Galathea: Into the Bush

This abstract summarizes a podcast recording titled "Galathea: Into the Bush (2016)" featuring an interview between Hilary Penwarden and Ania Upstill, recorded on November 11th, 2016, in Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand. The discussion explores themes around producing queer theatre and details about the upcoming production of "Galathea: Into the Bush," which ran from November 23rd to December 3rd, 2016.

The podcast begins with reflections on the unique power of live theatre as an artistically satisfying medium, particularly in the digital age. Upstill emphasizes the live aspect of theatre as essential to its distinction, noting that the immediacy of performance and the potential for spontaneity cannot be replicated through film or television.

The project in focus is an adaptation of John Lyly's early modern play "Galathea," revisited to include a same-sex love story untouched by heteronormative resolution. This reimagining showcases a variety of gender identities and sexual orientations seldom seen on stage. Workshopping the play with members of the queer community and youth was central to the adaptation process, aimed at addressing the lack of representation of the queer community in theatre. The inclusion of characters with diverse sexual orientations, such as asexual and gender non-conforming characters using they/them pronouns, is highlighted.

Upstill discusses the significance of queer theatre in challenging societal binaries and stereotypes, lamenting the absence of opportunities for the rainbow community to see or portray themselves authentically on stage. The adaptation of "Galathea: Into the Bush," by contrast, seeks to illuminate these stories and experiences. Upstill reflects on the term "queer," which to them encompasses a spectrum of identities beyond the gender binary and heterosexual norms, aligning with their own beliefs, as they reject the binary concept of sexuality and gender.

The interviewer also notes the importance of Queer Theatre in fostering empathy and understanding among different communities and raising awareness of differences. A key element discussed is the production's ability to appeal to wide audiences by using traditional comedic narrative devices and familiar themes of love and mistaken identity, while subtly introducing queer representations.

The process of creating a queer-inclusive space within the theatrical performance is also discussed, such as the cited use of a Roman goddess character who welcomes all into the play's world. The play, performed in a non-traditional space, integrates the audience into the action through direct interaction, enhancing the immersive experience.

The concept of participatory theatre gets explored as well, with the play embracing early modern conventions, like breaking the fourth wall, while ensuring audience comfort in terms of interaction with performers. Moreover, the conversation touches on the influence of progressive social environments and personal backgrounds, including the current political climate, on the development and reception of queer theatre.

It is implicitly understood that queer theatre carries political and philosophical underpinnings that seek to break away from stereotypes and champion diversity. This is realized through the conscious casting and incorporation of progressive theatrical practices, which ultimately aim for a transformative and inclusive experience for the audience.

Lastly, the podcast concludes with the optimism for future initiatives in Queer Theatre to continue challenging norms and reflecting the diversity of experiences. The recording suggests that theatre serves as a crucial space for representing multiplicity in identity and fostering a communal sense of empathy and acceptance.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

Ania Upstill Hilary Penwarden

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