Geelong Arts Centre celebrates Australian storytelling with world premiere of HELLS GATES

MEDIA RELEASE • 12 JULY 2023

From August 10 to 12, Geelong Arts Centre presents the highly anticipated world premiere of HELLS GATES, the gripping new Australian story from the Green Room award-winning team of story makers at The Space Company.

Boasting a constellation of acclaimed Australian talent, HELLS GATES is the latest work from award-winning story maker, Joel Carnegie (Stardust) and writer, James Jackson (Paradise Lost, The Nose).

Drawn from verbatim sources in the wake of a mass whale rescue, HELLS GATES follows the remarkable true story of a Tasmanian coastal community caught in the depths of an ecological crisis.

Led by Green Room award-winning director, Katy Maudlin (IPHIS, SLAP. BANG. KISS with Melbourne Theatre Company), the live production stars Matu Ngaropo (George Washington in Hamilton) Louise Siversen (Heartbreak Choir, House Husbands, Prisoner) and Natalie O'Donnell (Come From Away, Next to Normal), accompanied by a captivating live musical soundscape from celebrated violinist, Xani Kolac.

Capturing the spirit of a remote community banding together through sharp, poetic humour neatly embedded within a live acoustic panorama of sound. This compelling new Australian work details the extraordinary bravery of Tasmanian locals, anglers, park rangers and state-wide emergency services, defining what can be achieved in the face of adversity.

Tickets are on sale now at geelongartscentre.org.au/whats-on/all-events/hells-gates-world-premiere/

Bookings can be made via the Geelong Arts Centre website, or by phoning the Box Office on 1300 251 200 between 9:00am and 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.

The inception of HELLS GATES has been supported by Geelong Arts Centre's Creative Engine grant program. Creative Engine supports artists and performance makers through all stages of their creative process. Geelong Arts Centre is committed to investing in emerging projects produced by those with a strong connection to the Greater Geelong region by providing opportunities for investment, studio and in-kind support.

Geelong Arts Centre is proud to be the co-commissioning partner of this vital Australian story.

HELLS GATES was produced and rehearsed on Wadawurrung Country, with extensive research conducted on the lands of the palawa people (lutruwita / Tasmania). The Space Company respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which they live, work, play and create.

This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body; by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria; by the City of Greater Geelong Community Grant, Geelong Connected Communities, Rydges Geelong, the Robert Salzer Foundation, and by the Geelong Arts Centre’s Creative Engine program.

Geelong Arts Centre’s Creative Engine program is proudly supported by Government Partner, Creative Victoria, Major Artistic Partner, Deakin University, and Innovation Partner, Costa Asset Management.

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QUOTES ATTRIBUTABLE

"As part of our unwavering mission to empower the arts, Geelong Arts Centre is honoured to co-commission the revolutionary project of HELLS GATES.

We are deeply committed to showcasing exceptional local talent and enthusiastically look forward to celebrating the world premiere of this extraordinary new Australian work."

Quote attributable to Joel McGuinness
Geelong Arts Centre CEO & Creative Director

“HELLS GATES is an artistic homage to the extraordinary residents of Strahan (Tasmania) who in the face of adversity, stood up and made a collective impact.

The Space Company is honoured to be the custodians of this powerful, yet humour-filled Australian tale about community courage and determination. Prepare to be incredibly moved by this creative reimagining of true events."

Quote attributable to Joel Carnegie
The Space Company Founder & HELLS GATES Creative Producer