Trigonometry homework – check. Lunch money – check. Trojan horse head – check.

In June 2010 the Queensland Academy for Creative Industries will continue their impressive contribution to the Brisbane arts landscape as playwright Chris Beckey and director Steven Mitchell Wright premier In God We Trust with the school's Theatre students.

In God We Trust is the world-premiere of a new work drawing inspiration from Homer’s Greek classic The Iliad. Following the journey of Cassandra, the prophetess of Apollo, this production will feature thirty young performers and a professional creative team, live opera, digital media, dance and fashion. In God We Trust promises to continue QACI’s tradition of innovation in exploring the cutting edge of performing and visual arts - something well beyond your 'average high school show'.

Director Steven Mitchell Wright returns to the Brisbane scene after almost three years of national and international touring with his own company, The Danger Ensemble. He specifically made time in his schedule to work at QACI on this production before flying to the USA to work with the American Repertory Theatre. For the students, tackling the complex world of Greek mythology has proven no match for Wright’s hardline as a director. Expectation is high and the quality is evident.

With the support of the academy’s theatre teaching team, Wright has engaged these young artists as professionals. In doing so, the teaching team has ensured that the students undertake a fully immersive professional experience working to professional standards.

Filling out the creative team is playwright Chris Beckey and lighting designer Ben Hughes. Commissioned specifically for QACI, both Wright and Beckey believe In God We Trust is a story highly pertinent to the world of young adults. 

For Beckey, Cassandra’s story emerged as a clear favourite in the early conceptualisation of the work. Beckey says, “One of the principal themes of In God We Trust is our relationship to time; our past, our present and our future and to my mind, there is no more important question at this point in history, especially for these young people who are beginning to find their way in the world: How do we relate to what has gone before us? What do we really know of the past? How do we, in the present moment, use what we know of the past to create a better future for ourselves, for those that will follow? Cassandra's dilemma is their own”.

In God We Trust
Written by Chris Beckey
Directed by Steven Mitchell Wright
Presented by Queensland Academy for Creative Industries
Season: Wed 9 – Fri 11 June 2010
Preview: 7:30pm Tues 8 June 2010
When: Wed – Fri 7:30pm
Where: Theatre, Queensland Academy for Creative Industries
61 Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove
Tickets: Adults $12/Conc. $10
Bookings: (07) 3552 9333 between 8:30am and 12:30pm