By NICOLE VALICEK
Altona City Theatre are getting ready to stage their edgy new musical, Spring Awakening. 99453 Picture: DAMJAN JANEVSKI
A MUSICAL that has been staged by theatre companies over the past few years has been brought back to life by Altona City Theatre.
Spring Awakening, a new musical, will be presented from 5-20 July, with director Patt Ryan creating a modern adaptation of the exiting production.
Spring Awakening is a cross-generational phenomenon taking its inspiration from one of literature’s most controversial masterpieces.
A work so daring in its depiction of teenage self-discovery, it was banned from the stage and not performed in complete form in English for nearly 100 years.
Altona City Theatre will take audiences on an exhilarating journey through the highs and devastating lows from adolescence to adulthood that is matched by an electrifying rock soundtrack and great drama.
The musical tells the story of teenagers discovering the inner and outer turmoil of sexuality.
Lead actress Tess Walsh, who plays the young and beautiful Wendla said her character was taken on a journey of self-discovery that would lead to her sexual consciousness and awakening.
“It’s quite an intense show and it has been quite an intense period of time trying to get into character,” she said.
The 20-year-old said the show, originally written in 1891, was very relevant to today’s young generation.
“The show covers very important issues that need to be discussed. It’s about getting the teenage voice out there.”
The show’s producer David Postioll said director Patt Ryan had taken the script, traditionally set in the 1800s, and made it relatable to today’s audiences.
“Pat wanted to make it completely relatable and make it more a musical style of show as opposed to a disjointed play and musical.
“Audiences can come to this version of Spring Awaking guaranteed they’re going to get a show not seen before.”
Tickets start from $25. For more information visit http://www.altonacitytheatre.com.au
