Verbatim Musical: Urban life in 25 words or less
The lives and stories of a diverse group of people representing Brisbane’s urban landscape will be on show in May 2013 with the premiere of Joymas Creative’s verbatim musical theatre production, The 25 Project.
The show is constructed entirely from the words of the general public, cast and other creatives, all of whom have contributed their stories using 25 words or less.
The 25 Project is an exploration and celebration of life in an urban community using mediums like animation, live drawing, film, and dance theatre, which push the piece beyond the boundaries of traditional musical theatre.
The life stories of its cast, which includes a ballerina, a children’s television presenter and a speed drawer, bear inspiration for the show’s scripts and music, which are workshopped and created as part of a collaborative cast effort.
The show will be held in East Brisbane’s SYC studio, an artistic hub where the unique staging and layout reflects the abstract quality of the performance, in particular, its visual design.
The 25 Project Director Cienda McNamara said the 25-word limit on the stories gave the show its point of difference and power.
“Watching these artists contribute with this boundary has, in turn, created stories of faster pace, deeper reflection and far greater humour because they have to choose their words so carefully,” Ms McNamara said.
“This is musical theatre in its rawest, most organic state, which is just the way we believe it should be.
“Because the content is so relatable, this is the type of performance that can be enjoyed by anyone, no matter what your exposure has been to musical theatre.”
Following its debut in Brisbane the show is scheduled to tour to other Australian cities, where the creative development process will reflect the journey of the community involved with each future incarnation.
The 25 Project
Joymas Creative
May 16, 17 & 18
SYC Studios, 37 Manilla St, East Brisbane
Tickets: $20 per person, available at www.joymascreative.com
Suitable for ages 15+. Adult themes and infrequent coarse language.
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