By Tate Papworth
A new community youth theatre project is planning to bring an explosive new adaptation of Romeo and Juliet to St Albans.
St Albans Edge consists of 12 teenage girls from diverse backgrounds collaborating to create Grace for Race; an investigation into racism, outdated stereotypes, girlhood and teen cult classic, Riverdale.
The project is directed by Western Edge Youth Artists associate director Penny Harpham, and facilitated by Rex Pelman, Michael Logo and Amarachi Okorom.
Ms Okorom said the girls’ backgrounds make for a powerful performance.
“Culture is a huge part of this play, and as a young African female who also grew up in a western country, it warms my heart to see a group of younger African-Australian girls get a chance to speak and be heard,” Ms Okorom said.
The coming-of-age performance offers lived experiences from a year 11 Sudanese woman in the midst of the APEX media frenzy; a Samoan daughter balancing family responsibilities and her studies; a Liberian student obsessed with Nicki Minaj; and a 12-year-old Nigerian girl wanting revenge for culture wars started generations ago.
The one-off performance will take place at the Bowery Theatre in St Albans this Saturday from 7-8pm. To book free tickets visit: www.bowerystacc.com.au
