The Company was first formed in December 1999 in response to a group of young actors wishing to perform Timberlake Wertenbaker's acclaimed play, 'Our Country's Good'. Everything that comes from the joy of working with a close company of talented performers was experienced during the short rehearsal time and encouraged us to continue with the development of new collaborative writing projects and to explore the theatrical challenges of dramatic classics such as Shakespeare.In the following 4 years the cast has changed according to individual projects, but always at the heart of our work has been the nature of working within an ensemble and through this we have formed an 'extended family' of writers, composers, designers, technicians and - of course - actors.
Although my position as Director requires a certain level of authority, my admiration for actors and their craft has always influenced my approach to creating theatre as I believe that, if given the right conditions and a number of stepping stones along the way, actors will use their imagination and skill to mark a path towards an exciting theatrical experience. Working with relatively young performers (18-22yrs), I have the privilege of exploring theatre with individuals who still possess an openness to 'play' and it is as a result of this 'play' that new dramas often emerge.
In whatever project The Company is working on, the audience is always a major consideration. Until recently, The Company base was a wonderful Studio Theatre that enabled an intimate relationship between the actor and audience. This relationship provided a really vital link between the two and provided opportunities for both challenging audience expectations and inviting them into the dramatic action. At present, we are looking to expand into new theatrical spaces that will create new ideas and impetus within our work.
It is an exciting time for The Company as members stretch their creative wings and look to new experiences within the ensemble. But whatever the result, what will remain is the essence of our close group and audience experience where 'passion breeds passion'.
