Set in a post - apocalyptic desert wasteland, The Well tells the story of a world populated by those who suffer ‘the affliction,’ a disease caused by an addictive substance called ‘mud.’ Isolated communities fence themselves in against the marauders in order to protect themselves and their most valuable resource, water. One such community is in possession of the only known well on the central plains. When an outsider arrives from the wastelands showing signs of the affliction, the community is plunged into a decision as to whether they will help the man or send him back into the desert. This challenges the community’s strong moral code, their compassion and ultimately their unity.

Written by Goat Track Theatre Company’s Artistic Director Andrew Wright, The Well is a meditation on morality, hypocrisy and our often violent response to the other. The play questions the responsibility that communities have to their most disadvantaged members and explores why we are often reticent as individuals to speak up in the presence of injustice.

The Well has been created in collaboration with young people and community members from the Scenic Rim, Queensland who have been involved in the script development from the very beginning. This process allowed young people to see how a theatre production comes together from the original seed of an idea to opening night. With the involvement of professional actors, teachers and University students the production has also fostered a close mentoring environment, particularly for the students studying Theatre X at Tamborine Mountain State High School.

Goat Track first timers Rhiannon Davies and Jesse Ivers have been inspired by this experience and were very impressed with the close collaboration between cast and crew. As Rhiannon commented “It’s a huge opportunity for us to be involved in such a professional production that focuses on relevant issues and gives us a voice.” Jesse has been involved with Drama for many years in Theatre X, but has now discovered the art of screenwriting after seeing the writing process evolve.

While studying a Bachelor of Theatre Arts (Acting) at University of Southern Queensland Cassie Baan-Erickson has been involved with Goat Track Theatre Company in previous productions and enjoys the hands on experience it provides. “Studying at uni we learn theory and the various technical sides of performing, but working with Goat Track, everybody gets involved in everything. From scheduling to script development, props, marketing and costumes, we do it all!”

Andrew Wright is a well respected writer, director and mentor within the Queensland arts community and has once again shown Goat Track Theatre Company’s commitment to the creation of quality theatre for, by and with young people.

The Well will premiere at The Centre in Beaudesert on Friday, 22 October 2010 before showing at Tamborine Mountain from 23 to 30 October 2010.

The production was supported by Scenic Rim Regional Council through the Regional Arts Development Fund and the Regional Arts Fund, an Australian Government initiative through the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA), managed in Queensland on behalf of DEWHA by Queensland Arts Council.

Details

The Well
22 October 2010, 11am and 7:30pm
The Centre, Beaudesert

23, 29 and 30 October, 7pm + 30 October 12noon
Tamborine Mountain State High School Arts Centre

Tickets: $29.50 (adult), $22.50 (concession)
Book online at www.goattracktheatreco.com

Audience members are advised to buy tickets early as Goat Track Theatre Company’s previous shows have sold out prior to opening night.