Barstool Conversations
We have a great double for our spring season Barstool free events at Headland Theatre.
On Friday 11 September join Damien Ryan (Sport for Jove) and Kate Flaherty (Shakespeare researcher/academic) as they provide insight on a week of developing a new work Singing the Blackbird.
In 1914, celebrated Shakespearean actress Ellen Terry found herself stranded in Australia, going blind and unable to return to England. She came to stay with Australian opera legend Dame Nellie Melba, whom she already knew, and with the outbreak of war and restrictions on their movements, the two women forged a remarkable friendship — full of conflict, surprises and unexpected connections.
Created by Damien Ryan (Director) and Kate Flaherty (Writer), Singing the Blackbird explores a fascinating moment in Australian social and cultural history, while asking questions that remain strikingly relevant today: What does it mean for women to sustain a creative career and sense of identity as they grow older? How do ambition, family and artistic life collide? And who gets to decide when an artist’s time is over?
The team will be undertaking a creative development of the work in Tathra at Headland Theatre, and this Barstool Conversation is a chance to meet the artists, hear about the work as it develops and get a glimpse inside the creative process. Come along for an informal conversation, a drink and a fascinating look at a new Australian work taking shape right here on the Far South Coast.
On Sunday 8 November, we will welcome Lee Pemberton for a special Barstool Conversation reflecting on her remarkable career and her enduring contribution to the creative life of the region.
From establishing FLING Physical Theatre and inspiring generations of young performers, to creating opportunities for artists and audiences across the region, Lee has played a significant role in shaping its creative landscape.
FLING continues to thrive today, carrying forward the spirit of experimentation, movement and creative possibility that Lee helped establish. This will be a warm and engaging conversation about a career dedicated to making, teaching and building a vibrant creative community.
