O’Keeffe, Skip Walker-Milne & Billie Wilson-Coffey

Director Yaron Lifschitz Technical Director &

Lighting Designer Jason Organ

Costume Design Libby McDonnell

A $49 S $44 C $42 U/18 $22

Subscriber price A $40 S $36

C $34 U/18 $18

There is a line between human and animal, between madness and sanity, between logic and dream. Contemporary circus stars Circa invite you to step over this line… and go Beyond.

Beyond is warm, surreal and unexpectedly moving. Blending dynamic circus acts like trapeze and Chinese pole with multiple rabbit heads, Rubik’s Cubes and blindfolds, set to a bewitching mix of show tunes, ballads and electronica, Beyond delights and enchants.

CREATED By yARON LIFSCHITz WITH THE CIRCA ENSEMBLE

CIRCA

Seven artists gather together to express their inner selves and to connect with each other and the audience. Over the course of Beyond we meet the artists, marvel at their skills, enter their personalities and emerge into a strangely beautiful and curiously tender world, as performers explore their animal instincts and human foibles.

Circa finds new emotional landscapes inside the spectacle. Beyond is dangerous and skillful, but above all it is circus of the heart.

performance partner

“Audiences have come to expect the earth from Circa... Beyond gives them the moon as well.”

the stage uk

Suitable for all ages

NORPA and TNR present

Beyond

Join the cast of Circa for a Q&A session

after the performance on Friday 27 March

norpa 2015 season

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Recommended for ages 18+ Coarse language, adult

themes, outrageous behaviour

Singer & performer Christa Hughes

Piano Leonie Cohen Writer Christa Hughes

Friday 8 & Saturday 9 May, 7.30pmDiner & bar from 6pm — Lismore City Hall — 110 minutes (including interval)

ticket prices SpECIAL BOnUScreative teams patron advice

Created and performed by Bethan Ellsmore

Musically directed by Alicia Cush Directed by Alison St Ledger

Co-Produced with Little Black Dress Creatives

A $41 S $37 C $35 U/18 $22


C $28 U/18 $18

FEATuRING CHRISTA HuGHES

CHRISTA HuGHES in

With the mesmerising voice of a mermaid wooing ships onto the rocks and a dash of 1920s bravado, singing sensation Christa Hughes (Machine Gun Fellatio, Circus Oz) returns to the Northern Rivers. As a ‘lush’ she takes us on an alcohol-drenched journey from the tingling buzz of that first elegant sip all the way through to the hair-of-the-dog hangover blues.

Beer Drinking Woman

Supported by BETHAN ELLSMORE in

Under the cover of darkness, anything is possible.Bethan Ellsmore is a curious urban fantasist who insists that you can sing Mozart, The Strokes, Weill and Sia in the same soiree. Straying from the safety of the babes of Babushka Cabaret,

Queen of the Night

Accompanied by pianist Leonie Cohen, they perform some of Christa’s own liquor-laced compositions as well as songs by Tom Waits, Memphis Slim, Cold Chisel, Dinah Washington and more. Come on in, wet your whistle and sink another with the Dive Bar Diva.

Christa will perform for 60 minutes.

Bethan wanders the heady streets of her urban existence, dodging dangers and sharing joyous moments through arias, music theatre, pop songs and her own original music.

Bethan will perform for 30 minutes (approx).

“She’s exuberant, she’s inventive, she’s exciting and, above all, Christa kind of gives vulgarity a good name.”

barry humphries

NORPA presents

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Cabaret Diva

Frock up! Best fancy dressed

patron competition at the bar after the show

on Friday 8 May

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Originally commissioned and first produced at the Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne by Sydney Theatre Company and Melbourne Theatre Company

performance partner

Tuesday 23 & Wednesday 24 June, 7.30pmDiner & bar from 6pm — Lismore City Hall — 2 hours 20 minutes (including interval)


Cast Brian Harrigan, Robert Wilson, Helen

McInnes, Wally Stewart, Marie Bucknell &

Chester Lee Set Designer

Shaun Gurton Lighting Designer

Jason Bovaird Costume Designer

Adrienne Chisholm Sound Designer

Nick Reich

A $49 S $44 C $42 U/18 $22


C $34 U/18 $18

The country town of Coriole is getting ready for Australia Day – a time to crack open a frothy, throw a snag on the barbie and celebrate what it means to be a true blue Aussie.

The Australia Day committee is gearing up to put on the town’s biggest party – but they have a few issues of their own to sort out first. With everyone from the Greens to the local mayor to the CWA wanting a piece of the party pie, it’s proving hard yakka to work out what an Aussie

WRITTEN AND DIRECTED By JONATHAN BIGGINS

HIT PRODUCTIONS

celebration should look like. Nothing is sacred as the national identity is put through the ringer in this thoroughly modern ripper of a comedy! Will the day be fair dinkum after all? Or are there too many roos loose in the community hall?

Written and directed by acclaimed playwright and Sydney Theatre Company satirist Jonathan Biggins (The Wharf Revue), Australia Day is a brand new touring production for 2015.

“If you want social satire and huge laughs at the expense of well, just about everyone in our sun-drenched country... Australia Day is just the ticket.”

herald sun

Recommended for ages 15+ Contains strong language

and adult themes.

NORPA and TNR present a production by Christine Harris and HIT Productions

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Australia Day

Join cast members for a Q&A session after the performance on

Tuesday 23 June

norpa 2015 season

Recommended for ages 6+ and their adults

The 26-Storey Treehouse is part of NORPA’s 2015 Theatre for Schools program

Friday 17 July, 6pmDiner & bar from 5pm — Lismore City Hall — 60 minutes (no interval)

ticket pricescreative teams patron advice

A $41 S $37 C $35 U/18 $22


C $28 U/18 $18

Director Liesel Badorrek Artistic Director

Julian Louis Set & Costume Designer

Mark Thompson Lighting Designer Nicholas Higgins Sound Designer Ross Johnston Choreographer Katie Kermond

Andy and Terry had such a ball with their crash-landing entry into the world of theatre with The 13-Storey Treehouse last year, they’re back for more. 13 storeys more in fact. And you’re invited!!

You know what 13 more storeys means?! More inventions – like the 78 flavour ice-cream dispensing robot and the brain bamboozling Maze of Doom (not to mention the self-inflating underpants) and more things to go wrong. Will Andy and Terry push their friend Jill to her absolute limits? And who is this shady Hector

A PLAy By RICHARD TuLLOCH

ADAPTED FROM THE BOOk By ANDy GRIFFITHS & TERRy DENTON

A CDP PRODUCTION

Houtkop with a really bad pirate accent? And what about all those pirates?

Adapted by award-winning playwright and author Richard Tulloch (The Book of Everything, Bananas in Pyjamas) and under the creative guidance of NORPA’s very own Artistic Director Julian Louis, The 26-Storey Treehouse is brought to you by the same cracker team that delivered the smash-hit stage version of The 13-Storey Treehouse.

So what are you waiting for? You’ll laugh your head off!

“ WOW... goes to the edge of the ridiculous to get a laugh.”sydney morning herald

NORPA and The Macadamia Castle present

performance partner

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The 26-Storey Treehouse

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Thursday 13 & Friday 14 August, 7.30pm Saturday 15 August, 1.30pm & 7.30pm

Diner & bar from 6pm — Lismore City Hall — 2 hours 40 minutes (including interval)


Writer Reg Cribb Cast includes

Michael Tuahine Director Wesley Enoch

Set Designer Josh McIntosh

A/V Design Optikal Bloc

A $49 S $44 C $42 U/18 $22


C $34 U/18 $18

As the Sydney Opera House throws open its doors in 1973 with an extravagant gala concert, another Australian icon is having a backstage crisis. Indigenous singing superstar Jimmy Little is about to croon for Queen Elizabeth II, but the words won’t come.

Once a smiling, cheeky child of vaudevillians, now a poster boy for Aboriginal performers, Jimmy wrestles with whether to take to the Opera House stage or quietly fade away. Travel with Jimmy Little down the long road to his past as his story weaves into those of his contemporaries.

WRITTEN By REG CRIBB ORIGINAL CONCEPT By MICHAEL TuAHINE

QUEENSLAND THEATRE COMPANY

Country Song is inspired by the true-life experiences of Jimmy Little and Aboriginal entertainers Wilma Reading, Auriel Andrew, Bobby McLeod, Vic Simms, Roger Knox and Lionel Rose.

Filled with Jimmy’s best-known tunes, Country Song is a beautiful, musical, witty and warming journey that celebrates the healing power of music.

Don’t miss this exciting new work coming direct to NORPA from its premiere in Brisbane.

A celebration of the life and music of Jimmy Little and his contemporaries

Recommended for ages 13+

NORPA presents a Queensland Theatre Company and Queensland Performing Arts Centre production

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Country Song

Come and celebrate local Bundjalung culture at the

opening night performance on Thursday 13 August

Pre-show Welcome to Country, local

musicians and diner from 6pm

Post-show Join Wesley Enoch and

Michael Tuahine for a Q&A session

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performance partner

Hamlet is part of NORPA’s 2015 Theatre for Schools program

Saturday 29 August, 7.30pm Monday 31 August, 11am & 7.30pm

Diner & bar from 6pm — Lismore City Hall — 2 hours 40 minutes (including interval)

ticket prices SpECIAL BOnUScast patron advice

Includes Josh McConville Matilda Ridgway

A $49 S $44 C $42 U/18 $22


C $34 U/18 $18

Dark acts result in darker consequences. And there is little that’s darker and more complicated than the act of revenge.

A family torn apart by murder, a son burdened with the truth and the task of avenging his father, and a country on the brink of war.

Anguish, passion and desperation collide in this tragic telling of Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark who is tormented by the impossibility of his dilemma, and who remains one of theatre’s most fascinating characters.

By WILLIAM SHAkESPEARE

DIRECTOR DAMIEN RyAN

BELL SHAKESPEARE

Damien Ryan, returning to Bell Shakespeare following the critically acclaimed Henry V in 2014, will deliver a new production of Hamlet, infused with the passion, contemplation and emotion that Shakespeare’s compelling poetry cries out for. Josh McConville (Griffin Theatre Company’s The Boys and Sydney Theatre Company’s Mojo) and Matilda Ridgway (Sport For Jove’s A Doll’s House) will delve into the depths of the complexity, violence, philosophical reflection, madness and maddening seduction of Hamlet.

“There’s a reason the name Bell Shakespeare has become synomymous with quality theatre .”

artshub

Recommended for ages 15+ years.

NORPA and Southern Cross university present

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Hamlet

Join the cast of Hamlet for a Q&A session after

the performance on Saturday 29 August

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Cockfight was developed by members of THE FARM with guest artist Julian Louis. At THE FARM work is made in collaboration; everyone involved brings something to the creative process that shapes the piece. All animals are equal.

Thursday 17 — Saturday 19 September, 7.30pmDiner & bar from 6pm — Lismore City Hall — 70 minutes (no interval)


A $49 S $44 C $42 U/18 $22


C $34 U/18 $18

Two blokes in an office. One older, one younger, each body pushed to its limits in this hilarious and ultimately tender piece of physical theatre. These men challenge each other in a series of comical one-upmanships that build to a moment of impact where everything is suspended, the flash of bared teeth, the mutual reliance on the fight, the desperation and loneliness of success.

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.

CO-PRODuCED By PERFORMING LINES & NORPA

THE FARM

At the heart of Cockfight is a very real relationship between Josh and Gav who have been working together for many years. Their humour, trust and understanding allows them to take extreme physical risks that will leave you on the edge of your seat.

Bringing together the inventive theatricality of physical theatre company THE FARM with NORPA’s Artistic Director Julian Louis, Cockfight will provoke and excite in equal measure.

Come and see what happens when these two men give it all they’ve got.

“Like an episode of The Office meets a cage fight, Australian style.”julian louis, artistic director


NORPA presents

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Cockfight

Performers Josh Thomson and Gavin Webber

Sound design Luke Smiles LX design Mark Howett

Outside eyes Julian Louis and Kate Harman

Set Design by Josh Thomson in consultation

with Joey Ruigrok

Join THE FARM and NORPA Artistic Director Julian Louis

for a Q&A session after the performance

on Thursday 17 Sept

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Thursday 22 October — Saturday 7 November, 8pmLismore Train Station — 65 minutes (no interval)

ticket pricesSpECIAL BOnUScreative team

patron advice

A $49 S $44 C $42 U/18 $22


C $34 U/18 $18

Take your seat under the stars as NORPA’s Railway Wonderland brings Lismore train station back to life. Live music and performance will transport us on a magical ride across time from the 1940s to the present day.

Four strangers take shelter in the fluorescent glare of a railway waiting room. They are waiting for a bus because the trains don’t run any more. They have different reasons for wanting to leave town – love, fame, to run away or to go home one more time. The distant

DIRECTED & DEVISED By JuLIAN LOuIS WITH THE COMPANy

NORPA

sound of a train whistle announces the arrival of a mysterious old woman who has come to catch the train. Is she an apparition, an angel, mad - or all three? The strangers are swept up into the old woman’s tale of her arrival as a young girl in a strange land and her search for belonging in a country town.

Immerse yourself in a dreamy wonderland of strange encounters, wild stories, comedy, romance and song.

“It is difficult to convey the show’s cleverness in a few words... Suffice to say that Railway Wonderland is a delight from start to finish”

abc north coast


NORPA presents

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Railway Wonderland

Conceived and directed by Julian Louis

Devisor/Writer Janis Balodis Devisor/Performers

Jo Turner, Johnny Nasser, Neridah Waters, Philip

Blackman, Katia Molino Composer/Musical Director

Michael Askill Choreographer

Emma Saunders

Outdoor trattoria, bar and live music at the

train station from 6pm

Experience the action unfold on the station

platform from the undercover seating constructed across

the (no longer in use!)railway tracks

Costumes William Kutana Lighting Designer Richard Morrod

Video projections Salvador Castro

Musician Shenzo Gregory Choir Master

Nicholas Routley Featuring the choir

Vox Caldera

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performance partner

Tuesday 17 November, 7.30pm Wednesday 18 November, 12pm & 7.30pm

Diner & bar from 6pm — Lismore City Hall — 95 minutes (including interval)


A $55 S $50 C $47 U/18 $22


C $38 U/18 $18

CHOREOGRAPHED By STEPHEN PAGE

BANGARRA DANCE THEATRE

Internationally acclaimed Bangarra Dance Theatre rekindles the Aboriginal culture of Australia with an original and breathtaking theatrical experience: Kinship by award-winning choreographer Stephen Page.

Kinship opens with Brolga, inspired by an ancient creation story. In north-east Arnhem Land a young girl ventures out before sunset to

find herself on a brolga feeding ground. She is challenged by her clan totem and takes us on a sensual, mystical journey. Brolga draws us deep into the Aboriginal spirituality of the natural world.

Kinship continues with ID, asking important questions about identity and what it means to be Aboriginal in the 21st century.

“Striking, layered, surprising... absolutely transporting.”

Recommended for ages 12+. Contains adult themes. Theatrical

smoke, strobe lighting and elevated sound levels are

used in this production.

NORPA and Southern Cross university present

Kinship is part of NORPA’s 2015 Theatre for Schools program

IDChoreography Stephen Page

Music David Page Set Design Jacob Nash

Lighting Design Matt Cox Costume Design Emma Howell

BROLGA Choreography Stephen Page

Music David Page, Steve Francis Costume Design Jennifer Irwin Nesting Kulum Peter England Original Lighting Joe Mercurio

Original Set John Matkovic and Stephen Page

sun herald

Kinship

Join the cast of Bangarra Dance

Theatre for a Q&A session after the performance on

Tues 17 November

Cultural Advisors Kathy Balngayngu Marika,

Djakapurra Munyarryun

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SEASON PARTNERS

Beyond

Hamlet


Kinship

Hamlet


kinship

Railway Wonderland

Beyond

Cockfight

Beer Drinking Woman Queen of the Night

Country Song

Railway Wonderland Cockfight

Cockfight

Railway Wonderland Cockfight

Beyond


Cockfight

Australia Day

Australia Day

Hamlet

kinship

kinship

kinshipkinship

kinship

These projects have been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council for the Arts, its arts

funding and advisory body

This project has been assisted by the Queensland Government through

Arts Queensland

This project has been supported by the Victorian Government through

Arts Victoria

These projects are supported by the NSW Government throught Arts NSW.

Business card size

Letterhead & comp slip size

A4 Brochures

Larger ®

Small ®

Larger ®

the farm

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MAjOr dISCOUnTS FLExIBILITy

SUppOrT nOrpA

Add TICkETS

Find your Subscription Form at the back of this brochure.

SUBSCrIpTIOn FOrM

Why subscribe?

NORPA subscribers enjoy a 20% discount on eligible ticket prices. Subscription packages start from as little as $54 (Under 18) $102 (Concession) $108 (Senior) $120 (Adult) for 3 shows – a fraction of what folks are paying in the big cities for the same shows. Subscribe and experience world-class 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.

Purchasing a Subscription Package is a great way to support NORPA so we can continue to present outstanding performing arts in this region.

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!”

EArLy BIrd prIzES

Win festival passes. Subscribe before Friday 1st May 2015, and you and a friend could be enjoying one of the North Coast’s fantastic local festivals. Three gold prizes to win. More details on p40.

When you subscribe you can add additional (regular priced) tickets to your subscription package so you can sit together.

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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Cockfight (2015)

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Formed in 1993, NORPA (Northern Rivers Performing Arts) is a leading performing arts organisation based in the regional centre of Lismore, NSW.

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. Our works challenge perceptions of the performing arts. They use dance, circus, visual art, live music, surprising locations, audience interaction, and all manner of human and technological skill to tell the story. Our projects are ambitious and take us, and our audiences, to new places.

Our original works connect us to our community – they are created with the imagination and spirit of our community in mind. And they are well received. Our home-grown shows are performed before large, sell-out crowds.

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, on behalf of 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.

Let’s talk about NORPA

about norpa

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My Radio Heart, performed in Lismore and Sydney (2014)

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In 2009 NORPA launched Generator, a program dedicated to developing new theatre works in regional Australia. Generator develops theatre through a highly collaborative and exploratory process. We research with and within the local community, we partner with local organisations, and we collaborate with renowned professional artists across a multitude of art forms.

NORPA Generator creates thought-provoking, adventurous theatre that amplifies marginalised voices and shines

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 online at norpa.org.au to learn more, or contact Bethwynn Hackett, our Creative Producer — [email protected]

gET InvOLvEd In gEnErATOr

a light on contemporary social issues.

So far our projects have connected with people marginalised by their experiences of homelessness (The HOME Project); transcended the social stigma and stereotyping surrounding people living with a disability (My Radio Heart); reconnected the community with our regional rail history and heritage (Railway Wonderland); and reminded us of the tragedy of young lives lost on our roads (Engine).

TELLING OUR STORIES

Generator

about norpa

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My Radio Heart is a love story for the 21st century featuring local, mixed abilities electro band Tralala Blip as performers. Narrative, dance, and large-scale audio-visuals combine with live electronica and soundscapes to create an immersive work of incredible beauty and emotion.

My Radio Heart was presented by NORPA in Lismore and Urban Theatre Projects in Sydney in 2014. The Centre for Art & Media (ZKM) in Karlsruhe, Germany has invited the team to perform My Radio Heart in Germany in 2015.

The HOME Project grew out of a three-year creative project exploring homelessness in the Northern Rivers. The event-style interactive theatre experience includes soundscapes, art installations, poetry and video.

The HOME Project has been invited to be part of the Australian exhibition at the Prague Quadrennial of Performance Design & Space in June 2015.

The HOME Project was developed in partnership with Southern Cross University and the Winsome Hotel.

THE HOME PROJECT MY RADIO HEART

gEnErATOr prOjECTS In dEvELOpMEnT

gEnErATOr prOjECTS TOUrIng

Three brothers return to country from the north, south and west. All three have made regular pilgrimages for funerals, but none has had quite the effect of the wake following their father’s burial. This is a story of healing old wounds, addressing truths and sharing deep secrets in a new century. Inspired by a Bundjalung creation story and local historical events, this contemporary new work will be told through song, dance and story.

The creative team includes Rhoda Roberts, Julian Louis, choreographer Frances Rings, author Melissa Lucaschenko, artist Djon Mundine, actors Billy McPherson, Thomas E.S. Kelly, Kirk Page and Bundjalung elders and community.

Three Brothers is part of Bundjalung Nghari, a 3-year Generator project celebrating and connecting with the local Bundjalung culture.

THREE BROTHERS

Dreamer explores the stories of those amongst us who dare to dream. The outsiders and dreamers who dare to live outside the mainstream. Dreamer reflects our region’s melting pot of visionaries, inventors, the creative or creatively mad, the rebellious and those committed to making change. Not all dreams come true and sometimes you have to risk everything to realise your dream.

The creative team currently includes Director Julian Louis, dramaturg Janis Balodis and composer Shenzo Gregory, and is developed in partnership with Linneaus Estate, The Northern Rivers Conservatorium and Arts NSW.

DREAMER

Images top L-R: Gavin Webber and Josh Thomson in Cockfight creative development | Lydian Dunbar & Claudie Frock in My Radio Heart | Billy McPherson

& kirk Page in Three Brothers creative development Middle L-R: Neridah Waters and Jonny Nasser in Railway Wonderland | kate Champion

workshops at Lismore City Hall | karla Dickens art installation at The HOME Project Bottom L-R: Mitch king leading workshops for Bundjalung

Nghari | Lydian Dunbar and Claudie Frock in My Radio Heart | Josh Thomson in Cockfight creative development

about norpa

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Open House performed in Lismore (2011)

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get involved with norpa

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 2015 NORPA have an exciting program of shows that will inspire, educate and engage with young people of all ages. We connect with pre-schools, primary, high schools and home-schoolers 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 Sam Hall, Education Coordinator — [email protected]

wOrkShOpS

There’s nothing quite as rewarding as learning first hand from experts in the field. Throughout the year NORPA run 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 contact Bethwynn Hackett, Creative Producer —[email protected] — and ask to be added to our workshop database. Alternatively you can sign up to our newsletter at norpa.org.au to keep in the loop with all the activities at NORPA.

vOLUnTEEr!

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!

If you are interested in volunteering for NORPA please contact Sharon Rigby, Front of House Manager on 02 6622 0300 or — [email protected]

vEnUES FOr hIrE

Our home, the Lismore City Hall, is here for you too. So if you’re looking for somewhere to stage the next Elvis festival, your annual company shindig, rehearse a performance, celebrate a wedding or just get together with the local knitting circle, you can do it here.

No matter how big or small, there is a space just right for your event at the beautifully renovated Lismore City Hall.

For more information about venue hire please visit www.lismorecityhall.com.au or contact Luke Payne, Venue Coordinator on 02 6622 0300 — [email protected]

For full event information about What’s On at Lismore City Hall visit www.lismorecityhall.com.au

NORPA Community

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My Radio Heart, performed in Lismore and Sydney (2014)

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Give and be part of NORPA’s future.

So many of you dig deep to support NORPA. You are our lifeline, enabling us to create smart, original theatre and

attract first-class touring shows. No financial contribution is too small and every cent will go towards ensuring a bright

future for local theatre. NORPA is a not-for-profit organisation on the register of cultural organisations, so all donations over

$2 are tax deductible.

OUr prOMISE TO yOU

NORPA will continue to foster the telling of stories specific to the Northern Rivers and its communities.

We will continue to actively work with local youth and Indigenous communities.

We will continue to create and develop dynamic performing arts that inspire and engage the community.

yOUr dOnATIOn wILL

— Enable us to develop, rehearse and perform original community-based works

— Fund the professional development of artists

— Subsidise student attendance at NORPA shows and workshops

— Connect leading creative professionals with local artists through master classes and workshops

— Help improve the infrastructure needed for quality performance

hOw TO hELp

Make a donation alongside your 2015 Season subscription or contact Emily Berry General Manager — manager@ norpa.org.au

You can also donate online at www.norpa.org.au

From all of us at NORPA we warmly thank you for your support.

Embrace NORPA

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Beautiful Bones, performed in Lismore (2012)

Our Partners

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We couldn’t do it without you! Thank you to the following organisations and businesses — you are helping us enrich the cultural life of our region.

If you are interested in partnering with NORPA please contact Emily Berry, General Manager — [email protected]

THE BYRON SHIRE

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government partners

generator partners

performance partners

media partners

season partners

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In 2013, the Lismore City Hall underwent exciting 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 auditorium is now a wonderful destination for a special night out.

MEET ThE MAkErS

Join cast members, directors and writers after the show at an open friendly Q&A session. 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 in good time to collect your tickets, have a drink at the bar and settle into your seats without the rush.

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.

ACCESS FOr ALL

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.

Please contact the Box Office for assistance with the hearing loop and seating for disabled patrons.

1300 066 772 or [email protected]

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.

Your visit

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BUyIng TICkETS

OnlinePurchase tickets online at www.norpa.org.au

Visit the Box OfficeThe Box Office is located at Lismore City Hall, 1 Bounty St, Lismore and is open 9am-2pm Monday to Friday and one hour before show times.

By telephone Call 1300 066 772 during Box Office operating hours.

Please note a $2.20 booking fee is charged for all telephone and over the counter purchases.

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 nOrpA 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.

TICkET 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.

TICkET prICES

Subscription packagesNORPA subscribers enjoy 20% discount on all eligible ticket prices. Create a Subscription Package from your choice of 3 shows or more. See page 23 for the full list of subscriber benefits.

GroupsGroups of 4 or more people enjoy concession priced tickets (15% discount on full-priced tickets)

ConcessionsConcession 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.

SeniorsSeniors enjoy 10% discount on full-priced tickets. Seniors card must be presented at Box Office/entry to theatre.

Unders 18sFixed $22 ticket price for shows in NORPA’s 2015 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 groupsAt 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 Sam Hall our Education Coordinator — [email protected] for more information.

Ticket information

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We’re offering early-bird subscribers a chance to win tickets to some of our best local festivals − the Byron Bay Writers Festival, Mullum Music Festival and Sample Food Festival event.

Become a NORPA subscriber before Friday 1 May 2015 and automatically go in the draw to win one of these fabulous experiences.

Winners will be notified by phone and email on Thursday 7 May 2015.

ByrOn BAy wrITErS FESTIvAL

Double pass (3 day) to the Byron Bay Writers Festival 2015 7 — 9 August 2015 www.byronbaywritersfestival.com

MULLUM MUSIC FESTIvAL

Double pass (3 day) to the Mullum Music Festival 19 – 22 November 2015 www.mullummusicfestival.com

SAMpLE FOOd FESTIvAL

Double pass to a Sample Food Festival 2015 event (details determined by Sample Events) 5 September 2015 www.samplensw.com

Subscribe and win

subscribe

www.byronbaywritersfestival.com

BYRONBAYWRITERSFESTIVAL7–9 AUGUST 2015

BBWF2015_Ad for Norpa.indd 1 4/12/2014 4:53 pm

STEP 1SUBSCRIBE

STEP 1. Subscriber informationDetails 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

Address

Postcode

Telephone (home ) (mobile)

Email Yes, I would like to receive your email newsletter

Concession type Card number

SUBSCRIBER TWO

Have you subscribed previously? Yes No

Name

Address

Postcode

Telephone (home ) (mobile)

Email Yes, I would like to receive your email newsletter

Concession type Card number

Please provide a photocopy or scan of your concession card. See page 39 for accepted concession types.

STEP 1 Complete your details and those of your accompanying subscriber(s). Each subscriber needs to complete the information section.

STEP 2 Choose your subscription. Add any additional tickets for children or friends.

STEP 3 Indicate your seating preference.

STEP 4 Complete your payment details.

STEP 5 Submit your booking.

Subscribe by choosing three or more productions and follow these easy steps. Or visit norpa.org.au to subscribe online

Please provide a photocopy or scan of your concession card. See page 39 for accepted concession types.

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ProductionPerformance day, date & time Ticket type Quantity

Sub-scriber price

(A) Sub-total Quantity

Add regular tickets

(B) Sub-total

Beyond Adult $40 $49

Fri 27 & Sat 28 March, 7.30pm

Senior $36 $44

Conc // Group 4+ $34 $42

Under 18 $18 $22

Cabaret Diva Adult $33 $41

Fri 8 & Sat 9 May 7.30pm

Senior $30 $37

Conc // Group 4+ $28 $35

Under 18 $18 $22

Australia DayTues 23 & Wed 24 June, 7.30pm

Adult $40 $49

Senior $36 $44

Conc // Group 4+ $34 $42

Under 18 $18 $22


Fri 17 July, 6pm

Adult $33 $41

Senior $30 $37

Conc // Group 4+ $28 $35

Bring the kids or grandkids! Under 18 $18 $22

Country Song

Thurs 13-Sat 15 August, 11am (Thurs only) & 7.30pm

Adult $40 $49

Senior $36 $44

Conc // Group 4+ $34 $42

Under 18 $18 $22

Hamlet

Sat 29 & Mon 31 August, 11am (Mon only) & 7.30pm

Adult $40 $49

Senior $36 $44

Conc // Group 4+ $34 $42

Under 18 $18 $22

Cockfight

Thurs 17 - Sat 19 Sept, 7.30pm

Adult $40 $49

Senior $36 $44

Conc // Group 4+ $34 $42

Under 18 $18 $22

Railway WonderlandThurs 22 October - Sat 7 Nov, 8pm

Adult $40 $49

Senior $36 $44

Conc // Group 4+ $34 $42

Bring the kids or grandkids! Under 18 $18 $22

Kinship

Tues 17 & Wed 18 Nov, 12pm (Wed only) & 7.30pm

Adult $44 $55

Senior $40 $50

Conc // Group 4+ $38 $47

Under 18 $18 $22

A$ B$

STEP 2. Build your own subscription Select 3 shows or more, indicate the show times, number of tickets and calculate the cost. And finally, add any regular tickets for friends and family.

If you require any assistance please visit or call the NORPA Box Office on 1300 066 772 Monday — Friday 9am-2pm

STEP 2SUBSCRIBE

STEP 3. Seating preferences

Please indicate your preferred seating

Front row As central as possible On an aisle Floor seating (no stairs)

Tiered seating Wheelchair access required

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. See page 27. 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.

Enthusiast ($2-49) Player ($50-499) Co-Star ($500-999) Star ($1000-4999)

STEP 4. Payment details

(A) Subscription SUB-TOTAL $

(B) Regular tickets SUB-TOTAL $

(C) Donation SUB-TOTAL $

(D) Postage FEE* $

(E) Booking FEE $ 2.20

TOTAL $

STEP 5. Submit your booking

IN PERSONNORPA Box OfficeLismore City Hall1 Bounty StreetLismore NSW 2480

MAIL

NORPA Box OfficePO Box 225Lismore NSW 2480

EMAIL* NORPA [email protected]

* please attach scanned booking form & copy of concession card if required

*Add the following charges if applicable:

Postage feesStandard $2.50 Registered $7.00

STEP 3, 4 & 5SUBSCRIBE

PAYMENT METHOD

Credit card By cash (Box Office only) Cheque payable to NORPA Redeem gift voucher # _________

CREDIT CARD

VISA Mastercard CVC (last 3 digits in signature panel)

Card number Card expiry

Name on card Signature

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BOx OFFICE

1300 066 [email protected]

Lismore City Hall 1 Bounty St, Lismore, NSW

Open 9am–2pm weekdays & 1 hour before shows

norpa.org.au

AdMInISTrATIOn

02 6622 0300

[email protected]

PO Box 225 Lismore NSW 2480

STAFF

Julian Louis Artistic Director Emily Berry General Manager

Karl Johnson Technical Manager Luke Payne Venue Coordinator Sharon Rigby Front of House Manager Dan Jackson Senior Venue Technician Lil McLennan Facilities Coordinator

Clare McGregor Marketing & Communications Megan Louis Marketing & Design Sam Hall Marketing & Education

Bethwyn Hackett Creative Producer Melitta Firth Creative Producer Mitch King Trainee Associate Producer

Donna Gaertner Finance Officer Naja Lush Administration & Ticketing Sarah Jane Loxton Ticketing

BOArd

David Wolff Chair Katie O’Rourke Deputy Chair Dorothy Locke Treasurer Vicki Brooke Andrew Binns Nick Lake

nEwSLETTEr

Sign up for our newsletter to keep up with our latest news and special offers. You can join online at norpa.org.au

FACEBOOk

Like us facebook.com/norpa.lismore

TwITTEr

Follow us twitter.com/NORPAOz @NORPAOz

Contacting NORPA

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Railway Wonderland, 2012 – photo by Grant MacIntyre

Cover art includes imagery from NORPA Generator productions between 2009-2014.

norpa.org.au

NORPA 2015 Season

Documents

Transcript of NORPA 2015 Season