Aidan Theatre is aiming to bring a world of imagination and fun to Timaru’s Stafford St.
The company will be taking to the street for a series of ‘‘Pavement Performances’’ as a way to celebrate creativity and culture.
Aidan Theatre founder Kimble Henderson said they were approached by Venture Timaru, and asked if they would be interested in putting on a series of street theatre performances.
‘‘They asked if I would put together a proposal for them and I was really excited by the idea of doing street theatre here. The performing arts can bring vibrancy and a bit of magic and sparkle to a town.
‘‘It’s a bit grey, a bit beige in town at the moment, so a bit of colour would be quite nice.
‘‘So, I sat down and I thought up a storyline which will hopefully become a full play in the future.
‘‘There are some really interesting characters and we’ve looked at what has been going on around us in what we are calling ‘Middle Strafford’.’’
She said the short form and interactive performances centred around a group of characters called the drowners.
‘‘They are really sad and bad. Their mission in life is to suck the joy, life and colour out of this town.
‘‘We meet the colourful people who live in this town but the drowners are trying to get to them. There’s a thinning gate and you get to see the people that are on the other side of it.
‘‘When the gate is at its thinnest people will get to see some these characters, that have been pulled from a different time and place wandering the streets.’’
Mrs Henderson said there would be a wide variety of things for people to see during the performances.
‘‘The people walking the street, going about their businesses might notice some really quirky, odd characters wandering about, maybe performing on a corner or sitting down having a cup of tea.
‘‘There might be a statue pop up, they might have to keep an eye out for the drowners, because they are trying to make everyone feel a bit negative.
‘‘Some characters are more alive and more vibrant than others, and some look like they are nearly ready to cross over into the drowner side, which is very dark.’’
It was a really good way for many of the actors involved to grow their chops, she said.
‘‘It is strongly character driven. You have to be so sure of your character, how you stand, who you react to and who you don’t react to.
‘‘Timaru doesn’t have a street theatre culture at all, so for me it’s exciting to go ‘we can do this’. Street theatre becomes a thing, especially when times are a little bit tough.
‘‘People really have to choose at the moment where they’re spending their money. This is a way for entertainment culture to say ‘we’re still here, we’re actually with you’. There is a bit of a disconnect at the moment and I think this is a good way for people to connect.’’
The performances will be taking place on May 24-25 and June 21-22 from 10.30am to 2pm.
Mrs Henderson said they were still looking for a few more people to get involved.
Those interested or wanting more information could get in touch with her directly or via the Aidan Theatre Facebook page.
