All the elements of wonderful theatre are set to delight audiences from 7 March as Me and My Shadows premiers in Belrose. Featuring a mixture of drama and music, with added elements of coloured shadow and light, puppets and projection design, this original play is based on Faust, written by German writer Goethe in 1808.
It explores a human’s life as they make mistakes and reveals the impact of these decisions on different levels of consciousness in the often dream-like inner world of academic Henry Faust, who has seen many die in a plague and has lost faith in God. As the play explores mature themes, it is recommended for ages 16 and over.
Venessa Crane, assistant director, says the team has been workshopping collaboratively on the script and play for over two years. “We are a combination of amateurs, professionals and those who are diving in for the first time ever,” she says. Venessa, a Collaroy Plateau artist who lives with cerebral palsy, added that the casting has been consciously inclusive. “We are attempting to work as collaboratively as humanely possible, encouraging everyone to develop their skills, find new talents and stare down their own fears.”
A team of musicians, actors and dancers along with shadow and light workers, projection artists and puppeteers all make a valued contribution to the production.
The group received an arts and creativity grant from Northern Beaches Council, which has made the production possible.
Venessa also plays the role of the Black Dog in the production, who enters whenever something evil of sinister happens. “My costume is a giant head of a dog that covers my entire wheelchair and has been designed, created and donated by top notch professionals,” she says, adding it took six days to make. Venessa plays a second role as a woman who has been hard done by Faust.
Taking part in the play is a dream come true for Venessa, 50. “To be centre stage and in the limelight, with all that positive attention focusing on my abilities, not my disability; to be seen and heard and contribute and be part of a mainstream show is just brilliant,” she says.
Collaborating on the performance has also been a highlight. “I have really enjoyed the process of getting together with other creative people and making decisions, building up the momentum working towards the premiere of the play,” Venessa says.
You can catch the performance at the Kamaroi Rudolf Steiner School in Belrose, and there will be performances on Fridays and Saturdays from 7 March to 21 March.
Local community transport service Easylink has offered free transport to the performances for those with mobility issues. See the council website’s ‘things to do’ page for more information.
Me and My Shadows
(Mature themes, ages 16+)
7 March to 21 March
Kamaroi Rudolf School, Belrose
Cost: $35
Tickets: meandmyshadows.art
