Fraser Coast residents and visitors will soon have the opportunity to experience a new interactive theatre experience created as an ode to The Story Bank in Maryborough, the home of Mary Poppins author PL Travers, and the works of the Brothers Grimm.
The Last Collection will premiere at The Story Bank at 331 Kent Street in Maryborough on Saturday 2 July ahead of the Mary Poppins Festival – Day in the Park on Sunday 3 July.
The idea of books possibly becoming extinct in an increasingly digitised world inspired creator and producer Emma Bannerman, and director Kristian Santic of Occupied Spaces to develop The Last Collection.
“The show is an intimate, interactive experience for children aged 8 to 14, and their guardians, to explore the journey through time, storytelling and letter writing – like a steampunk fairytale,” Ms Bannerman said.
“Sitting at the intersection of immersive theatre, game theatre and community engagement, The Last Collection entices people to participate rather than just watch.
“Participants will help uncover the secrets of the new world: together they must find a way to rescue the last books on earth.
“The storyline, puzzles and captivating characters will leave participants with a renewed passion for problem solving and a greater awareness of what they can accomplish in the world.
“The audience will be ‘inside’ in the action – holding props, answering questions and solving puzzles.”
Ms Bannerman said the Mary Poppins Festival reminded us that children and young people can’t access theatre or live experiences without the very special, very proactive adults in their lives.
“We wanted to make a show that was speaking directly to the children but was accessible to everyone,” she said.
“The Last Collection is a funny, wholehearted and artfully crafted tale that leaves its audience with a deeper appreciation for the significant role literature, stories and libraries play in the world, and in each of their lives.
“The foundation of this work is in its connection with the community, created for and with the people of the Fraser Coast.”
The project is backed by Fraser Coast Regional Council and received Arts Queensland support through the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF).
The RADF funding has been used to incorporate professional development workshops for local performers, opportunities for local creators to be involved in prop and costume design, and work experience opportunities for senior Drama students to work alongside a professional cast.
Families are welcome to experience the show from Saturday 2 July to Sunday 10 July (except Monday) at 9am and 10am in The Story Bank, Maryborough.
Tickets are $10 and can be booked online via The Story Bank’s website – https://storybank.ourfrasercoast.com.au/mary-poppins-festival
