New theatre initiative seeks to develop new works online

AAR HOPE - design by Christian CavalloWith the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic having an impact on many industries across the globe, including our own creative sector, which has seen venues and shows, either cancelled or postponed, putting many people out of work – a new theatre development initiative will see new works created in an online environment.

Facilitated by James Millar (The Lady in the Van, Matilda The Musical, The Hatpin), the Hope. New Work Development Initiative seeks to undertake a number of online workshops to continue the development of new works while most of the industry is in shutdown.

In just a few days, Millar has been inundated with support from across the sector – including writers, performers, creatives and musicians – who have submitted works for consideration, or keen to be part of this unique process. Works under consideration so far include:

  • Princess by Luke Heath
  • A (M)other Life by Amity Dry
  • The Mentor by Josh White
  • Esther by Michael Riggs
  • Tickets Please by Paul Morrison
  • The Lorelei and The Siren by Geoff Wallis with Catie Spears
  • Gold by Jess New and Lindenfelzer
  • Coburg, Melbourne by Michael Bingham and Nicholas Gentile
  • Beau Wants To Be A Billionaire by Peele and Neylon
  • Conversations With Berlin by Jessie Monk

The first live streaming team will present Amity Dry’s A (M)other Life. Directed by Petra Kalive, Samm Hagen, Amanda Harrison, Natalie O’Donnell and Jennifer Vuletic will read and sing through the work, accompanied by Jamie Burgess on piano. The work will be broadcast from the Palais – a new venue in Geelong. A date has yet to be confirmed!

If you are an out of work artist interested in contributing to the Hope. New Work Development Initiative, contact James Millar at: james@hopenewworks.com For more information, visit: www.hopenewworks.com or www.facebook.com/hopenewworks for details.

Image: Hope. New Work Development Initiative – design by Christian Cavallo