Man of La Mancha for Brisbane

Southeast Queensland Independent Dramatic and Musical Society (SQUIDS) stage Man of La Mancha at Redcliffe Cultural Centre from September 1 to 3, 2011.

A little over 20 years ago, Gordon Ball played the role of Don Quixote in the Hornsby Musical Society production of Man of La Mancha. Now a Queensland resident, he has finally realised his dream to direct the show. As producer for the Southeast Queensland Independent Dramatic and Musical Society, SQUIDS for short, Gordon has been able to recreate the passion of the character Don Miguel Cervantes. Don Quixote / Cervantes is played by Brett Hann. His sidekick Sancho Panza is played by James Riley, rapidly becoming quite a veteran of SQUIDS productions. Chantelle Hill has once again thrown her talents into the role of Aldonza / Dulcinea. Newcomer Lee James Heather has plays the role of Dr Carrasco.

There is another reason for Gordon to celebrate. This October it will be 16 years since he had a heart transplant at St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney. As he appraoches this milestone, he will also realise the “Impossible Dream.”

Tax collector, soldier, author Miguel de Cervantes and his man Sancho, are cast into prison during the Spanish inquisition for crimes against the church.  The thieves and robbers in the prison are quick to descend upon the new arrivals and ravish their possessions.  Cervantes concedes everything but a manuscript that he begs the prisoners to be allowed to keep, as it is of value only to himself. The prisoners agree and Cervantes asks that they assist him by playing the parts in the story of Cervantes’ classic character, Don Quixote.

S.Q.U.I.D.S Theatrical Inc. is a ‘not-for-profit’ roving theatrical group based in the northern suburbs of Brisbane, which brings entertainment to the greater southeast region of Queensland. S.Q.U.I.D.S. Inc grew out of an existing theatre company based with Lifeline Sunshine Coast. When Lifeline decided that they would no longer be involved in theatre as a fund-raiser, a group of members formed SQUIDS, which will soon be 2 years old (though it’s nearly 7 years if you count the previous incarnation).The not for profit company proudly raises funds for the Qld Institute of Medical Research, and has a membership of well over 200.Theyalso raise funds by a joint venture with Paramedics Qld and the Jamie Jackway Foundation.

http://www.squids.org.au/

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