World premiere of ‘Boy Swallows Universe’ postponed until 2021
The highly anticipated world premiere of the brand-new Australian theatre work, ‘Boy Swallows Universe’, has been postponed until Brisbane Festival 2021.
Queensland Theatre and Brisbane Festival remain committed to developing, ‘Boy Swallows Universe’, in association with Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC). Unfortunately, the Festival, Queensland Theatre and QPAC are unable to present this highly anticipated work in 2020, as initially programmed.
Instead, ‘Boy Swallows Universe’ will make its world premiere during Brisbane Festival 2021.
Ongoing restrictions surrounding mass gatherings and the current closure of many performance venues across the country has forced the postponement of the show’s season, which was previously scheduled for 29 August to 19 September 2020. QPAC Chief Executive, John Kotzas, said the rescheduling of the premiere would be felt by so many theatre-goers and readers who had been looking forward with much anticipation to seeing ‘Boy Swallows Universe’ come alive on stage.
“A great driver for us at QPAC is enabling the telling of stories that reflect our community and our shared lived experiences and this local treasure would have done just that,” said Kotzas.
“Sadly we’ll all have to just wait a little longer than expected to immerse ourselves in Trent’s brilliant coming of age tale on stage.”
‘Boy Swallows Universe’ is based on the award-winning debut novel of Brisbane author Trent Dalton and is adapted for the stage by Tim McGarry. It is a co-production between Queensland Theatre and Brisbane Festival in association with QPAC and will make its world premiere at Brisbane Festival 2021.
Queensland Artistic Director, Lee Lewis, said the story is very important and hopes that by postponing the event more audiences will be able to see the work.
“’Boy Swallows Universe’ is a defining Australian story,” said Lewis.
“We want to present it at a time when everyone feels inspired to come out and celebrate it in the company of their neighbours, family and interstate friends.”
For those eager to see Brisbane Festival’s 2020 program, all will be revealed at the launch on Tuesday, 28 July 2020. Brisbane Festival Artistic Director, Louise Bezzina, said the Festival has a huge responsibility in driving the performing arts.
“Brisbane Festival is deeply committed to telling the stories of our great city and ‘Boy Swallows Universe’ is a bold Brisbane story,” Bezzina said.
“Now, more than ever, Brisbane Festival has a responsibility to support the local arts industry and provide artists and companies with the opportunity and platform to once again thrive.”
Queensland Theatre will be contacting all existing ticket holders and waitlist members to discuss their options.
For more information, including updates and announcements, visit brisbanefestival.com.au or follow Brisbane Festival on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For Queensland Theatre updates visit their website.
Media Release Supplied.
