From Press release:
One day/night only – Sat 27 August 3pm and 6.30pm – The Coal Loader, Waverton
Jo Bloom, Charles Mayer, Sontaan Hopson and Alec Ebert with composer Brendan Read unite ancient tradition and the basic human energies of the heart, the masculine and feminine, drive, truth, vision, their connection to the land and the pursuit of something greater. Working with Chi, the chakras and the energy of the space and land they create an experience to jolt us all out of a sleepy haze.
Says co-founding performer Charles Mayer: “Shakespeare has included so much ancient wisdom and knowledge of the universe into his writing. Our goal is to share this with audiences as witnesses to the magic and recipients of the energy. It’s a truly magical experience!”
Come you Spirits is a passionate, independent theatre troupe challenging the status quo and taking their shows around Australia! Bravely agile in their quest for unique spaces that have their own stories to share, they adapt the shows for a wholehearted immersive experience and accenting the magic within the text. This is exciting work, full of dynamic pace, and complex characters, both life affirming and to uplifting to the spirit: fast, furious and full of heart!
Following shows include repeat performances of both plays along with The Tempest (at dawn, to celebrate the Spring Equinox!) the weekend of 23-25 September at The Haven in Castlecrag. Plus a tour to Byron Bay in January!
The tunnel and 25 chambers of The Coal Loader offer a magical and ominous space. Romeo & Juliet will be performed during the afternoon and Macbeth in the evening on the same day and patrons are encouraged to attend both shows. Each performance is just 90 minutes long and the audience will move through the space, led by the actors. The natural landscape is celebrated with action taking place across the tunnel space on various levels, the more intimate moments and inside the chambers.
The audience will be split into 4 groups and guided by either Romeo, Juliet, The Nurse, or The Friar for Romeo & Juliet OR Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, Macduff or The Witch for Macbeth. It’s very much a case of first come, first (gently!) immersed with a streamlined narrative offering a rare point of view.
Sound healing is a universally acknowledged way to improve physical and emotional health and well-being. Cultures the world over have used these practices for thousands of years. Come You Spirits take the principals of sound healing and – working with the amazing international composer Brandon Read – create a soundscape that takes the audience on a journey supported by music that matches the specific frequencies of each of the energy centres (chakras).
Large stones that hold the principles of sacred geometry are positioned at specific points, reflecting and resonating sound in the space. Says co-founder and performer Jo Bloom: “We’ve drawn on the practice used in ancient temples, where they used giant stones to ensure sound was not just heard but was felt throughout the body.”
Come You Spirits features experienced professional actors who have worked internationally and across Australia, all seasoned in Shakespeare and classical theatre, film and TV. Front and centre are Jo Bloom (The British Shakespeare Company, Australian Shakespeare Company) Charles Mayer (Pop-Up Globe, ANZAC Girls) Sontaan Hopson (Risen, Atomic Kingdom) and Alec Ebert (God of Carnage, Of Mice and Men).
They are also healers and energy workers who have walked their own paths of healing and sat in their own dark nights of the soul. They’ve done the work, done the research, and are living with passion, on-point with purpose.
As Sontaan Hopson says: “We’ve combined everything we know to be true in experiences to lift us all out of the foggy haze of madness and strike amazement to our drowsy spirits.”
Come You Spirits (after William Shakespeare).
With Jo Bloom, Charles Mayer, Sontaan Hopson and Alec Ebert
Soundscape by Brandon Read
Saturday 27 August at The Coal Loader,
2 Balls Head Drive, Waverton
Romeo & Juliet 3pm
Macbeth 6.30pm
Tickets $30-$90
Bookings & Information www.comeyouspirits.com
