Stories Alive
Based on books by Imogen Lambeth and Mel Egan.
“Jack stepped into the garage and sang, "Werewolves of London". He howled a long, melodic wolf howl. The band all stopped and stared with stunned expressions at this scruffy, dirty, singing dog.”
“You would think that with a name like Lucky, that Lucky had good fortune, but he did not. He felt lonely in his big orange house because it was always empty. His family worked so hard they were never at home.”
Description
Stories Alive is a creative development showcase bringing two ARC published children’s books by regional artists with disabilities to life for the stage.
In partnership with ARC Disability Services, JUTE Theatre Company is collaborating with ARC Creative authors/illustrators, actors and theatre professionals to adapt Jack the Singing Dog by Mel Egan and Lucky the Little Bird by Imogen Lambeth into original children’s theatre works for young audiences.
Working alongside a director, dramaturg and projection designer, the creative team will explore storytelling, character, visual language and stagecraft to shape engaging new performance works. The project creates meaningful professional opportunities for regional artists with disabilities, supporting them to build skills, deepen their creative practice and see their stories developed in collaboration with established theatre-makers.
Jack the Singing Dog is a joyful story about a dog who loves to sing and finds belonging through music.
Lucky the Little Bird follows a lonely little bird who bravely ventures out into the world in search of friendship and connection.
The project will conclude with a public showcase Friday April 17th 1-3pm, inviting audiences, industry guests and supporters to experience these stories in development and celebrate the artists behind them.
ARC Disability Services is partnering with JUTE Theatre Company for a one-week creative development to adapt two of ARC’s published children’s books written by regional Authors/Illustrators with Disabilities into theatrical scripts, involving ARC Creative actors working in a professional team, culminating in a showcase outcome, establishing groundwork for eventual professional production.
Imogen Lambert – Author and Artist
Mel Egan – Author and Artist
Velvet Eldred – Actor
Matt Raleigh Holmes– Actor
Adam Reddicliffe – Actor
Aaron Lee– Actor
Gabby Benedetti – Actor
Chris Kohn – Co-Director
Karen Jackson – Co-Director
Amber Grossmann – Playwright/Dramaturg
Tetsu – Projection artist and Mentor
Accessibility and inclusion are central to the Stories Alive development. JUTE is working with ARC Disability Services to co-design a plan ensuring the process is inclusive for all arts workers.
Sufficient lead times, reasonable deadlines, predictable routines, and flexible participation options will ensure that all can engage equitably in the process.
All rehearsal and showing venues in Cairns have been confirmed to provide universal access.
All creatives and personnel will be presented with the opportunity to provide their access needs prior to engagement.
