Entertainment
Ek-spo-zia keeps theatre alive
A quirky, irreverent, light-hearted and heart-breaking original show will be the centrepiece of Off the Leash Theatre’s 10th anniversary gala this weekend.
“Ek-spo-zia” is the result of theatre writing workshops and a public call for stories about people’s connections to clothing.
Not surprisingly, funny, tender and sometimes brutal stories surfaced. They were often about the clothing closest to our skin, but always triggered by outfits, shoes, single items that somehow had never left minds, nor perhaps, wardrobes.
Whilst COVID forces theatres to go dark and halted plans for the show’s premiere, Off the Leash found light in the darkness.
The 10th anniversary gala was pushed back 18 months, but the company found an extraordinary bond and passion for theatre amongst the ranks of its members.
Now it’s up to local audiences to do their part to keep local theatre alive by attending this “little ripper of a show”.
“Ek-spo-zia” will be performed at the West Gippsland Arts Centre on Friday at 8pm and Saturday at 3pm.
Featuring both sublime and racier original songs by Alexandria Kirkbright and Tracey Rabl, Amy Moss’ brilliant direction of the show is unlike anything you’ve seen. From local snippets, memories and stories, her team has shaped a colour-filled, surprising show.
“Clothing becomes our armour, our camouflage, our alter ego,” Amy said. “In different clothing we feel and act differently, with underclothing and casual not-for-public clothes our most personal layer. Many stories focused around the private, heartfelt and humorous.”
“Working with other people’s stories requires sensitivity,” said Jeannie Haughton, who led workshops, edited and selected from the submitted stories. “While the works have been honed for performance by director Amy Moss and cast, we always worked hard to retain each story’s essence and integrity. We needed to select stories that could sit alongside others; we also needed to write and devise new material, so it’s a very complex process.”
“Once again Off the Leash has created something original and very special from Gippsland,” Amy added. “Not many companies can say that.”
The show will be preceded by a Promenade and exhibition about an hour prior to each show.
Theatre lovers can browse the exhibition providing costume displays from various Gippsland theatre companies as well as a retrospective of special memories from Off the Leash’s performance history.
From Disney to modern plays and musicals, this exhibition is small but beautiful with the costumes to amaze.
Off the Leash has presented 22 shows, including six original works with one that went on to be published, in its history.
Tickets to “Ek-spo-zia” are $30 for general and $25 for members, concession, youth under 18 and groups.
Free tickets to the Gippsland Theatre Forum at the arts centre on Saturday at 5pm are also available.
For bookings, contact the West Gippsland Arts Centre box-office on 5624 2456 or visit wgac.com.au