The Shopfront Arts Co-op's multi-award winning Harness Ensemble, from Shopfront Arts Co-op, returns to the stage at Hurstville for the Sydney Fringe Festival debut performance of The Experts.
Following the success of their first show Dignity of Risk, scoring Best Production for Young People in the 2017 Sydney Theatre Awards and Outstanding Achievement Award in the 2019 Australian Charity Awards, this ensemble comprised of Young Adults living with and without disability, will tackle the question, does anyone really know what they are doing?
This group-devised work channels the lived experiences of these emerging artists as they attempt to navigate the world every day, and examines the way that social and personal pressure can leave us feeling like imposters if we don't have all the answers.
Exploring themes around power, death, relationships, knowledge versus belief, mental health, disability, gender, and existentialism, these weighty issues are delivered with the deft hand of an ensemble fast becoming known for its love of satire, big laughs, and the odd dance Party.
Shopfront's Creative Director, Natalie Rose said The Experts is an important piece of theatre for Sydney Fringe.
"We have a diverse cast and in this group-devised work they are sharing their personal information with Fringe audiences," Natalie said.
"It is important to share those stories on Australian stages, and for the audience to identify with someone they see on stage.
"Theatre and the arts in general are there to entertain, of course, but they are also a place to challenge perceptions and make people think about their lives, and possibly make changes within them. The themes of The Experts are universal, and we have created a space of inclusion and creative questioning for both the cast and our audience."
That inclusion extends to the way the work is staged and presented. Accessibility is embedded into the work with some audio description, lighting and sound cues, and tactile flooring to help the cast navigate the space.
Shopfront has also included accessible performances for audiences requiring an Audio Describer or USLAN interpreter.
A Harness Ensemble Production, The Experts, will appear at the Marana Auditorium, Hurstville Entertainment Centre, September 18 and 19.
Details:
The Experts.
A Harness Ensemble Production,
September 18 and 19
Marana Auditorium, Hurstville Entertainment Centre,
16 Macmahon St, Hurstville
Presented as a part of Sydney Fringe 2019
All performances are wheelchair accessible.
AUSLAN interpreted performance time: Thursday 19 September, 7.30pm.
Audio Described performance time: Thursday 19 September, 12pm.
Tickets available for purchase at sydneyfringe.com