Tuesday, January 13, 2009
A UNIQUE and fun way of relating Petone’s historic past begins next month thanks to the council-administered Creative Communities New Zealand Funding Scheme.
A $4000 grant from the scheme will allow a street theatre group to take a “guided tour” of Jackson Street and the surrounding area, picking up on historical highlights about the people, places and events of old Petone. There will be stories about some of the street names, buildings and businesses along the way.
The Improvisers present Jackson Street – a short history of a long street, will include two professional actors and appearances by local performing arts and community groups, as well as Jackson Street retailers. Some audience participation is likely, all intended to be light-hearted and fun.
Four performance “tours” are scheduled to coincide with 2009 Fringe Festival events in Petone during February. Thereafter, it is intended that they continue once a month.
Council Community Funding Officer Candy Murison says the Improvisors received the funding because they had a strong emphasis on including local groups telling local stories.
“Their concept will give local groups exposure to professional theatre and a wider audience,” Candy says. “Plus it has the potential to attract visitors from around the region to Petone and further into Hutt City.”
The Creative Communities Funding Scheme is a partnership between Creative New Zealand and local councils. Applications are accepted twice a year, by the third Friday of March (March 20 this year) and the third Friday of September.