ecodigitography: Bellingen Wilderness Youth Theatre

Its funny - for all the time I spend on the computer it seems rare to find time to update this blog....a bit like catching up with old friends after an extended absence I suppose! In addition to spending as much time away from reliable internet connections, extensive travel often precludes a stint posting on this blog....

All that aside - there have been numerous events and projects which have come and gone but this is one way to share those experiences in a small way...

Some of the projects I've had the pleasure to be involved with resonate on a much deeper level and the recent stage production "The Endless Song" - created and performed by the Bellingen Wilderness Youth Theatre is no exception. A group of young people are taken into the wilderness for a 10 day trek during which they journal their experiences, engage with their surroundings in silent and guided meditations and return to "civilisation" to workshop this process and eventually present their views and perspectives to a public audience.

The striking and most rewarding aspect of my association with this project is the warmth and openness with which I am embraced coming into the project in the last weeks prior to the performance. This year I had the opportunity to engage with the participants and facilitator at their rehearsal camp in the lead up to designing lighting, set and audio components for the show. It was an awesome weekend of bonding, shared meals, intensive blocking and script revisions, but overall, a joyous celebration of life in a wonderful environment.

We presented 4 performances over 3 days at the Bellingen Memorial Hall to almost full houses and appreciative audiences. There is no doubt the quality of the show and content could not be missed by those attending. There are a few photos that follow, including the poster and some shots taken during a warm prior to one of the performances. [Unfortunately I didn't get to shoot during the show because I was busy operating lights and audio] There is a short video timelapse which shows the set up and pull down for any tech heads out there!