Launch 2023

Launch 2023 was billed as a “collection of works from the newest kids on the block” and featured six original productions. Playing for a very short season, it was a showcase of new works from Curtin’s graduating students.

These performances were the culmination of Curtin’s Creative Arts Advanced Project unit. Designed for graduating Bachelor of Creative Arts (BCA) students to develop their professional skills, Launch 23 was mentored by their tutor, playwright/director Gita Bezard (whose play Girl Shut Your Mouth is currently also playing in Perth).

Opening piece The Night Light was written, directed, and designed by Bella Baker and acted by Adam Gannon, Sian Griffiths, Angelle Hart and Maia Jackson. What at first appears to be a domestic drama about a couple whose teenage daughter has become moody and distant morphs into what closely resembles a thriller as the teenager’s nightmare comes to life. It ends with an unsettling and disturbing sting in the tail. The four actors form a tight ensemble, and the acting is strong and thoughtfully directed. The only multi-performer piece in the package, it was a great choice to begin the night.

Clench was written by Simonne Matthews and Shani Andersson and directed and performed by Simonne Matthews. The audience watch and listen to George as she prepares for dance class. This young ballerina talks about the experiences that have led us to that moment - a confronting tale of unattainable physical expectations, of body shaming and self-abuse. As the mother of dancers, this story rang very true - beautifully told and emotively performed.

To finish Act One, we viewed Lamb, written and directed by Ella Randle, and performed by Poppy Lindsell. A young au-pair mops up a mess on the floor as she chats to the audience about her job with a rich family, comparing it to her previous employment at an abattoir. A clever, slow reveal - this was acted with lovely ring of truth detail, leading to a dark ending.

Aoife McGonagle’s Talking Statues featured the writer / director as the single performer. Gentle and bitter-sweet, statues represent people and past relationships that have shaped the protagonist.