Flinders Drama Centre students are set to make their mark at the Adelaide Fringe this year, stepping beyond the confines of campus to showcase their talents at the esteemed Holden Street Theatres. This marks a significant milestone as the Centre dives into the Adelaide Fringe for the very first time, featuring two captivating works.
Headlining the performances is the world premiere of Glace Chase’s Gull – or – The Most Lamentable Comedie Called Love, running from March 1 to 9. Meanwhile, from March 4 to 9, audiences can witness the South Australian premiere of Rita Kalnejais’ intriguing take on Shakespeare, First Love is the Revolution, both delivered by Honours students.
This foray into the Adelaide Fringe is part of a fresh initiative by Flinders Drama Centre, focusing on empowering Bachelor of Performance (Honours) students to craft innovative and experimental pieces, culminating in an annual showcase at a public venue during the Adelaide Fringe.
Dr. Christopher Hurrell, the Drama Centre Manager at Flinders University, highlights the distinctive approach of the Centre in training actors not only to interpret existing scripts but also to craft original works. He emphasizes the importance of engaging in the development and performance of new pieces as a vital component of the Centre’s Honours program.
Gull – or – The Most Lamentable Comedie Called Love, directed by Dr. Christopher Hurrell, promises a contemporary twist on Shakespearean comedies, blending wit and daring to resonate with modern feminist and queer perspectives. The play, originally shelved for a decade due to its boldness, unfolds amidst the 1665 plague outbreak, featuring a cast of intriguing characters in a night of chaos and confrontation.
On the other hand, First Love is the Revolution, directed by Hannah Smith, the inaugural Honours student in the Bachelor of Performance in Directing, offers a darkly comedic reimagination of Romeo and Juliet in a surreal setting where love transcends natural boundaries. This production, previously staged at London’s Soho Theatre and Sydney’s Griffin Theatre Company, explores themes of self-discovery and unconventional love.
Dr. Hurrell underscores the legacy of Flinders Drama Centre in nurturing top-tier directors for both stage and screen, with the new degree course for directors standing out as a unique offering in Australia. This platform provides budding directors like Hannah Smith and the entire cast with an opportunity to showcase their skills at one of Australia’s premier arts festivals.
As Flinders University’s talent takes center stage at the Adelaide Fringe, it underscores the institution’s commitment to fostering creativity and innovation in the performing arts, setting the stage for a vibrant future in theatre and beyond.
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