A performance based on raw real life experiences will make its world premiere in Drysdale next week.
‘Relate’ was created by Geelong local and Fresh Creative Entertainment (FCE) founder Chantelle Fava back in 2016 after spending some time reflecting on her time living with a partner with addiction and domestic violence.
Director Benji Leeks came on board during the writing process and they began to interview others who had experienced relationship difficulties and trauma – grieving mothers who lost their children to cancer, people who identify as LGBTQIA+ and the impact their identity has had on their family relationships, and married couples who struggle daily to balance their family life.
Relate dives deep into the messy, beautiful and complex world of relationships.
Well-known performers Aaron Campbell and Anna Burgess headline a star-studded cast.
“It’s not an amateur production, all the artists in this show have performed all over the world,” writer, choreographer and cast member Chantelle Fava says.
“It’s a play, but what makes it different is all of the more dramatic scenes are performed by dance or circus arts.”
Ms Fava says she hopes the show will “shine the light on female power”. She plays Sheree, a character who is somewhat based on her own life.
“It’s a very raw and realistic production – we are not trying to sugarcoat anything,” she says.
“There are light moments throughout the show. I don’t want people to think they are coming in to watch a down show.
“We didn’t want to make another fanciful show that said nothing. There is a whole heap of healing. Our intention is to help people to connect with community.”
Relate was first shown to a public audience in 2016, and in 2020, FCE was awarded the Community Arts Grant from Geelong City Council to explore the themes of relationships and the struggles further to capture them on film. Thanks to further investments from the Council, the piece is now ready for a live audience.
Relate is on Thursday October 6 at the Potato Shed, Drysdale. Tickets tickets.geelongaustralia.com.au/event/relate-world-premiere
After the Drysdale show, Relate will move on to the Melbourne Fringe Festival from October 7 to 9 at the Bluestone Church Arts Space in Footscray.
