It’s been a week since week 2 of Stories from the 428 closed- and I thought it would be nice/handy or interesting to write a little reflection on Week 2- and perhaps on the whole reflection of the project. I am in the process of de-briefing with all the directors about the project (and the process) – and this is always an important part of everything I do- it helps steer my projects, my design, my plan and focuses my passion for new work.

There couldn’t have been a more different experience for the bump in/tech of Week 2’s show. 5 directors completely prepared- wrangling blocking of a cast of 34- and 18 pieces overall. A bigger week- epic in cast and ambition. I can’t say I wasn’t a littel nervous about how this would appear. Double the cast of Week 1 (how DID that happen?) and more works. Where as Week 1 was more introspective (and contained more watery/rain references- yes the bus trips were taken in the rain)- Week 2 was a kaliedoscope of ensembles tumbling out like a morris minor filled with clowns. Two of the writers Lenton and Marlow especially responsible for the more sketch comedy style plays- fun/funny and very entertaining- a very different texture to the literary texts of Freidman and Janaczewska- or the stylistic adventurousness of Corin and Abela… or even the poetic of Erskine and Edgerton. Week 2 fulfilled the design of the project in a much more whollistic way- all writers travelled on the same bus at the same time together (this didn’t quite happen in Week 1) and the directors worked collegiately sharing actors and resources. So in the lead up- this process was working- perhaps the festival feel of the pieces helped this along? I don’t know- but the feel was very different. Not better. But different.

Tech happened. It was fun. Directors ready, clear and excited and ready to solve their own and each others challenges. And I must say that having 5 stagemanager types in the room (one actual, 3 directors who are ex stage managers and a Production manager who is a stage manager by trade) was wonderful and made everything easy.

Dress run with the actors was easy. A little weird having 34 actors to contend with- but wonderful none the less! I was scared I would look greedy or disorganised having that many actors on stage- that I was being indulgent or sloppy… and there were some decisions that needed to be made and I made them (like not having full cast on stage at all times). But it went brilliantly- actors stepped up- directors stepped up- and it was smooth and without a hitch.

Two tragedies happened that week, however. One: A director had suffered a personal loss- and had two funerals to attend in one day (wednesday) and as I had hoped- anything she needed the other directors pitched in and supplied. Two: after the dress rehearsal one night one actor (one of my favourite all time actors I have worked with) Mary Sherman, was in a motorbike accident and was rushed to the emergency department of the hospital. The director of the pieces rang me as soon as he heard and we went straight into solution solving- within 2 hours Mary’s role was recast into 4 actors who were in the cast- Cheryl Ward, Mark Dessaix, Matt Charleston, Lib Campbell came to the rescue… I went to the emergency room with a bag of snacks and foods and some of my favourite Little Golden Books to see my beloved Mary. She is recovering well and I have promised to work with her again when she is better- she is a marvellous and beautiful actor and a sublimely genuine and interesting person- the show was very different without her- but talent like her’s can’t and wont be kept down and I can’t wait to see her return to performing once she has had a full recovery.

Opening night glistened. Adrenilin/panic is an amazing thing- the evening was a rollicking adventure of a fountain of energy and fun and set up the week as one where we were turning people away at the door most nights… which was especially relieving as it was a long weekend AND daylight saving changed the times too! I couldn’t be more proud.

Of course the main thing about the 428 Project was the idea of a colleagiate team- a team who worked together to conquer an amazingly ambitious and multifacetted project which was about the community of commuters and artists who live in the area. The idea was about promoting bus travel- celebrating the good bad and the ugly of commuting. Recognising that Australian writers are up for a challenge and willing to work- and WORK HARD… that actors are brave enough to take a punt on a concept and on new work. That directors CAN work together… and really at the end of the project, the tail to this comet continues to streak across my heart.

Remarkably- it was the team who was spectacular- PJ Gahan- ever calm, clear and efficient (a multi tool triumvirate of Production Manager/Stage Manager/ technical Manager), Miles Thomas (Lighting designer), Alison Murphy -Oates (Stage Manager/mother/ friend/ Seamstress/ list maker/ legend), Gavin Roach (Sponsorship Coordinator/comic relief/ caterer/ friend), Julia Lenton (publicist/ marketing manager/ foyer decorator/ confidant/ door bitch/ list keeper/ venue liaison), Gemma Lark Johnson (Designer/ sign writer. prop maker/ costume maker), Karolina Novak (Artist/ graphic Design/ print manager), Jeremy Silver (composer/sound designer/ sound compiler/ APRA advisor) Rosie Chase (composer/ singing teacher/ musician/ counsellor), Grant Moxom (webdesign/cheerleader).

EVERYONE involved went above and beyond- and all I can say is that I am humbled by the energy, the passion, the professsionalism, the commitment, the humour, the community of artists which defied gravity and expectations and made Stories from the 428 what it was. And it is impossible to do anything but remember never to underestimate artists and their ingenuity, their drive, passion and focus- and I am honoured to keep such company.

Thank you to all who came along to support the show… and All the artists and crew on board (whether it was for three months or for one month) – Theatre is what you make it.

By contrast as well- Monday’s tech and plot with the directors was sublimely smooth and easy- 4 ex stagemanagers (who are 3 directors and a production manager) AND the 428 Stage manager working beautifully together to bring all 17 pieces together… Last night we managed to choreopgraph 35 actors, and do a full run with scene changes… so all is on track…

None of this could have happened without the dedication of 60 people focused , ready and willing to give their all to these literary slices, or as John Fraser said to me ” a literary bouquet”.. which I like as it supposes a posie of writers…

I have nothing but faith in the maginificent cast- and I have faith that audiences will like, discuss and explore ideas. There is sure to be something for everyone in this- and also something that some may not like… its just getting the balance right. Risk and Certainty- the delight of a see-saw… I am myself see-sawing head in the clouds and falling to earth in equal measure… and it makes me sick and feel thrilled and excited- perhaps this is a new sport? EXTREME THEATRE? Fast, furious, ready or not HERE IT IS!!!

Week 1 Cast

Week 1 of Stories from the 428 was a really amazing experience… and I was amazed primarilly at the dedication and ability of so many people to step up and make things happen- to push through all the incidental disappointments, and momentary lapses of memory and awkwardness and to keep going- after all… the show must go on.

For anyone who understands an opening night deadline- this was a doozy!

Like many (every) theatre I have worked at – (18 different venues in 9 years) this venue certainly has its quirks… Not only is the venue hire geared to the load in of a rock show (you get 6 hours of bump in time- anything more than that you are charged to have the venue tech there at an hourly rate) but a ghost that has a sense of humour about tech equipment, interesting public toilets, gate curfew lock up and a host of other surprises.

Miles and Ali during Dress Rehearsal Photo: Leah McGirr

After a rigg and a focus by the ever efficient Miles Thomas- it was discovered that the lighting board didn’t record states… Monday night last week was a paper plot with 4 directors huddled around paper on the floor, skimming back all expectations to the basic bare essentials. Miles and PJ jumped in the car, and two hours later due to the kindness of Belvoir and the STC had returned with a desk to programme and plot with. Hurray!

Miles set to work and replaced the board, only to discover the incombatibility of this technology with the dimmers. No lighting desk. No lighting plot and 24 hours until dress rehearsal. The show must go on.

Tym and PJ Photo: Leah McGirr

We plotted through- directors abandonned tech expectations and embraced the K.I.S.S principal. Miles and I would come in to tech the show the next day once the new lighting desk was made available.

18 hours later still no lighting desk Miles visited his mates at the Seymour Centre who helped him out with a DMX converter and over the course of 2 hours 3 venue techs were sent (the first two were self-professed sound guys and were there to drop off equipment) with incompatible desks… again nothing worked. At 2.30pm when finally we had a lighting board that could programme states. Miles and I plotted all 15 pieces (with transitions) from 3pm-5.30pm… just in time for the actors to arrive.

Then the delicate art of chair arrangement- blocking backstage and onstage traffic- newspapers… creating an opening sequence and running the show… which all went fine except the gates closing at 10.30pm meant we had to abandon the dress rehearsal 2 shows out from the end so we could make it out of the complex in time. The show must go on.

Felix and Amy

The day of opening night we finished the dress rehearsal at 5.30pm, ran through the opening sequence. The actors embraced their stage managerial responsibility… they took care of themselves- they hit their marks… they performed… they were focused, dedicated and energetic. They helped each other with set changes, rehearsed on the grass, shared limited dressing room space. The show was going on- whether we liked it or not…

Anna Lise

Two hours later, everyone turned up. Artistic Directors, reviewers, media, literary managers, sponsors, playwrights, artistic associates, filmmakers- EVERYONE.

Now, I am not going to list all the technical mishaps, or the regrets or misadventures. Because frankly- they don’t matter one bit. What I am going to do is sing the praises of The Stories from the 428 team. Because the show must go on, each and everyone of the team stepped up. PJ and Miles (the wonder duo) moved heaven and earth to find desks- to ask favours and the industry came to support- other theatres offered help, equipment, advice. Alison M-O the stagemanager handled a lighting desk she had only had touched for a total of 4 hours prior… kept cheery, helped actors, sewed costumes, operated the show- and took care of the cast- the directors and the designers. Zoe Carides regailed me stories of her Sidetrack Theatre experiences when she was first starting out as an actor (pre- GP) – and I confessed my longtime love of her work. Ian Zammit sourced newspapers and dispensed hugs and soothing words of support and encouragement… the actors sorted themselves and each other and thanked everyone for their help…

Ian, Michelle, Louise and Suz

Fifteen minutes after the curtain call on opening night when my furrowed brow appeared amid the sea of heads … the industry came to my rescue again- an enormous hug from James Winter who smothered me with encouragement… robust hugs from Sam Chester, soothing words from Fringe Festival Director Kris Stewart, congratulations from Polly Rowe, Brenna Hobson, John AD Fraser… a handshake and well done from Play Writing Australia’s Artistic Director Chris Mead… and there was James Waites buzzing with enthusiasm and his signature “well done, doll!”

My three wise men Photo: Leah McGirr

With theatre- the art is keeping the the misadventures minimized… the live event mercurial and strange, ellusive and transient, wild and unpredictable. The show must go on. As life must go on… as it all continues whether we like it or not… it doesn’t matter how perfect it is- sometimes what matters most is not the show itself. What matters most is the people who make the art- and what humbles me, what makes me proud and what keeps me looking ahead, what keeps me excited is the bravery, the passion and artists who support artists.

What mattered more to me than the show itself was the overwhelming support of all involved- onstage and backstage… the production crew and the cast worked together. There was never a word of blame, never a tantrum, never a harsh word- there was only support. The industry turned up, offered advice, equipment, hugs, feedback… and last Wednesday night I couldn’t be more proud of those beautiful writers, directors, actors and our amazing colleagues that make up the Sydney theatre community.

Bridgette Sneddon & Felix Gentle Photo: Leah McGirr

In eight days time, Sidetrack Theatre will be hosting the first week of Stories from the 428. In under 3 months, two groups (a cluster perhaps?) of 8 writers will have created two full length works – which have been auditioned for by 150 actors, rehearsed by 8 directors and finally staged at Sidetrack Theatre, in the Addison road centre…

Largely this has been a playground for theatre practitioners: writers- given permission to write hatever they want (to a maximum of 12 minutes) and know that whatever they offer, will be staged. Directors- given actors, time, space and scripts with which to work. Actors- given a chance at being a part of an exclusive Australian premiere. Designers- given the chance and the challenge to create for 32 vignettes…

Over the past 6 weeks, I have been asked “where did the idea for this project come from?” and “what’s it about”… to which I take a deep breath and reply- community.

It seems as though the more tools we have to keep in touch- mobile phones, texting, email, facebook, internet- the harder it is to feel well and truly connected to people. As the tidal wave of technology swells, and the immediate heat of someone else’s presence subsides and is substituted for the blue glow of a computer screen… However- it is a truth that I hold with both fists- that ultimately all humans- regardless of faith, background and politics yearns to be loved and understood. We need each other- we want to be around and with each other- because it gives us something to respond to. Something to think about. Something to learn. People seek to teach and seek to be taught by each other- we yearn for a connection or a connectedness that reassures and reminds us- we are not alone.

To best explore this notion, this project has a two fold approach-
Firstly, it seeks to create a collegiate space within which writers and directors work together, sharing cast and resources. It seeks to create a realm wherein all crew are valued for what they bring to the community of artists- and a keen awareness that without anyone person working on a show- we are weaker. 428 would be nothing without Gavin Roach as sponsorship coordinator- it wouldn’t be lit without Miles Thomas, nor would people be rehearsing and scheduled without Alison Murphy-Oates. There would be movement but no sound with Jeremy Silver, No one would have an image to associate with it- if it wasn’t for Karolina, no one would have heard of it without Julia Lenton… without PJ Gahan at the helm- I don’t know what we would be doing… and without the tenacity and designs from Gemma-Lark Johnson- the stage would not be set. And without Leah McGirr- no proof that any of this ever happened. This is the crew and creatives that have created a community- taking care of each other, the show and the to-do lists.

Secondly, this is a show which reaches out into the community to say, that local is wonderful, inspiring- that the everyday is important and sublime- that theatre isn’t for the lucky, the rich nor the recent art school graduates- it is for everyone- and it is as simple and honest as telling a story about where we live- how we feel- what we think- what we yearn for- what frightens us- what annoys us… this is a snapshot of the community which thrives along the artery of the 428 bus route.
This is a reaction to the life and times of where we are- it is a reflection, a response, a fantasy and a re-telling… which says to all – “you are not alone, you are not invisible, you are apart of my community whether you know it, want it, like it, or not.”
Week 1 is stunningly beautiful, quirky and surprising- check out the work from:

The writers: Vanessa Bates, Kit Brookman, Rebecca Clarke, Sime Knezevic, Ned Manning, Brooke Robinson, Alison Rooke and Phil Spencer.

The Directors: Zoe Carides, Glenn Hazeldine, Augusta Supple, Ian Zammit.

The Cast: Anna Lise Phillips, Rob Jago, Stephen Peacocke, Emma Jones, Jan Langford-Penny, Brendan Hawke, Leo Domigan, Felix Jozeps, Bridgette Sneddon, Julian Ramundi, Suz Mawer, Amy Kersey, Jovana Miletic, Kailah Cabanas, Felix Gentle, Adam Demos and Helena Stamoulis

Go to the theatre- embrace your community- experience something completely new and unexpected- go on… can’t be as bad as waiting for someone to “like” something on your facebook page…

Stories from the 428 launched last night- with the help from our friends at the Coopers Hotel in Newtown, Marrickville Council, ACTT and Queen Street Studio- writers, directors, designers, crew came together to have a few drinks, to meet the people who they will be working with in the next 3-4 weeks. This launch was for the participants… United by a love of theatre, new Australian Playwriting and buses- nearly 100 local artists are starting rehearsals this week.

Combining the a mix of writers from a range of backgrounds this is theatre at its most diverse- a patchwork of ideas that are stitched together through the common experience of the 428 Bus ride from Circular Quay to Canterbury.

What never ceases to amaze me is the passion people have within them – to make theatre- to make anything where before there was nothing. It is truly breathtaking.

People from different backgrounds and different levels of experience coming together to say something they believe in…

People who wouldn’t ordinarilly cross paths, meet each other in the context of this type of project- share ideas, contribute, support and inspire each other.

But one thing is for certain- without an audience these stories are mute, these ideas lay dormant. It is the everyday and the ordinary which inspires us to come together and share our Stories.

All this will come together in 3 weeks at Sidetrack Theatre. Tickets are $25… hope to see you at the show!
http://sa2.seatadvisor.com/sabo/servlets/EventSearch?presenter=AUCENTURY&event=428STORY

Just a really quick note as I am about to prepare to address the beautiful, splendid, vibrant, diverse and talent group of practitioners I have been building for “Stories From the 428.” I’ll talk about more in a second- But first I thought I would explain what my old Artshub columns are doing up front on this website.

I must admit I am a dreadfully practical person (its why I wear so much black)- and that one of the reasons this site exists is to collate and contain all my internet scriblings (across 4 different websites in four years) and try to order and add sense to my multi-facetted theatrical pursuits. I was triggered to digg up and insert the columns this morning mainly prompted by David Williams’ comment on James Waites’ site about the Sydney Festival- and I remembered I made a remark in 2007 that Sydney Festival should be renamed the Sydney International Arts Festival because it doesn’t contain much if any local talent- and ensuing pithy snipes about the artists in Sydney are who we order coffee off and not who we see in the theatres… (and I still recognise this as largely true).

But looking through those columns are really a glance at my yearning for belonging and finding a place in the industry- and trying to figure out what I wanted from my career as an unknown ex-ex-pat returning to Australia. And I must say that though I wince at my dreadful type-os and clunky sentences (nothings changed in three years)- I am really surprised at how I had forgotten how I have developed my practice in the last 3 years and made my commitment to the development, appreciation and celebration of new Australian plays. And how much time I spend thinking about new work and its larger social implications… but before I drown in the big picture….

The Stories from the 428 is rattling on beautifully… and tonight I am gearing up to address the writers (and some of the directors) about the project. There are always bits that need ironing out and schedules change and modify- but its a pretty thrilling experience being able to dream an idea, offer talented people space to explore and experiment and see what happens. Happy to announce the following team so far:

Writers: Donna Abela, Vanessa Bates, Kit Brookman, Rebecca Clarke, Tahli Corin, Matt Edgerton, Joanna Erskine, Lexi Frieman, Noelle Janaczewska, Sime Knezevic, Patrick Lenton, Ned Manning, Jasper Marlow, Alison Rooke, Brooke Robinson and Phil Spencer.

Directors: Louise Fischer, Augusta Supple, Zoe Carides, Scott Selkirk, Ian Zammit, Anne-Maree Magi, Ngaire O’Leary

Creative Producer: Augusta Supple
Production Manager/ Technical Producer: PJ Gahan
Designer: Gemma-Lark Johnson
Sound Designer: Jeremy Silver
Lighting Designer: Miles Thomas
Sponsorship Coordinator: Gavin Roach
Publicity/Marketing: Julia Lenton
Stage Manager: Alison Murphy-Oats

Anyway- that’s my update- and I must say I am thrilled and energised and ready to confront the 428 head-on! Let the fun begin!

The premise is- I take 8 playwrights at a time on the 428 bus from Circular Quay, through the city, through Newtown , Marrickville and Canterbury in Sydney’s Inner West- as a point of reference for their writing. Their writing is then discussed in a collaborative way around table and read out for their fellow writers to enjoy and be inspired by. Then another bus trip is taken and the playwrights meet again to discuss their work. Out of this process approx 60-80 minutes of performance script is developed, rehearsed and produced at Sidetrack Theatre.

This project is about the joy of writing, finding everyday people/public situations a source of inspiration and creative invigoration.

Getting this show on the road (so to speak) is a marvellous one- and fairly exciting one too! I have been well caffeinated by the lads at Buzzzbar in Newtown during this experience of meeting playwrights and directors.

Originally conceived as a one week season for 8 writers to collaborate- this project has blossomed due to the interest, passion and curiosity of Sydney’s most vibrant writers. This project has now expanded to two weeks of two hour-long works (8 writers per week) with a mixture of emerging and established writers. Although I can’t yet announce the directors (there will be 4 directors , directing per week) I can announce the writers:
Donna Abela, Vanessa Bates, Kit Brookman, Rebecca Clarke, Tahli Corin, Matt Edgerton, Joanna Erskine, Lexi Frieman, Noelle Janaczewska, Sime Knezevic, Patrick Lenton, Ned Manning, Jasper Marlow, Lachlan Philpott, Brooke Robinson and Phil Spencer.

This is a collection of truly inspiring and lovely people- their voices are unique and diverse and hail from a wealth of experience- I am truly honoured to have them on board.

I’ll keep you posted on more as this project develops:

4 Directors/ 2 Weeks/ 8 Writers= Stories from the 428

Always dreaming up new projects and always on trains or buses- I began thinking what an amazing social phenomenon public transport is.. how we are forced into intimate situations with strangers who we wouldn’t necessarilly choose to sit next to skin-to-skin, nor choose to hear moments of their phone or general conversation – yet we are often in close proximity to strangers.

I began to think how much time I spend in this community- and how this community must differ from bus route to bus route , from suburb to suburb… and thought- what it I could create a project which gives permission for us to acknowledge our curiosity of each other- what if I could create a project for writers and for local artists to explore this situation… and that is the premise of “Stories from the 428″…

Taking the idea that a play is made up of perfect micro-dramas – this project will house vignettes which are written by a diverse range of writers in response to a stimulus/situation. Both established and emerging writers will be writing scenes and monologues during a series of bus trips on the 428 route from Circular Quay to Sidetrack Theatre in Marrickville (and beyond!).

This collaboration will draw on the talents of up to 10 writers and a selection of directors who will be working together to create the final piece which will enjoy a two week season at Sidetrack Theatre in March. The aim is not for a homogenisation of voices or perspectives but to celebrate the diversity of style and genre of artists responding to a single situation.

Some of Sydney’s most celebrated award winning writers and passionate emerging writers will be coming together to create a unique script exploring all things inspired by and from the 426 bus route. Writers contributing thus far include Lachlan Philpott, Noelle Janaczewska, Tahli Corin, Rebecca Clarke and Joanna Erskine.

If you are interested in coming on board this project (yes- that was a bit of a pun wasn’t it…) email me at augustasupple@hotmail.com for the guidelines. Expressions of Interest close 15th January 2010.