Hard Daze, a Powerhouse Youth Theatre production, opened on 23 April 2009 to a sell out crowd. The production was devised and performed by the Mixed Abilities Ensemble cast which included Georgia Cranko, Janet Diane, William Erimya, Collin Gosper, Ana Nguyen, Andrew Pall, Ramak Razy, Tracie Sammut and Omeima Sukkarieh.

Directed by Craig [...]]]>

Hard Daze, a Powerhouse Youth Theatre production, opened on 23 April 2009 to a sell out crowd. The production was devised and performed by the Mixed Abilities Ensemble cast which included Georgia Cranko, Janet Diane, William Erimya, Collin Gosper, Ana Nguyen, Andrew Pall, Ramak Razy, Tracie Sammut and Omeima Sukkarieh.

Directed by Craig Anderson, Hard Daze addressed topics of love, betrayal and workplace relations, the stories of young people living & working in Australia today, who face the challenges of finding a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work. The production took place in a large warehouse in Clyde which made for a realistic setting. The PYT production team made fantastic use of the space including lighting and set design, and ensured wheelchair accessibility for their cast and audience. Monologues were performed by each of the cast members which really made the production. Congratulations to all the cast and crew, a very enjoyable production.

Hard Daze looks at the exploitation and inequitable conditions faced by young people with and without disabilities in the workplace. It explores mundanity and mechanization, romance and revolution. Against a gritty, industrial, urban design by Kate Shanahan, the mixed-ability ensemble [...]]]> On 23 April, Powerhouse Youth Theatre premieres Hard Daze with the Mixed Abilities Ensemble.

Hard Daze looks at the exploitation and inequitable conditions faced by young people with and without disabilities in the workplace. It explores mundanity and mechanization, romance and revolution. Against a gritty, industrial, urban design by Kate Shanahan, the mixed-ability ensemble exposes the private underbelly of the modern workplace.  Hard Daze is accompanied by ominous sound scapes, designed by Peter Condello, that are punctuated by revolutionary pop track interruptions. Hard Daze takes place in an urban warehouse space in Clyde, Western Sydney.

Hard Daze represents the culmination of six months of work for the mixed abilities ensemble, who began performance training 12 months ago. Director Craig Anderson describes his experience with the show.

“My relationship with the group began last year when I was astounded by the performance training show. My excitement in directing this show is only matched by my disappointment that I can’t be on stage.”

Producer and Powerhouse Youth Theatre Artistic Director Claudia Chidiac has been researching the material for the show over eighteen months.

“Equitable working rights and access to employment is a huge issue for youth, whether they’re living with disabilities or not,” says Chidiac. “Here in Western Sydney, youth unemployment is almost 30%. Against that background, there are an overwhelming number of experiences that have gone unnoticed, and individual experiences of exploitation and hardship are washed over and silenced. Hard Daze is about young people, with and without disabilities, breaking that silence.”

When: Opens 23 April 2009, 7.30pm / 24 April: 11am and 7.30pm / 25 April: 2pm and 7.30pm.

Where: 2 Factory St, Clyde NSW

Cost: Tickets are $10/15, with carers receiving free entry. Bookings through www.moshtix.com.au

Access: Accessible venue & toilets.

Accessible Arts has partnered up with Powerhouse Youth Theatre in Fairfield to develop a Mixed Abilities Ensemble (MAE) training program. This program grew out of the need for more skills development opportunities in the performing arts for people with a disability and will provide an integrated, supportive and professional environment – the first [...]]]>

Accessible Arts has partnered up with Powerhouse Youth Theatre in Fairfield to develop a Mixed Abilities Ensemble (MAE) training program. This program grew out of the need for more skills development opportunities in the performing arts for people with a disability and will provide an integrated, supportive and professional environment – the first of its kind! Participants will work with highly experienced tutors, Angela Hill, Aimee Falzon and Claudia Chidiac to develop skills in movement, voice, performance and theatre making. It will be held over the course of 15 weeks on Saturdays at the Cabravale Leisure Centre, Cabramatta and is open to people with and without a disability. To register your interest contact Claudia on 02 9724 6077 or claudia@pyt.com.au. Enrolments close Tuesday March 25th