JUTE graduates showcase their acting smarts in Koalazilla, an exciting new Cairns-made production

MEDIA RELEASE

Traversing the powerful themes of government corruption, conspiracy and the courage to stand up for one’s convictions, Koalazilla is an exciting new work by Cairns playwright Keziah Warren that, with production and direction from Overall Arts, will be performed next month featuring the senior graduating class of JUTE Actors Studio (JAS).

Within the supportive, creative development framework of JUTE Theatre Company, the co-producer and director of Koalazilla, Amber Grossman, said the play is built on universal themes that are destined to resonate with audiences. The showcase also provides the perfect platform to challenge and demonstrate the skills and growth of JAS’ young acting cast and other young and emerging creatives.

Deftly juggling the roles of co-producer, director and JAS facilitator, Amber Grossman of Overall Arts said Koalazilla is a fun and fast-paced political satire set in Paper City which challenges the status quo of the most administratively correct city in the world is marred by government corruption and a looming mining disaster.

From its base in Cairns, JUTE Theatre Company has 30 years of experience creating new works – a process that generally takes several years and requires much moulding and shaping.

JUTE’s Artistic Director and CEO Suellen Maunder said the organisation is proud to develop new Australian stories and never gets tired of providing guidance, frameworks and support that generates the next wave of theatre makers like Amber, Keziah and, of course, the young actors from JUTE Actors Studio.

“Next month’s performance showcase of Koalazilla is a harvest of what we sew. We can learn and achieve great things by collaborating and supporting one another. For JUTE, this is a perfect example of the transformative power of theatre, both for creatives and audience,” Ms Maunder said.

Koalazilla playwright Keziah Warren, director Amber Grossmann and the JUTE Actors Studio senior graduating class join forces with JUTE Theatre Company to showcase Koalazilla on 1 and 2 December at Bulmba-ja Arts Centre.
To book tickets ($25 per person), click here, or to learn more, visit www.jute.com.au.

Photo: Amber Grossmann and Keziah Warren

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Pip Miller PR Mob: 0419 681543

Koalazilla synopsis
All is well in Paper City – the most politically correct city in the world, until one day, when the city’s government, corrupt to its core, endorses an environmentally disastrous mining project. The status quo of Paper City is, naturally, disrupted, and everyone seems to get more than they bargained for.
Koalazilla playwright Keziah Warren, director Amber Grossmann and the JUTE Actors Studio senior graduating class join forces to showcase Koalazilla on 1 and 2 December at Bulmba-ja Arts Centre.
This fun and fast-paced political satire comprises the universal themes of corruption, conspiracy, and the courage to stand up against injustice.
The Regional Arts Development Fund has funded the Creative Development of Koalazilla, an Overall Arts and JUTE Theatre Company project.