Styckx Theatre - A history and acknowledgement 2006-2019

I start this blog with a current project that is a long term history of development and an expression of a collaboration between Y Space and  two artists i had the absolute privilege of working with in it's development thus far... Simon Barley and Erik Pootjes.
Styckx Theatre is many things and will write of those over the next weeks.
So to set the scene for the coming weeks: a bunch of info for those inclined to read about the context of where we're at today and sit's behind everything to come!

News of excitement is that Y Space/Nati Frinj Biennale are to build one of Simon Barley's structures at Nati Frinj Festival this year (Nov 1-3 2019)... come and see- A good time to visit Nati if you've been meaning to. 

I've also heard rumour that Auspicious Arts may also be launching Bambucos' digital archive.... they have also put some resources into an updated and excellent website: https://bambuco.com.au

History: In the YSpace/Bambuco/Transvision office sharing days at GAS in Nati, Y Space commissioned Simon to design a structure which Y Space could repeatably build and develop a unique performance that spoke to the nature of the materials from which it evolved. With this purpose in mind,  Simon gave his design the aptly titled “Theatre”... 

Erik and I and a bunch of others first built it in 2006 at Balmoral Arts festival... after a further 2 iterations at Arts House and GAS, Styckx Theatre became thus after Mr Styckx, a bamboo being, was found living there. 

Also and in particular acknowledging the role of Erik Pootjes, Paul Hoskins, Dave Jones, Edwin Irvine, Kate Finnerty, Emma Waite, Doug Hockley,  Marko Respondeck, Hannah French, Mary French, Errol Hateley, Anna Lowendahl, Shiree Pilkinton Alysse Armitage in the development thus far of Styckx Narrative.... excellent documentation  by Michelle Mcfarlane, Jacqui Schultz and Melissa Powell... and production support of Greg Ginger, Pete Grey, Mellissa Morris and Greg Pritchard... apologies if I've forgotten anyone. 

What the project IS: Styckx Theatre at the Nati Frinj is a 3-fold project involving community skills development in bamboo construction, a large community performance event Styckx Playground and Symphony, and the creation of a venue and centrepiece for the 2019 Nati Frinj community and audience. 

It is a development project that has more stages to go after Frinj. Am in conversation with Flynn regarding permission for the use of both the container gear and the "Theatre" design and how this may work beyond Frinj.  Am also presenting the solo telling of the epic poem: Styckx Playground during Frinj which will also be presented in book form.

What the Project ISN'T: Y Space is not rekindling Simons practice of creating bespoke site-specific structure/theatre moments where the  great presence of the structure and it's constructional narrative leads to even greater absence after the deconstruct. (i'm sure he would speak it much more eloquently if he could... sorry Simon) 

Rather, Y Space is honouring the original intent of this commission and the collaborative practice we sometimes shared. This work will eventually  have a touring life as structure, performance, skills building and venue for other host festival events and workshops....

Hence why Simon's use of the title  "Theatre" perfectly illustrates what his practice is NOT... a repeatable venue for performance.

Funding: Between Y Space and Nati Frinj, We have secured some funding from Festivals Australia and Creative Victoria to build the structure. However: Y Space is about to launch a crowd funding campaign to make up the difference.

 The funds raised will help buy the sustainably sourced bamboo from Durn's farm in Queensland, as well as conduct specialist workshops that rekindle within Natimuk, the skills in bamboo construction. https://australianculturalfund.org.au/projects/styckx-theatre/

 

Next Steps: Physical theatre/aerial/performance skills Workshops will start in August, Bamboo Symphony/instrument workshops TBC and bamboo construction skills start in September. The  small team build will be happening in the last week of September  but opening up the process to the general community to learn some of the skills. community performance workshops happen through october...