Ausdance WA is funded by the State Government of Western Australia through the Department of Local Government Sport and Cultural Industry.
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The Cockatoos
October 20, 2015 @ 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Featuring choreography by Claudia Alessi.
Award-winning independent theatre company Happy Dagger Theatre will present the World Premiere stage adaptation of Patrick White’s short story The Cockatoos at The Blue Room Theatre from October 20 – November 7.
Described by the Chicago Tribune as “a slow beautiful dance of love and death”, The Cockatoos is a tale of exclusion and belonging as dark suburban secrets are broken open into the light. A mob of wild cockatoos has descended on the neighbourhood. For some they bring life and renewal, but for others, death and destruction.
From Australia’s only Nobel laureate for literature, this quintessential Australian story will use an ensemble of six exceptional performers to weave a swirling “spastic sarabande” of fear and desire. Acclaimed Perth actors Anna Brockway, Andrew Hale, Kingsley Judd, Janet Pettigrew, Nichola Renton and James Sollis come together in this ensemble piece about love, loss and all the words we leave unsaid. Together with a team of talented creatives including India Mehta, Ash Gibson Greig, Claudia Alessi, Will Slade and Tegan Evans, The Cockatoos explores a suburb filled with profoundly moving characters and, collectively, the single consciousness of a young boy.
Adapted for the stage by award winning writer and director Andrew Hale (the boat goes over the mountain), with poetic styling, striking symbolism and an innately Australian vernacular, the company will use a unique physical language to evoke the passionate longing of a couple who haven’t spoken to each other in seven years.
For lovers of Australian classic literature, contemporary theatre, and anyone who enjoys great storytelling told beautifully, The Cockatoos will delight, captivate and challenge.
The Cockatoos is supported by The Blue Room Theatre. Happy Dagger Theatre received development funding from the Department of Culture and the Arts, and script development assistance from Stages WA.
Writer/Director: Andrew Hale // Design: India Mehta // Lighting Designer: Tegan Evans // Choreography: Claudia Alessi // Composer: Ash Gibson-Greig // Sound: Will Slade // Production Manager: Craig Williams // Stage Manager: Jenny Poh // Publicity: Elinor King // Producer: Lauren Foreman // Cast: Anna Brockway, Andrew Hale, Kingsley Judd, Janet Pettigrew, Nichola Renton, James Sollis.
The community of Ausdance WA acknowledges the Traditional Owners of all Lands and Countries on this continent. We pay particular respect to Elders, Cultural and Community Leaders, and emerging leaders. With this understanding of the country’s First Peoples, we are grateful for our place in learning and serving dance, Arts and Culture in Western Australia.
Always Was. Always Will Be.