THE UNTOUCHABLE JULI by James Aldridge (adapted by Brenna Lee-Cooney)
Fractal Theatre is extremely honoured and excited to be able to premiere the inaugural theatre adaptation of The Untouchable Juli in 2015.
Juli Christo and his mother blew into the dusty Depression–poor town of St Helens like a willy-willy.
Poverty abounds, both materially and spiritually. And in this back-water the townspeople are quickly outraged by the young Juli Christo’s mathematical and musical genius. A lynch mob mentality is aroused when the non-conforming genius Juli Christo is charged with murder.
‘I don’t know where Juli was born. Nobody in the town ever found out. Julian Christo was always something of a mystery to the people of our town. But his strange innocence and rare musical genius inspired protection and respect. So why, when tragedy struck in this small town during the Depression, did everyone turn on him?’ (Kit Quayle)
Juli’s only true friend, Kit Quayle is left to convince the townsfolk of his innocence and in so doing destroys his uniqueness.
The Untouchable Juli is Australia’s To Kill a Mockingbird. This hauntingly beautiful and evocative work explores the fear of ‘the other’, ‘the outsider’ ‘the non-conformist’ and brutally dissects the ‘tall poppy’ syndrome.
James Aldridge: born in Victoria in 1918. In 1938 he went to London and during WW2 he worked as a war correspondent in Finland, Egypt and the Soviet Union (Russia). Frustrated with Australia’s ‘white Australia policy’, he settled in the U.K. James Aldridge has written 23 novels including his ‘St Helen’ novels of which Ride a Wild Pony was a Disney film, My Brother Tom a television series and The True Story of Lilli Stubeck the 1985 Australian Children’s Book of the Year.
Fractal Theatre is extremely honoured and excited to be able to premiere the inaugural theatre adaptation of The Untouchable Juli in 2015.
Juli Christo and his mother blew into the dusty Depression–poor town of St Helens like a willy-willy.
Poverty abounds, both materially and spiritually. And in this back-water the townspeople are quickly outraged by the young Juli Christo’s mathematical and musical genius. A lynch mob mentality is aroused when the non-conforming genius Juli Christo is charged with murder.
‘I don’t know where Juli was born. Nobody in the town ever found out. Julian Christo was always something of a mystery to the people of our town. But his strange innocence and rare musical genius inspired protection and respect. So why, when tragedy struck in this small town during the Depression, did everyone turn on him?’ (Kit Quayle)
Juli’s only true friend, Kit Quayle is left to convince the townsfolk of his innocence and in so doing destroys his uniqueness.
The Untouchable Juli is Australia’s To Kill a Mockingbird. This hauntingly beautiful and evocative work explores the fear of ‘the other’, ‘the outsider’ ‘the non-conformist’ and brutally dissects the ‘tall poppy’ syndrome.
James Aldridge: born in Victoria in 1918. In 1938 he went to London and during WW2 he worked as a war correspondent in Finland, Egypt and the Soviet Union (Russia). Frustrated with Australia’s ‘white Australia policy’, he settled in the U.K. James Aldridge has written 23 novels including his ‘St Helen’ novels of which Ride a Wild Pony was a Disney film, My Brother Tom a television series and The True Story of Lilli Stubeck the 1985 Australian Children’s Book of the Year.
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http://scenestr.com.au/arts/fractal-theatre-and-the-untouchable-juli
REVIEW:
http://www.sonnyclarke.com/reviews/the-untouchable-juli-fractal-theatre
REVIEW: http://dailyreview.com.au/the-untouchable-juli-review-studio-188-ipswich/27125?utm_source=The+Rundown&utm_campaign=a4dbdf0d6c-The_Rundown_Tuesday_21_July21_7_2015&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_33b9e8bf4f-a4dbdf0d6c-81149865
Eamonn Clohesy - Kit Quayle, Narrator
Eamonn jumps in and out of scenes as character and Narrator and plays Kit Quayle from age 10 to 22. 'Eamonn Clohesy is an emerging actor graduating from Southbank Institute of Technology (SBIT) with an Advance Diploma in Arts Acting. Past performing credits include: Dylan Thomas’s Under Milk Wood; Fractal Theatre, Edward Bond’s Saved, Romeo and Juliet; THAT Production Company, Euripides’ Poet and The Women, Wedekind's Spring Awakening, John Romerill’s Chicago Chicago; SBIT. He is also currently enrolled within NIDA’s Advance Actors Studio programme. "When reading The Untouchable Juli I couldn’t help but get caught up in the tragedy of all the characters involved. They all seem to be stuck where they are without any chance to get away, or even a want to get away. I play the character Kit, who acts as narrator, who observes each of their stories which all add certain layers to the complexity of Juli’s own character. The story of Juli’s I think is one that many people can relate to in some way or another. He’s the outsider, the misunderstood, the teased. We’ve all seen this within our lives, maybe we were that child, or we saw this child. Why is it we could never accept them for what they are? What is it about the Australian society that can’t accept the exceptional, the different, the tall poppy? These are the questions that The Untouchable Juli raises." 
Samuel Valentine - Juli - is young Brisbane-based actor, writer, and director who passionately strives to expand his versatility and depth as a performance artist. After graduating from West Moreton Anglican College in 2009, he attended QUT’s Bachelor of Fine Arts Acting Course, which exposed him
to a smorgasbord of techniques and approaches to voice, acting, and theatre-making. Since graduating, he has attended several workshops with Anthony Brandon Wong (The Matrix Trilogy), La Boite Theatre Company (Masterclass Program 2014), and NIDA (Acting Techniques 2009). In the summer of 2010, he became part of a street theatre troupe, The Gremlins, which was hand-picked by internationally renowned clown, Hayden Spencer (Cirque Du Soleil’s Clown Vincente), and performed in the troupe for three seasons at the Woodford Folk Festival from 2010- 2012. In 2013, he toured The Hurting Game and Saving Lil and Archie with Brainstorm Productions, Australia's largest theatre-in-education company, and performed for and conducted talks with thousands of kids from regional areas across the country. In January 2014, he co-wrote, directed, and starred in the award-winning, self-devised cabaret DIRTY SEXY POLITICS (Short+Sweet Sydney 2013: Best Original Music, People’s Choice), and he recently performed his first solo work, Slaying the Troll, as part of Short+Sweet Brisbane 2015. He now looks forward to his next co-devised project, How to Summon the Devil (and Get Away with It), later this year. Sam is qualified with the Society of Australian Fight Directors as a stage combatant and continues to apply himself to new physical performance disciplines. He hopes that his passion for theatre and education will one day lead to his own successful company. ON "THE UNTOUCHABLE JULI" Modern-day stories, no doubt thanks to Australia's sympathetic cultural affinity with them, paint somewhat idealistic pictures of outcasts. They are portrayed as underdogs who, through a prescribed discovery of "self-truth", eventually make amends with their estranged community and prosper through mutual understanding. In sobering reality, the true outcast's alienation is rarely so easily reconciled. To his peers, Juli is an alien: a dangerous label that can, historically, be used to justify his complete destruction. |
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Introducing Gertrude Benjamin who plays Juli's mother - Mrs Christo: 'Born from the booming coffee culture of Ipswich, Singer, Songwriter & Performer 'Miss Gertrude' has been gaining popularity and a cult following within South East Queensland. There has been no shortage of opportunities for her, performing at Clancestry (Brisbane, 2013) and most recently, playing the main stage at the Ipswich Festival (May, 2014). Miss Gertrude defines her musical style as 'SOULK', a delicious blend of soul and folk, with a style that seems to resonate and connect with audiences of all ages. Her distinct vocal stylings have been described as emotional and refreshing.'
Gertrude: 'The issues explored in James Aldridge novel are as relevant today as they were since colonization. As a mixed-race and indigenous woman, I see and have experienced racism in all its forms and my concerns are with how young children and visitors to our land, form some of these hurtful opinions, without knowing or being taught, the TRUE history of this country and its First Nations People. The production highlights the importance of continuing to be an individual and not be pressured to conform to the ideals of the masses. True happiness comes from within and having the courage to pursue your passions sometimes come at a great cost.'
Gertrude: 'The issues explored in James Aldridge novel are as relevant today as they were since colonization. As a mixed-race and indigenous woman, I see and have experienced racism in all its forms and my concerns are with how young children and visitors to our land, form some of these hurtful opinions, without knowing or being taught, the TRUE history of this country and its First Nations People. The production highlights the importance of continuing to be an individual and not be pressured to conform to the ideals of the masses. True happiness comes from within and having the courage to pursue your passions sometimes come at a great cost.'
Sandro is an award winning Australian actor, singer and contemporary performance maker.He has received a Matilda Award for his roles in The Odyssey for Zen Zen Zo/QPAC and The Venetian Twins for Queensland Theatre Company for which he also received a Helpmann Award Nomination.
Sandro has been a performer and co-creator of a number of works including The Lady of the House of Love (Brisbane Festival/Queensland Music Festival & Metro Arts), The Seven Seas (The Good Ship/Brisbane Powerhouse), Tom Waits for No Man, Vive Jacques Brel, A-Z of Cabaret (Brisbane Cabaret Festival/Queensland Arts Council/ArTour/NORPA) and Xcess Baggage (Belvoir St/La Boite). He is currently developing a new music theatre work, Madame Carandini’s Travelling Musical Curiosity Show with John Rodgers, Stephen Carleton and
David Fenton. He is currently working on The Adventures of Figaro with Opera Queensland.Other Theatre, Cabaret and Musical Theatre performances include: TheAlchemist (Bell Shakespeare Company/Queensland Theatre Company), Seeding Bed, A Christmas Carol, The Venetian Twins, Shopping And F***ing, Summer Rain, Oz Shorts, MODD 2000 - The Dream (Queensland Theatre Company), Eight, Shoot-Get Treasure-Repeat (Queensland Theatre Company – Seeding Bed), Dr Akar’s Women (Griffin), The Narcissist (Sydney Theatre Company/La Boite/Merrigong Theatre Company); Emma Celebrazione!, Milk And Honey, Freedom Ride, Scattered Lives (La Boite), Red Cap (La Boite/QMF), DragQueensLand (Queensland Music Festival), A Beautiful Life (Matrix/La Boite/Brisbane Festival/ Performing Lines National Tour), Cabaret (ZenZen Zo/QPAC/Power Arts), The Odyssey (ZenZenZo/QPAC), Vikram and the Vampire (ZenZenZo), 1347 and King and the
Corpse (Matrix/Brisbane Festival), Till Death Do Us Part (Brisbane Festival/Brides of Frank), Cribbie and Twelfth Night (4MBS), Mercy Thieves (Jo&Co/Dennehy Productions), Scattered Lives (TheCoalface), My Love had a Black Speed Stripe (Fractal Theatre) as well as many other independent productions. He has also been part of the performance ensembles for the Queensland Premier’s Drama Awards and The Works (Queensland Theatre Company) and the National Play Festival (Playwriting Australia).
Sandro’s film and television credits include Secrets and Lies, DevsDating, The Keys, Welcome to the Lucky Country, The Strip, Mortified, Black Fury, Gettin’ Squared, Cybergirl, Inspector Gadget II, Big Date, Superb Satans, Gino and Time Trax.
Sandro’s directing credits include Mind Games (Edinburgh Fringe/Metro Arts/Butterfly Club), The Kid, X-Stacey and Visions (QUT) and Postcards (USQ).Sandro established and was a founding board member of The Brisbane Cabaret Festival from
2000-2010.
On THE UNTOUCHABLE JULI: 'Ignorance and Bigotry are part of the heritage of every Australian town and city' - The Untouchable Juli is a parable for Australia's cultural cringe phenomenon where anything extraordinary is either ignored, feared or swept under the carpet. James Aldridge's 1975 novel about a 1930's rural Australia town is as relevant today as our current government seems intent on winding the clock back 80 years to the era that this story is set. How curious that in such a significant amount of time Australian attitudes towards culture have barely changed.
Sandro has been a performer and co-creator of a number of works including The Lady of the House of Love (Brisbane Festival/Queensland Music Festival & Metro Arts), The Seven Seas (The Good Ship/Brisbane Powerhouse), Tom Waits for No Man, Vive Jacques Brel, A-Z of Cabaret (Brisbane Cabaret Festival/Queensland Arts Council/ArTour/NORPA) and Xcess Baggage (Belvoir St/La Boite). He is currently developing a new music theatre work, Madame Carandini’s Travelling Musical Curiosity Show with John Rodgers, Stephen Carleton and
David Fenton. He is currently working on The Adventures of Figaro with Opera Queensland.Other Theatre, Cabaret and Musical Theatre performances include: TheAlchemist (Bell Shakespeare Company/Queensland Theatre Company), Seeding Bed, A Christmas Carol, The Venetian Twins, Shopping And F***ing, Summer Rain, Oz Shorts, MODD 2000 - The Dream (Queensland Theatre Company), Eight, Shoot-Get Treasure-Repeat (Queensland Theatre Company – Seeding Bed), Dr Akar’s Women (Griffin), The Narcissist (Sydney Theatre Company/La Boite/Merrigong Theatre Company); Emma Celebrazione!, Milk And Honey, Freedom Ride, Scattered Lives (La Boite), Red Cap (La Boite/QMF), DragQueensLand (Queensland Music Festival), A Beautiful Life (Matrix/La Boite/Brisbane Festival/ Performing Lines National Tour), Cabaret (ZenZen Zo/QPAC/Power Arts), The Odyssey (ZenZenZo/QPAC), Vikram and the Vampire (ZenZenZo), 1347 and King and the
Corpse (Matrix/Brisbane Festival), Till Death Do Us Part (Brisbane Festival/Brides of Frank), Cribbie and Twelfth Night (4MBS), Mercy Thieves (Jo&Co/Dennehy Productions), Scattered Lives (TheCoalface), My Love had a Black Speed Stripe (Fractal Theatre) as well as many other independent productions. He has also been part of the performance ensembles for the Queensland Premier’s Drama Awards and The Works (Queensland Theatre Company) and the National Play Festival (Playwriting Australia).
Sandro’s film and television credits include Secrets and Lies, DevsDating, The Keys, Welcome to the Lucky Country, The Strip, Mortified, Black Fury, Gettin’ Squared, Cybergirl, Inspector Gadget II, Big Date, Superb Satans, Gino and Time Trax.
Sandro’s directing credits include Mind Games (Edinburgh Fringe/Metro Arts/Butterfly Club), The Kid, X-Stacey and Visions (QUT) and Postcards (USQ).Sandro established and was a founding board member of The Brisbane Cabaret Festival from
2000-2010.
On THE UNTOUCHABLE JULI: 'Ignorance and Bigotry are part of the heritage of every Australian town and city' - The Untouchable Juli is a parable for Australia's cultural cringe phenomenon where anything extraordinary is either ignored, feared or swept under the carpet. James Aldridge's 1975 novel about a 1930's rural Australia town is as relevant today as our current government seems intent on winding the clock back 80 years to the era that this story is set. How curious that in such a significant amount of time Australian attitudes towards culture have barely changed.
Welcoming back Lisa Hickey who plays several roles in The Untouchable Juli ranging in ages from 10 to 60. Lisa has appeared in two previous Fractal shows - The Yellow Wallpaper and Female Parts. She has also performed in many La Boîte productions including The Enemy Within, Threepenny Opera, The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole and Summer of the Seventeenth Doll. She has worked with Grin and Tonic, Toadshow and Acronym Theatre Company. In Melbourne she performed in Backberner, Blue Heelers, Neighbours,ABC Radio Drama and numerous corporate and educational videos and several ads. Lisa also teaches Drama.
“I was delighted to be asked to perform with Fractal again. I have always loved the edgy, experimental, stylized nature of Fractal shows. It’s exciting to contribute to a d ebut of a new Australian work and its subject matter is dear to my heart. The writer, James Aldridge, fled these shores - like so many other artists, writers, actors and dancers - last century, because they recognised the difficulty of actualizing their work in a country so badly affected by a cultural cringe - a tall poppy syndrome - which characterised a society still maturing and forging its own identity. Juli is portrayed by Aldridge as an outback Mozart, misunderstood, discouraged, stymied and neglected. In addition to the disadvantages of distance, racism, ignorance and poverty, he is trapped by a conservative religious zealotry embraced by his single mother. I’m sure audiences will very much enjoy this lively piece. And the soundtrack is beautiful!”
“I was delighted to be asked to perform with Fractal again. I have always loved the edgy, experimental, stylized nature of Fractal shows. It’s exciting to contribute to a d ebut of a new Australian work and its subject matter is dear to my heart. The writer, James Aldridge, fled these shores - like so many other artists, writers, actors and dancers - last century, because they recognised the difficulty of actualizing their work in a country so badly affected by a cultural cringe - a tall poppy syndrome - which characterised a society still maturing and forging its own identity. Juli is portrayed by Aldridge as an outback Mozart, misunderstood, discouraged, stymied and neglected. In addition to the disadvantages of distance, racism, ignorance and poverty, he is trapped by a conservative religious zealotry embraced by his single mother. I’m sure audiences will very much enjoy this lively piece. And the soundtrack is beautiful!”
Introducing Chorus member Didi Leslie. Didi plays multiple characters, male and female, old and young, and her array of skills, including dance, music and acting has been a valuable resource in creating this production of THE UNTOUCHABLE JULI
:"Didi began studying drama as a part of a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Queensland in 2012. She then went to study a Bachelor of Fine Arts, majoring in Drama at Queensland University of Technology, before moving to study an intensive acting and film and TV Internship at the Warehouse Workshop, under the guidance of acclaimed casting director Tom McSweeney. Didi has acted in a number of plays, short films and television commercials. In 2013 she created a theatre company called Arise Theatre Company, and after producing one successful production at the end of last year, hopes to stage another two shows this year. Didi has enjoyed working on “The Untouchable Juli” and using music and physicality, to create a highly symbolic, effective performance piece.
I think “The Untouchable Juli” makes an important statement about acceptance and speaking out against legalism, in whichever form. Whether it be imposed by a highly legalistic church, or a dictatorship government. It also explores the way a small, outback town responds to someone who is different to them. Not only is Juli seen as a ‘half-caste’, but he is also a musical genius, the likes of which have never been seen in this town. The show highlights people’s aversion to accepting someone who is unlike them, which I believe is a very important discussion to be having in contemporary Australia."
:"Didi began studying drama as a part of a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Queensland in 2012. She then went to study a Bachelor of Fine Arts, majoring in Drama at Queensland University of Technology, before moving to study an intensive acting and film and TV Internship at the Warehouse Workshop, under the guidance of acclaimed casting director Tom McSweeney. Didi has acted in a number of plays, short films and television commercials. In 2013 she created a theatre company called Arise Theatre Company, and after producing one successful production at the end of last year, hopes to stage another two shows this year. Didi has enjoyed working on “The Untouchable Juli” and using music and physicality, to create a highly symbolic, effective performance piece.
I think “The Untouchable Juli” makes an important statement about acceptance and speaking out against legalism, in whichever form. Whether it be imposed by a highly legalistic church, or a dictatorship government. It also explores the way a small, outback town responds to someone who is different to them. Not only is Juli seen as a ‘half-caste’, but he is also a musical genius, the likes of which have never been seen in this town. The show highlights people’s aversion to accepting someone who is unlike them, which I believe is a very important discussion to be having in contemporary Australia."
Introducing Chorus member: Imogen Eve.
Imogen has had training in music, dance and acting since childhood, and majored in Violin Performance at the Qld Con. Imogen made her public debut as an actor at the age of 7 in Fractal's Award winning DRACULA in 1999.At the age of 13 she was the lead female in the multi-award winning short film by Tom Noakes 'JULIAN'. At 14 Imogen performed in Grin and Tonic's Pericles aboard the Kookaburra Queen.
Imogen has performed in over a dozen Fractal Youth Theatre productions as well as main house productions of Yidl Mitn Fidl, Taliesin, Sleeping Beauty Downunder (Woodford Folk Festival), Whilst completing her B.Mus at QCM (classical violin) she performed as an actor in Fractal's Under Milk Wood, The Secret Love Life of Ophelia (live musician), A Midsummer Night's Dream (Gooloowan), Twelfth Night (Claremont) and with THAT production company (Saved 2011).
As an Artistic Director, Imogen devised, presented and performed in the Painted Feet Orchestra's debut concert (Anywhere Theatre Festival in 2012) and created a second concert for the Music by the Sea Festival in Sandgate 2013.
Imogen has recently completed a year at ANAM (Australian Academy of Music) Imogen is also a violinist, workshop leader and creative member of the Deep Blue Orchestra and most recently performed in the India Stories production at the Brisbane Powerhouse.
Imogen has had training in music, dance and acting since childhood, and majored in Violin Performance at the Qld Con. Imogen made her public debut as an actor at the age of 7 in Fractal's Award winning DRACULA in 1999.At the age of 13 she was the lead female in the multi-award winning short film by Tom Noakes 'JULIAN'. At 14 Imogen performed in Grin and Tonic's Pericles aboard the Kookaburra Queen.
Imogen has performed in over a dozen Fractal Youth Theatre productions as well as main house productions of Yidl Mitn Fidl, Taliesin, Sleeping Beauty Downunder (Woodford Folk Festival), Whilst completing her B.Mus at QCM (classical violin) she performed as an actor in Fractal's Under Milk Wood, The Secret Love Life of Ophelia (live musician), A Midsummer Night's Dream (Gooloowan), Twelfth Night (Claremont) and with THAT production company (Saved 2011).
As an Artistic Director, Imogen devised, presented and performed in the Painted Feet Orchestra's debut concert (Anywhere Theatre Festival in 2012) and created a second concert for the Music by the Sea Festival in Sandgate 2013.
Imogen has recently completed a year at ANAM (Australian Academy of Music) Imogen is also a violinist, workshop leader and creative member of the Deep Blue Orchestra and most recently performed in the India Stories production at the Brisbane Powerhouse.
Finn Gilfedder-Cooney - Musical Director
Finn was accepted into the Griffith Conservatorium full-time at the age of 16. He achieved his A Mus with Distinction on Viola, the Certificate of Completion on Piano (Honours), and Grade 5 Musicianship by the age of 14. Finn has been a member of the Qld Youth Symphony and the Australian Youth Orchestra. He was a founding member of The Urchins (Gypsy/Klezmer band) and The Klassix String Quartet. He has recently finished compostions for Complete Works Medea and Fractal Theatres original The Untouchable Juli. Finn rejoices in music production and performance across a whole variety of styles. When he is not engaged with classical touring, he is performing his mixture of jazz blues electronica at the many indie venues in Melbourne.
Finn teaches Viola, Cello, guitar, bass and piano and can teach all styles and ages.
"I read The Untouchable Juli at the age of 16. It was a furtive searching time for my own personality and Independence so it immediately had a profound impact on my views of youth, artistry and a common ignorance found historically in much of Australian society. An ignorance I think many still suffer from. I say suffer because the inherent suppression of individualism and exotic talent is such a prominent concept in 'the untouchable'. At first I drew immediate parallels between this and To Kill a Mockingbird. I am still shocked by the cynicism and immovable religiosity that has a strangle hold on social and cultural development, so far removed from its forefathers intentions. Attitudes exposed in The Untouchable can still be seen in much of Australia today."
Finn was accepted into the Griffith Conservatorium full-time at the age of 16. He achieved his A Mus with Distinction on Viola, the Certificate of Completion on Piano (Honours), and Grade 5 Musicianship by the age of 14. Finn has been a member of the Qld Youth Symphony and the Australian Youth Orchestra. He was a founding member of The Urchins (Gypsy/Klezmer band) and The Klassix String Quartet. He has recently finished compostions for Complete Works Medea and Fractal Theatres original The Untouchable Juli. Finn rejoices in music production and performance across a whole variety of styles. When he is not engaged with classical touring, he is performing his mixture of jazz blues electronica at the many indie venues in Melbourne.
Finn teaches Viola, Cello, guitar, bass and piano and can teach all styles and ages.
"I read The Untouchable Juli at the age of 16. It was a furtive searching time for my own personality and Independence so it immediately had a profound impact on my views of youth, artistry and a common ignorance found historically in much of Australian society. An ignorance I think many still suffer from. I say suffer because the inherent suppression of individualism and exotic talent is such a prominent concept in 'the untouchable'. At first I drew immediate parallels between this and To Kill a Mockingbird. I am still shocked by the cynicism and immovable religiosity that has a strangle hold on social and cultural development, so far removed from its forefathers intentions. Attitudes exposed in The Untouchable can still be seen in much of Australia today."
Projections and Lighting : Daniel Laws
Set and Costume Design: Nicole Macqueen
Production shots : Gayle Wedemeyer
Direction and Adaptation: Brenna Lee-Cooney
Set and Costume Design: Nicole Macqueen
Production shots : Gayle Wedemeyer
Direction and Adaptation: Brenna Lee-Cooney
