The BANG! Academy of Performing Arts, based in Bangalow, has announced their inaugural production, Two Wolves, will hit the stage in August.
Locally based artists and performers – from seven to 70 years old – are encouraged to audition for the project.
BANG! co-director Sarah Allely says, ‘BANG! has been running acting classes and workshops for children and teens since 2016 with a vision to produce professionally crafted theatre for our local youth.’
‘For our first production, we really wanted to create an original work and something that would initiate conversations between parents and kids – theatre can be such a powerful platform in this way.
‘After reading Two Wolves, we were sold. It is such a suspenseful, action-packed story and lends itself very well to the visual and physical space of theatre.’
Two Wolves, a novel written by local author Tristan Bancks, won honour book in the Children’s Book Council of Australia Awards and was shortlisted for the prime minister’s literary awards.
‘It is a simple story on the surface about two children on the run with their criminal parents, yet it has a heavy undertow that sees its 13-year-old hero crossing and weaving through the Australian bush, facing difficult decisions about trust, truth and blood.’
Tristan said he is thrilled to have his novel brought to life.
‘I started out acting in theatre and filmmaking, so I think of my novels in dramatic terms. I see them unfold visually, so it will be amazing to watch this production come to life. I’m especially proud that it’s a local company of such talented and versatile storytellers.’
BANG! co-director Anouska Gammon added, ‘After our initial meeting with Tristan, it was clear we were on the same page, and also that we would be able to collaborate well. Adapting a novel for the stage is no easy task; there are many things to consider. As the director, I need to get to the heart of the story, the key themes, and from there the script and space will evolve.’
Scenic projection and animation for the production will be by Cumulus Visual Effects. Director Will Gammon said he is excited to again be working alongside his wife, Anouska.
The pair collaborated on Bangalow Theatre Company’s award-winning production of Little Shop of Horrors, and share a love for live performance and community projects.
Sponsors needed
The project is looking for sponsors and welcomes the support of local companies and individuals.
With a view to touring regionally and with schools already using the novel in their literacy curriculum, Two Wolves has great potential as a successful stage production, say the directors.
To register for auditions visit www.bangacademyofperformingarts.com before April 20. To contact the team regarding sponsorship support please email [email protected]
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