D.I.V.E. Theatre Collective AMOR gave Cooktown audiences a new way to experience live theatre. Photo: Barry John Alsop.
Live theatre enthusiasts of Cooktown are buzzing to start a community performance group after an “enthralling” immersive theatre experience about love.
D.I.V.E. Theatre Collective’s regional Queensland tour of AMOR stopped by Cooktown last week to present a unique performance style and workshop for residents looking to bring the art of theatre into their communities.
Regional Arts Services Network (RASN) regional arts officer Waratah Nicholls said audiences were invited to participate in the show in a way they had never experienced before.
“There was no seating provided unless requested, so audience members walked around inside the set; the direction was to come no more than two paces from an actor or set piece, but otherwise, [you] were free to move as you wished,” she explained.
“At times, the audience was moved through the set to allow for particular performance pieces, [and] the actors interacted with the audience by talking to them or looking into their eyes directly.
“It was very thought-provoking, and a novel approach that no one in the audience had experienced before – ‘enthralling’, as one audience member commented.”
Ms Nicholls said after the performance, the D.I.V.E. team imparted their wisdom on creating a theatre company and developing performances that responded to community interest.
“We discussed what our ideas were for a theatre group in Cooktown; some people were mostly interested in theatre sports, [whereas] others were keen to get a theatre group going ,” she said.
Attendees were left particularly inspired by the connection they felt to the performers, leading to conversations about how live theatre could potentially help struggling community members.
“Interactive theatre, which gives the audience the opportunity to build a relationship with the show [by being] invited to become part of the story, [was suggested],” Ms Nicholls said.
“In light of the Jasper recovery, this could be a platform for developing a work that tells people’s stories and performs them.
“This can be incredibly therapeutic for people who have experienced traumatic events like the flooding that we had in December.”
If you are interested in becoming a part of a theatre group, contact Waratah Nicholls at [email protected].
After the performance of AMOR, Cooktown theatre enthusiasts discussed starting a community group of their own. Photo: Supplied.
