Open Day at the Wharf: behind the scenes with Sydney's performing arts companies

I love theatre...

Borrowing words from Cate Blanchett and Andrew Upton in the 2011 season leaflet of the Sydney Theatre Company, "theatre gives you a chance to lead many lives, to experience many more moments than those (too few) allotted to us by fate."

The beautiful Wharf 1 Theatre and its heritage-listed timber building

And when I say I love theatre, I mean performing arts in general - from contemporary dance, circus and musicals to ballet, cabaret and opera.

So you can imagine how happy I was earlier this month to be able to spend a whole day behind the scenes at some of Sydney's leading performing arts companies, from Sydney Dance Company and Bangarra Dance Company, to Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, the Bell Shakespeare Company and the Sydney Theatre Company.

In the costume department at STC (Carrie Bradshaw would go crazy in there!); the beautiful crown designed by Lisa Cooper aka The Butcher's Daughter for 'The War of the Roses')

Walsh Bay's annual "Open Day at the Wharf" was just magical, one of my absolute best Sundays this year... Dance workshops galore, open rehearsals, concerts, a mini show followed by a Q&A with Sydney Dance Company Artistic Director Rafael Bonachela, guided backstage tours and even DIY crafts with the production teams at the Sydney Theatre.

The funky set production warehouse at STC

One of the best things about that day was to see how much the talented people you never get to see on stage (special effects people, sound and light technicians, set designers, choreographers) enjoyed being able to interact with the public and share with them their inspiration, passion and secret tricks. That was quite emotional, to tell you the truth...

The special effects team showing us the trick behind the rain effect in 'Uncle Vanya' (they're using silicone beads); actor Wayne Blair telling us about the fight scenes and props used in 'True West'

Anyway, I've enjoyed the day so much that 1) I treated myself to a 2011 season ticket for the Sydney Theatre Company for Christmas and 2) I was inspired to start a new creative project in 2011 - stay tuned!

So tell me, dear reader, do you like going to an occasional show as well? If so, which kind of shows are you partial to?

In the costume department at STC - impressive tie collection!

The special "it's raining gold" effect from "War of the Roses" - the kids loved this to death!

Comments

[Robin_Dickinson]

A beautiful post and brilliant signposting of Sydney's performing arts secrets, Myriam. Thank you for doing this for our world-class performing artists.

Best, Robin :)

[Myriam]

Thanks Robin! PS: got to see another fabulous play by the Sydney Theatre Company, 'True West' - you would have loved it...

[green tie]

I know someone from the field of theater who collects ties. He said that he has used his neckties for several auditions already, and they have won a few roles. I guess it's because each of his ties gives him a different personality, and that helps him in his way of getting into character.

- Cliff Spears

[Coach Outlet]

precedent or not That case came with the appearance of surprise upon the whole profession. It