The Story Arts festival aims to increase awareness of the value of the arts in relation to writing and illustration.
The 2015 festival is jam-packed with family and adult events, as well as competitions and school programmes. Organised and funded this year by the Ipswich District Teacher-Librarian Network, the festival is a fun and educational event for all ages but especially those with a passion for creative writing and the arts in general.
Toby Martin and Patrick DwyerTHAT Production Company’s production 'Eric Vale, Epic Fail' is one of the two theatre performances in the family programme. “I was a pretty avid reading as a child,” says cast member, Toby Martin. “I read everything from fiction to non-fiction, so I think performing for kids is just a great experience because they give so much back to you. They have different rules for their etiquette; they're just much for audible as an audience. Which is pretty special, really.”
Toby and the 'Eric Vale, Epic Fail' team will be putting on three shows a day throughout the duration of the festival. “Each show will be packed with 100-odd kids. So that will be pretty cool; that's like 300 kids a day, which is pretty special. I really like shows that are like this. An hour-long, lots of changes and really punchy. I like that energy and that frenetic pace. I find it really fun to constantly be doing stuff on stage. Obviously when it's a kids show then it's about having fun and doing 'big' acting is what gets me excited.”
Asabi GoodmanToby says 'Eric Vale, Epic Fail' Director, Timothy Wynn, has a very clear vision of what he wants the show to look like. “Timothy's great. He's very intelligent, you can talk to him endlessly about theatre in general and he's just across it! He brings a lot to the table and the team because he is both of those key roles, he's both Director and Designer.
“I play a bunch of characters, there are five of us in the cast – besides the guy who plays Eric Vale – everyone plays heaps of characters.” Toby will be playing four different characters in this production.
Although targeted at children and families, the festival has got a lot to offer adults as well. “They've got Andy Griffith's coming along, he's a big name in children's literature but in literature in general, you don't pass up a chance to see someone with that sort of knowledge and experience. So if it's something you're interested in then it's a great opportunity!”
Even the theatre performances can be enjoyed by all ages. “I totally would recommend [adults] going along [to the show]. When we make shows it's not about 'what kids will enjoy' it's sort of more about what we thinking is funny... So nothing that's produced for kids is necessarily beneath adults.”
The Story Arts Festival will be held at the Ipswich Community Gallery 5-20 September. 'Eric Vale, Epic Fail' plays Studio 188, 11 & 12 September.
