The Western Australian premiere of this bold new work, 'The Events', celebrates community and hope.
It was the sleeper hit of the 2013 Edinburgh Festival and mesmerised audiences in Adelaide, Sydney and Melbourne. 'The Events', presented by Black Swan State Theatre Company, will be performed with a different Perth community choir at each performance and is set to be an extraordinary blend of theatre and music.
Here, Black Swan's Artistic Director Clare Watson lists five reasons to see the show.
One
This work is especially close to my heart. It premiered in Edinburgh in 2013, written as a response to the 2011 massacre in Norway. Devastatingly, this story is still relevant today as it was then. In programming the 2018 season, over a year ago, we looked at works that engaged in social issues that are of importance to our community. 'The Events' looks at how people find a pathway to heal in the aftermath of a community tragedy. The reality of gun violence coming to pass so close to home is shocking and a deep tragedy. All our hearts and thoughts here at Black Swan go out to friends and family of those lost and their entire community.
Two
Experiencing the sounds of a variety of Perth Community choirs who perform on different nights right throughout the season. Their presence literally makes this production ‘sing’. We will be joined on stage by Churchlands Choral Society, Indie Mix Pop Choir, Rhythmos, St Barnabas Community Choir and Voyces, creating an uplifting and emotional experience for both the actors and the audience. All choirs have rehearsed their songs in advance, but are only given the play’s script moments before they walk out on stage, so their reactions are honest and genuine.
Three
Making both their stage debuts for Black Swan State Theatre Company, award winning actress Catherine McClements and Johnny Carr, who were both in the Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne seasons of 'The Events'. They have recently appeared in 'Anthony And Cleopatra' for Bell Shakespeare and their chemistry on stage is just electric.
Four
'The Events' is a compassionate and intelligent exploration of the limitations of empathy and the ways a damaged community heals. David Greig, the playwright is brilliant – he’s been called ‘the most important man in Scotland’.
Five
We have a sensational creative team, from Geoff Cobham’s sensitive lighting design and Luke Byrne our musical director is on stage every night. This fluid relationship between drama and music, much like the fluidity of scene and character in the play, is exciting and moving. It will truly be an unforgettable night at the theatre.
'The Events' plays Studio Underground from 21 June-8 July.
