The Dream Factory is a dynamic and unique Australian musical that has been especially commissioned by St Martins for its teenage members, and has been written by two Melbourne writers Nick Verginis and Chris Mildren. It’s a contemporary work that tackles the confronting and serious social issue of mental illness and young people and explores the experiences of teenage life when living with mental illness.
The show was commissioned when it was becoming evident that mental illness and young people was a serious issue in Australia, something that Australian of the Year Dr Patrick McGorry has spoken about and advocated and lobbied for increased recognition of the problem and increased funding for services. This was a key policy issue in the recent federal election.
The Dream Factory
It’s the school holidays and rather than hanging out and watching DVDs, sisters Mira and Abby settle in for a less than exciting holiday break, working their rubbish part time jobs, until they met curious teenager and supermarket warehouse worker, Gary.
Gary draws the two sisters in by telling stories from his graphic novel The Dream Factory, based in a warehouse where dreams are created and sold, where his world warps into the hyper-real, full of offbeat characters and shambolic situations.
As worlds of reality and fantasy collide, the character’s own personal parallels of acceptance and stigma, conformity and difference are challenged.
The Dream Factory is set to be a highlight of the St Martins production season; an honest and vivid representation of that struggle with identity we all face, fully realised through a catchy score, stunning design and performed by a cast of St Martins talented teenage members.
Featuring a cast of eleven teenagers from across Melbourne, direction by emerging artist Brienna Macnish and musical direction by emerging artist David Peake, the show also has a lighting design by Lisa Mibus and set and costumes are designed by Mel Liertz. In addition to this, the creative team consists of a series of artistic apprentices, young people working as mentors with professionals in key creative roles and learning practical skills in design and theatre craft.
Watch cast members VLOG! Head to the St Martins website for exclusive behind the scene video blogs!
St Martins will be offering Auslan interpretation and audio description as part of this performance season.
Hurry - One week only!
September 29 – October 2 @ 7:30pm / Matinee Saturday October 2 @ 2pm
Randall Theatre, 44 St Martins Lane South Yarra
Tickets: Full $22, Concession $18, Under 18 $14, Groups 8+, $10
Bookings recommended