To complement the Australian premiere season of the National Theatre of Great Britain’s award-winning production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time opening in January 2018 and to enrich audiences’ experience of this ground breaking production, Arts Centre Melbourne will host their most extensive Associated Program for a mainstage show to date.
Featuring workshops and talks with creatives that include UK playwright Simon Stephens and composer Adrian Sutton, a full day immersive Experience, a presentation for secondary students led by Maths Inspiration (UK), insights into the production and a relaxed performance, the innovative and varied program will enable the general public, schools and community groups to deeply engage with the show, its themes and creators. New artistic work will also be created and showcased in response to the production by emerging creative talent.
“Arts Centre Melbourne is thrilled to provide opportunities for all Victorians to engage with, learn about or respond to this award-winning production, and to creatively connect emerging talent with the world-class artists who created this phenomenal play,” said Joshua Cowie, Creative Learning Producer at Arts Centre Melbourne.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time Associated Program includes four themes: Insight into Curious Incident; Inspired by Curious Incident; Emerging Creative Talent; and Access and Inclusion.
Insight into Curious Incident will pull back the curtain on the performing arts, giving audiences a rare glimpse into the creation of this exceptional international theatre production. Featured events include: Pre-show General, Technical and Adaptation Insight talks; playwright Simon Stephens speaking about his work as a playwright and the process of adapting Mark Haddon’s beloved novel for the stage in Page to Stage with Simon Stephens (UK); Post-show Forums with cast and creatives; Drama workshops for young actors and directors; Arts Ads workshops; and a full day Sunday immersion Experience including, Insights, Back of House Tour and lunch.
Inspired by Curious Incident takes to heart the themes of the production, exploring the connections where logic and mathematics meet the world of the arts. Maths Inspiration (UK) will present The Curious Coincidence of Maths in the Day-Time shows for secondary students in the Playhouse, exploring the maths behind this award winning stage production as well as Maths Inspiration (UK) shows in Ballarat and Warrnambool.
Emerging Creative Talent provides a unique opportunity for young Australian creatives to work with professional artists and technicians, developing performing arts skills and creating their own responses to the world of Curious Incident. Featured events include: Design Academy – a four day opportunity for emerging creatives to work with professionals to reimagine the set, video and sound design of the show and create an engaging foyer installation.
Prime Composition – a two day workshop with Curious Incident composer Adrian Sutton (UK), creating new music inspired by the mathematical patterns highlighted in the production with compositions performed live in the foyer at select performances; Curious Incident Movement Uncovered Workshops with Frantic Assembly (UK); Curious Incident Drama Workshop with the Resident Director; and Playwrights Incubator led by Simon Stephens (UK).
The upcoming season of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time progresses Arts Centre Melbourne and Melbourne Theatre Company’s commitment and strategy to embrace Access and Inclusion in the performing arts. A Relaxed Performance will take place during the season where the environment is carefully adapted, friendly and embraces different audience reactions. There will also be a post-relaxed performance Q&A with the resident director and actors in the auditorium. An industry event is also planned to take place during the season
Direct from the UK, the acclaimed National Theatre production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is the winner of five Tony Awards and seven Olivier Awards, including Best Play for both. Featuring remarkable, immersive staging and a full UK cast, this Australian premiere presented by Arts Centre Melbourne and Melbourne Theatre Company is a global theatrical phenomenon that simply must not be missed. The season takes place in the Playhouse – Arts Centre Melbourne from 11 January 2018.
Fifteen-year-old Christopher Boone has an extraordinary brain – exceptional at maths, while ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. He has never ventured alone beyond the end of his road, he detests being touched and he distrusts strangers. But his detective work, forbidden by his father, takes Christopher on a frightening journey that upturns his world. Adapted by Simon Stephens from Mark Haddon’s international best-selling novel, this phenomenal combination of storytelling and spectacle is ingeniously brought to life by award-winning director Marianne Elliott (War Horse).
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time Associated Program takes place at Arts Centre Melbourne from 13 January 2018. Tickets to the Associated Program are now on sale! For more information, visit: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au For more information about the play, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, visit: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au for details.
Image: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (supplied)