Jopuka Productions, the Central Coast’s premiere youth theatre organisation, has announced its landmark 50th production: Joshua Maxwell’s Very Happy Children with Bright and Wonderful Futures.
A testimony to the relentless spirit and passion of young people in the arts, the show will run from September 7-10 at The Red Tree Theatre, Tuggerah.
Drawing inspiration from the 2018/2019 Climate Strike Movement and set against the dramatic backdrop of Australia’s 2020 Black Summer bushfires, Very Happy Children with Bright and Wonderful Futures weaves art with activism.
The narrative follows Izzy, brilliantly portrayed by Milo Power, as she finds herself trapped between a media storm and a literal fire storm, having unintentionally become the face of a youth protest movement.
The play delves deep into the challenges faced by contemporary youth and their aspirations and fears for the future.
Directed by Jopuka’s Artistic and Managing Director, Joshua Maxwell, who wrote the play, and assistant director Tahlia Rose, chair of Jopuka’s youth advisory, this production promises to be a compelling theatrical experience.
Established in 2016, Jopuka embarked on an ambitious endeavour to cultivate and mentor young and budding artists aged 12-26.
Fast forward to the present, and it stands tall as one of Australia’s foremost youth theatre groups, boasting over 50 productions, with 20 of those being original commissioned works.
The organisation’s commitment to honing artistic skills and crafting pathways in the community has seen national acknowledgement as a key part of the Australian arts ecology.
“We are utterly thrilled to have reached our 50th production, but what makes it even more remarkable is the sheer speed at which we achieved this,” Maxwell said.
“It’s a rare feat for regional theatre companies to roll out so many projects in such a condensed timeframe.
“Very Happy Children holds a special place in my heart.”
Rose said collaborating with Maxwell once again, especially in her new capacity as chair of the youth advisory, was “truly a dream”.
Rosie Ross, the newly minted chairperson, said Jopuka stood out as trailblazers.
“As the newly appointed chair, I’m immensely privileged to be at the helm with such a talented team,” Ross said.
Tickets are available at www.redtreetheatre.org.au.
Source:
Jopuka Productions
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