A thought-provoking, ‘poignant social action’ theatrical production called Our Home Holiday Town will be screened on September 29 from 7.30pm at the YAC, 1 Gilmore Crescent, Byron Bay.
Byron Youth Theatre (BYT) director, Lisa Apostolides, says the live production had to be cut short last December, early owing to a COVID scare.
‘Fortunately, the performance was filmed with eight cameras, crewed by SAE Creative Media Institute students Lee Collier, Phoenix and Jovian Batchelor, who were supervised by experienced local filmmaker and SAE Animation Lecturer, Nigel Haslam.’
Tourism-related issues explored
‘This has enabled BYT to hold a special screening in Byron for those who missed out in 2021’.
She says the production was the result of a collaborative research project between BYT and the Centre for Children and Young People at Southern Cross University (SCU).’
Tourism-related issues in the Byron Shire are explored, as are the mental health concerns for young people.
Lisa adds, ‘Trained as co-researchers during a series of workshops, cast members conducted interviews and surveys with their peers and community members.’
‘The research revealed young people care deeply about their community, particularly when witnessing the negative impacts of tourism activity, including littering, anti-social behaviours, housing affordability, homelessness, and disrespect for Aboriginal sacred sites.’
All proceeds from the night will go towards future youth productions, says Lisa.
Tickets are available at www.eventbrite.com.au.