The much anticipated new show from Sprung!! Integrated Dance Theatre was sold out five weeks ahead of opening night, but changes to NSW public health orders allowing theatres to increase their capacity up to 50%, has meant a second round of tickets has been released.
In order to cater for those who are still isolating, or across borders or oceans, the show will also be filmed. A screening, on November 7, will be made available online and a simultaneous screening at NORPA with a live audience, Q&A and Auslan interpreter will also be available.
The popularity of this work reflects not only the high regard in which Sprung!! Integrated Dance Theatre is held, but also the current appetite for live entertainment.
Organisers say that O, How I Dreamt of Things Impossible is a physically dynamic and robustly hopeful show. It asks the question: In a world that’s not built for you, can you dare to dream of life, love and a rightful place within it all?
The work explores the kaleidoscope of emotions and day-to-day experiences of its dancers with disability.
Young, imaginative and curious minds
Through the lens of seven young, imaginative and curious minds, we rediscover the power of dreams alongside the optimism and integral strength that must be summoned to overcome the doubts we all share about life.
O, How I Dreamt of Things Impossible was co-devised by the dancers and also brings together a host of highly accomplished artists including celebrated costume designer Jennifer Irwin, composer Fred Cole, lighting designer John Rayment and some mind-bending artwork by award-winning digital artist Andrew Christie.
Artistic Director of Sprung!!, Michael Hennessy has been working with the dancers on a weekly basis for more than five years and is excited to bring their performance to the NORPA stage.
‘Ultimately their experiences are what make the show so profound,’ he said.
‘One dancer was hospitalised in his youth and unable to move, so to see him fully expressing himself in movement is a feat in and of itself, but to see him perform at this level is astounding.’
Equally moving is the story of Tallula Bourne. Ms Bourne heard music for the first time at the age of 12, after having cochlear implants to address hearing loss.
Her experience of hearing for the first time will be brought to life in a solo as part of the show. ‘We are creators, we are dreamers, we make our own normal,’ said Ms Bourne.
A community crowdfunded event
Sprung!! President and the show’s producer, Robyn Brady, said the whole community has been involved in bringing this show to the stage.
‘We held a successful crowdfunding campaign to which many people generously donated, it was matched by Brady Marine. NORPA has provided significant financial, creative and production support, and we’ve also gained support from the NSW Government through Create NSW and the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body.
‘We sense the level of excitement and anticipation for this work being created with our dancers,’ said Dr Brady.
A testament to the drive and commitment
NORPA’s Artistic Director and CEO, Julian Louis said Sprung!! is a great testament to the drive and commitment that a small, independent dance and performing arts company needs to have to succeed. ‘I’m endlessly impressed by their dedication to their craft and to the dancers. Sprung!! is one of the only dedicated performance ensembles in our region, that in itself is something to celebrate.
‘NORPA is excited to be co-producing this piece and bringing live performance back to the mainstage in collaboration with Sprung!!’
O, How I Dreamt of Things Impossible reframes our perspective and shows that ‘Impossible’ can be transformed into ‘I’m Possible’.
O, How I Dreamt Of Things Impossible
7.30pm Thursday October 22 to Saturday October 24
For tickets and more information: norpa.org.au.
Social distancing will still be in place, so tickets to the October show are limited and are expected to sell quickly.
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