Seven locally produced shows, including a production of 'Sydney II - Lost and Found' by Theatre 180 Inc, will tour regional Western Australia thanks to a $514,000 McGowan Government funding program.
Combining the immediacy of theatre and the visual impact of cinema, this production commemorates the sinking of the HMAS Sydney II in 1941 and its rediscovery in 2008.
Another show to tour, 'Mama Stitch' by Whiskey & Boots, will visit Narrogin, Geraldton and Port Hedland. Each town will host the Mama Stitch artists for two weeks as they collect stories from members of the community, which will be brought to life through original music and verbatim headphone performance.
The McGowan Government remains committed to supporting locally produced performing arts productions to tour regional and remote communities across WA. Playing WA forms part of the State Government's Regional Arts and Cultural Investment Program (RACIP).
Playing WA contributes to the liveability and vibrancy of regional communities as well as developing a sustainable performing arts touring circuit. Increasing the number and variety of performances touring to regional WA not only contributes to fun and entertainment, but also creates local jobs, community connections, and tourism and hospitality opportunities.
The seven funded touring productions showcase the diversity of WA's performing arts industry, ranging from choral music to contemporary dance.
Thank you to the following funding recipients for their commitment to sharing their talent with regional communities:
- The Giovanni Consort, supported by CircuitWest, touring 'Cloud Nine' to the Goldfields-Esperance, South West and Wheatbelt regions (chamber choir) - $68,204;
- Whisky & Boots, supported by CircuitWest, touring 'Mama Stitch' to the Mid-West, Pilbara and Wheatbelt regions (music) - $119,915;
- Steamworks Arts, supported by CircuitWest, touring 'JULIA' to the South-West and Wheatbelt regions (dance theatre) - $41,450;
- Scott Elstermann & Shona Erskine, supported by CircuitWest, touring 'BANG! BANG!' to the Goldfields-Esperance, Great Southern, Peel and Wheatbelt regions (contemporary dance) - $118,631;
- pvi collective touring 'eaters' to the Peel, South-West, Great Southern and Goldfields-Esperance regions (cross-art form) - $31,113;
- Theatre 180 Inc touring 'Sydney II: Lost and Found' to the Great Southern, Peel, South-West and Wheatbelt regions (theatre) - $115,118; and
- Western Australian Youth Theatre Company touring 'ARCO' to the Great Southern and South West regions (theatre) - $20,499.
The next round of Playing WA funding opens on March 22, 2022 for activity commencing from October 2022. To apply, visit www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/funding/arts-funding/playing-wa
RACIP is administered by the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.
As stated by Culture and the Arts Minister David Templeman:
"The McGowan Government's Playing WA program ensures that all Western Australians have access to performing arts productions in their towns.
"In addition to the performances, these tours include opportunities for the community to connect with the artists, strengthening connections and helping to build the capability of local Western Australian artists."
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
"Playing WA is contributing to the liveability and vibrancy of our regional and remote communities, delivering a wonderful range of local productions and performances.
"This exciting program is more than just entertainment value for our regions, it is also helping to create diverse local jobs and tourism and hospitality opportunities across the State."
