08.08.24
Howdy Grif-friend,
Erica right here, Griffin’s trusty Advertising Supervisor! I’m a theatre individual via and thru—I wouldn’t be at an exquisite firm like Griffin if I wasn’t. However, boy, does Olympic fever unlock one thing in me that lays dormant for 4 years. Naturally, I gravitate to the extra creative sports activities; gymnastics, synchronised swimming, diving, the newly christened Olympic sport of breaking… creative aptitude with a aggressive edge? I’m hooked! (Are you able to inform I used to be an eisteddfod girlie?) This yr, nonetheless, I’ve discovered myself fairly taken with “new” sports activities (as in, they’re new to me, as a result of I’m the arbiter of sport, clearly). Sport climbing? FASCINATING. European handball? PERPLEXING! I’ve discovered myself hungry to study, observe and perceive these sports activities that I haven’t actually paid consideration to earlier than and I’m getting swept proper up within the shows of ability, the camaraderie, and the spirit that comes together with their flip at a video games as prestigious because the Olympics.
Right here at Griffin, I’m mid-preparations for our annual Olympics—our Season Launch! (Did that metaphor work? If it didn’t I’m forcing it to and it’s a must to bear with me, reader.) It’s our yearly show of creative ability, storytelling panache and a showcase of one of the best Australian writing. In the event you, like me, are intrigued by the daring and new, you’re in for an absolute deal with with Griffin’s 2025 Season. Keep tuned for particulars of our launch coming quickly!
Earlier than I proceed on with issues which might be taking place sooner or later, it’s worthwhile a number of the final month’s achievements. Ellen van Neerven’s incisive debut play swim not solely accomplished a very bought out premiere run at Carriageworks, it additionally opened and closed a sensational season at BLEACH* Competition, on Nation on Yugambeh. It’s having a quick hiatus earlier than making a splash at HotHouse Theatre in September. Gold medal worthy when you ask me! There was no relaxation for the Griffs because the day after swim closed, we hosted the celebrated Griffin Award ceremony, this yr with an inaugural keynote tackle by Angus Cerini. Angus’ speech was rousing and provoking and I have to shout out and congratulate the 2024 Griffin Award winner Jules Orcullo for her piece My Dad By no means Noticed The Beatles. The afternoon was a pleasure to behold and I for one can’t wait to do all of it once more subsequent yr.
Arising, we’re proud to see the return of one in every of 2022’s smash-hit reveals, Golden Blood 黄金血液 by the bubbling Merlynn Tong. This isn’t a daily return season although—it’s a cool return season. Golden Blood’s triumphant return is the results of a few thrilling partnerships, which signifies that will probably be introduced by Sydney Theatre Firm and by Melbourne Theatre Firm. If the rave evaluations from its unique run are something to go by, you’ll wish to snap up your tickets to this present quick-smart. Golden Blood is enjoying in Sydney 13 September – 13 October and in Melbourne 25 October – 30 November.
Sizzling on the heels of Golden Blood is one in every of our most out of this world productions to this point; Flat Earthers: The Musical by the genius-ly cooked minds of Jean Tong, Lou Wall and James Gales. A co-production with Hayes Theatre Co, that is shaping as much as be my favorite Griffin present in 2024 (nobody inform the opposite kids, I’m only a musical girlie at coronary heart). Stuffed with beats, bangers and Battlestar Galactica, Flat Earthers is form of like when you cross FANGIRLS with SIX after which yeet it into area with a sprinkling of conspiracy principle. It does what it says on the tin, mainly. You undoubtedly wish to get your tickets to this earlier than it sells out—and it WILL promote out.
That’s all from lil’ ol’ me! Now, again to coaching for the Griffin Olympics (learn: bringing you one other cracker Griffin season).
Love,
E
Erica Penollar
Advertising Supervisor
