Central Coast News

Australian drama uses theatre to illuminate struggles of wellbeing in regional towns

By The Art House

Archived 17 May 2023 - Posted: 18 Mar 2023

The black box Studio at The Art House, Wyong has hosted several engaging and intimate theatre dramas, making its mark as space in which varied stories are told.

From young adult plays such as Amphibian and Hitler’s Daughter, to the verbatim theatre of Grace Under Pressure, a show in the Studio is guaranteed to leave audiences thinking. The latest work to enter the space is Euphoria from award-winning South Australian playwright Emily Steel.

Euphoria brings regional voices to the fore in a rich and heart-warming tale of good days, bad days and everything in between. On the back of a highly acclaimed World Premier Tour in 2021 with five-star reviews and a sold-out season in Adelaide, Country Arts SA is proud to be sharing this unique work across national venues.

Set in a small town where everyone knows everyone, Ethan is hit by his past while Meg struggles with the present in a play that explores themes and issues of mental health and wellbeing in regional towns.

“Euphoria was created with regional communities’ front of mind. Over two years, Emily and I met with people in regional communities and also spent time in mental health units meeting with clinical staff and clients to talk about the joys and challenges of country life... Emily has demonstrated the value of deep engagement in regional communities, bringing authenticity, compassion and incredible wit to this fictional Australian tale.” explains Country Arts SA’s Arts and Health Creative Producer, Alison Howard.

The Art House is proud to provide a platform for diverse stories, and to use theatre as a way to start conversation particularly within our younger generation. Recommended for ages 15+Euphoria is part of the venues educational program, focused on providing live performance for school groups and teenage audiences.

"Funny, heart-warming, emotive, and thought provoking, Euphoria is an outstanding piece of theatre" – Limelight

"This is a little gem of theatre . . . please go and see this fine production; it will help to restore your faith in the theatrical medium as a vector for changing lives and illuminating our society" – Glam Adelaide

Euphoria was originally co-produced by Country Arts SA and State Theatre Company South Australia and supported by the Australian Government through Catalyst - Australian Arts and Culture Fund and the Australia Council for the Arts, and the Government of South Australia.

Country Arts SA and The Art House presents

Euphoria by Emily Steel

Mon 22 May - 7:30PM

Tue 23 May - 10AM

Tickets: Adult $35, Concession $30, Under 30 $25

From here / 02 4335 1485

CONTACT DETAILS:
NAME: Kristina Deminick
PH: 02 4335 1485

This article archived 17 May 2023