This August, Geelong Arts Centre presents the highly anticipated world premiere of HELLS GATES – a gripping new Australian story from the Green Room award-winning team of story makers at The Space Company.
Boasting a constellation of acclaimed Australian talent, HELLS GATES is the latest work from award-winning story maker, Joel Carnegie (Stardust) and writer, James Jackson (Paradise Lost, The Nose).
“HELLS GATES is an artistic homage to the extraordinary residents of Strahan (Tasmania) who in the face of adversity, stood up and made a collective impact,” said Joel Carnegie, The Space Company Founder & HELLS GATES Creative Producer.
“The Space Company is honoured to be the custodians of this powerful, yet humour-filled Australian tale about community courage and determination. Prepare to be incredibly moved by this creative reimagining of true events.”
Drawn from verbatim sources in the wake of a mass whale rescue, HELLS GATES follows the remarkable true story of a Tasmanian coastal community caught in the depths of an ecological crisis.
Led by Green Room award-winning director, Katy Maudlin (IPHIS, SLAP. BANG. KISS with Melbourne Theatre Company), the live production stars Louise Siversen (Heartbreak Choir, House Husbands, Prisoner) and Natalie O’Donnell (Come From Away, Next to Normal) and Matu Ngaropo (Hamilton Australia), with a captivating live musical soundscape from celebrated violinist, Xani Kolac.
Capturing the spirit of a remote community banding together through sharp, poetic humour neatly embedded within a live acoustic panorama of sound. This compelling new Australian work details the extraordinary bravery of Tasmanian locals, anglers, park rangers and state-wide emergency services, defining what can be achieved in the face of adversity.
The inception of HELLS GATES has been supported by Geelong Arts Centre’s Creative Engine grant program and is proud to be the co-commissioning partner of this vital Australian story.
“As part of our unwavering mission to empower the arts, Geelong Arts Centre is honoured to co-commission the revolutionary project of HELLS GATES,” said Joel McGuinness, Geelong Arts Centre CEO & Creative Director.
“We are deeply committed to showcasing exceptional local talent and enthusiastically look forward to celebrating the world premiere of this extraordinary new Australian work.”
Director: Katy Maudlin | Featuring: Louise Siversen, Matu Ngaropo, Natalie O’Donnell | Composer & Musician: Xani Kolac | Dramaturg: Tom Molyneux | Cultural Consultant: Trish Hodge | Set & Costume Design: Emily Collett | Lighting Designer: Richard Vabre | Sound Designer: Justin Gardam | Creator & Producer: Joel Carnegie | Writer: James Jackson
HELLS GATES
The Play House – Geelong Arts Centre, 50 Little Malop Street, Geelong
Season: 10 – 12 August 2023
Information and Bookings: www.geelongartscentre.org.au
Image: Louise Siversen, Matu Ngaropo and Natalie O’Donnell – photo by Sarah Walker