The Art House Presents Australian Theatre Drama that Gives Voice to the Stories of Regional Towns

The black box Studio at The Art House, Wyong has hosted several engaging and intimate theatre dramas, making its mark as a space in which varied stories are told. From young adult plays such as Amphibian and Hitler’s Daughter, to the verbatim theatre of Grace Under Pressure, a show in the Studio is guaranteed to leave audiences thinking. The latest work to enter the space is Euphoria from award-winning South Australian playwright Emily Steel.

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The Art House is proud to provide a platform for diverse stories, and to use theatre not only as a great social outing, but as a way to start conversation, particularly within our younger generation. Euphoria is not only for the theatre lover but is part of the venues educational program, focused on providing live performance for school groups and teenage audiences (recommended age 15+). Being a professional theatre in a regional location, The Art House is delighted to present an award-winning playwright as part of its mission to bring acclaimed works to local audiences. The venue believes the regions should have the same access to arts experiences as those in capital cities.

Emily Steels work includes How Not to Make It in America, 19 weeks, Impersonal Space and Rabbits. Originally from Wales, Steel has been living in Adelaide since 2010. She has brought to Australian theatres award-winning productions that are thought provoking and broach sensitive, yet important societal issues.

With regional stories front of mind for the creators of Euphoria, the main driver behind this play was to highlight mental health and wellbeing issues in regional towns. Steel accurately encapsulates personalities, language, emotion and humour with compassion and incredible wit in her characters. Commissioned by Country Arts SA, Euphoria reinforced their vision to create art that could only be made in the regions, which would now contribute to the strength of local communities nationally.

“Euphoria was created with regional communities’ front of mind. Over two years, Emily and I met with people in regional communities and also spent time in mental health units meeting with clinical staff and clients to talk about the joys and challenges of country life... Emily has demonstrated the value of deep engagement in regional communities, bringing authenticity, compassion and incredible wit to this fictional Australian tale.” explains Country Arts SA’s Arts and Health Creative Producer, Alison Howard.

Set in a small town where everyone knows everyone, yet talks to no-one, Steel brilliantly portrays an entire community of characters using just two talented actors. Ashton Malcolm and James Smith brilliantly shift in between personas throughout the play delivering honest representation of regional life. School teacher Meg (Malcolm) is organising a festival to celebrate the town. Nineteen-year-old Ethan (Smith) doesn’t see anything worth celebrating. It’s not until he meets Annie (Malcolm) that his plans reach beyond the town limits. Meg doesn’t feel that she is accepted as a local despite being married to the town mechanic Nick (Smith) for ten years. A story of tragic loss and a town grappling with finding their identity as well as learning how to communicate about confronting or stigmatised issues.

Euphoria is not all doom and gloom however, it is wildly funny, witty and heart-warming. This small slice of theatre is a well-rounded production that is sure to re-invigorate anyone’s love of theatre.

“The seriousness of the issues explored in Euphoria are counterbalanced by the extraordinary charm of this tight, entertaining production. Funny, heart-warming, emotive, and thought provoking, Euphoria is an outstanding piece of theatre.” – Limelight

"This is a little gem of theatre . . . please go and see this fine production; it will help to restore your faith in the theatrical medium as a vector for changing lives and illuminating our society" – Glam Adelaide

Country Arts SA and The Art House presents

Euphoria by Emily Steel

Mon 22 May - 7:30PM

Tue 23 May - 10AM

Tickets: Adult $35, Concession $30, Under 30 $25, School Groups: $20

From www.thearthousewyong.com.au / 02 4335 1485