AANT Centre presents

By Jolyon James based on the book Imagine by Alison Lester

Produced by Jolyon James and NCM

“It’s about animals!”…”It’s about Imagination!”…“It’s about our Home!”

Magical and meaningful, IMAGINE LIVE is a celebration of creativity, friendship and our precious natural world. With the help of the audience, performers play and sing their way through the pages of Imagine, and quickly discover there is WAY more to these pages than they first thought. Spot a leopard, dive with a dolphin or dig up a dinosaur as this iconic book springs into life before your eyes.

IMAGINE LIVE is an innovative artistically rigorous work using cutting edge body mapping digital puppetry, face recognition technology, animation, original music and participatory storytelling.

Underscored by a beautiful music score, characters and objects travel between real and animated worlds. IMAGINE LIVE oscillates between Imagine’s iconic natural environments and the playful home setting of the children. Projection screens work seamlessly with oversized props and puppets skillfully brought to life by live performers and a digital puppeteer. The players use creativity to connect a long distance video call between a granddaughter and grandmother, enjoying a nostalgic connection with their favourite book, Imagine.

Relevant to both multigenerational and diverse audiences, the show is a reminder that connection, creativity and play are essential ingredients for positive mental health. IMAGINE LIVE’s deep environmental theme invites us to look beyond our backyards into a shared and richly beautiful world.

Building on the knowledge and success gained in the creation of Helpmann Award winning show, Robot Song, IMAGINE LIVE reunites the creative team Ashlea Pyke, Nate Gilkes, Phillip McInnes and welcomes Eliza Hull as an Access Inclusion Consultant to create an experience that is as enjoyable as it is transformative.

Credits Creative
Jolyon James Writer / Director / Designer
Benjamin Van Dillen Production Manager / Lighting Design
Nate Gilkes Composer
Justin Gardam Sound Design
Ashlea Pyke Assistant Director
Eliza Hull Access Consultant
Producer / Agent Nicholas Clark Management (NCM)
Alison Lester Author of ‘Imagine’
Allen & Unwin Publisher of ‘Imagine’

Credits Cast
Ashlea Pyke Actor
Aubrey Flood Actor
TBC Touring Musician
Phillip McInnes Actor / Digital Puppeteer
‘Nana & Soli’ Susie Armstrong & Goldie Wood

Post show talk
Enjoy a Q&A with the cast and company following the performance.

These are relaxed performances
Relaxed performances are open to everyone, but the environment has been adapted so that individuals with disability, sensory and learning challenges, or anyone who would benefit from a more relaxed environment, can access live performance experiences without barriers. The house lights are dimmed, patrons can easily exit the theatre, the atmosphere is non-judgemental, and noisy enthusiasm is embraced. For those who may need a break at any time, a quiet space will be available.

Performance warning
Recommended for ages 4-12.

School & education bookings
This event is part of AANT Centre’s Creative Learning Program. Download and complete the booking form and email to boxoffice@yourcentre.com.au to reserve seats.
Tickets $20 (one teacher free per 15 students).

Supported by Co Producer Geelong Arts Centre and Creative Australia, Associate Producer Riverside Theatres, Parramatta and Mornington Peninsula Shire. This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its arts funding and advisory body.

Date/Time
Wednesday 8 Oct 5:00pm

Thursday 9 Oct 9:30am

Thursday 9 Oct 11:30am

Duration
1 hour

Venue
The Playhouse

Price
All Tickets: $29.00

For information about Access, please see our FAQ page.
Please note this is a cashless event.