QPAC bounces back from lockdown with Unlocked program
QPAC is back after an almost six-month lockdown, with a new socially distanced program designed to bring theatregoers out of hibernation. SEE THE FULL PROGRAM
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After closing its doors for almost six months, QPAC is back – with a new socially distanced program to entice theatregoers out of hibernation.
A new program called QPAC Unlocked will run across several venues from August 28 to October 3, with intimate shows and smaller audiences, to ensure the venue can comply with COVID-19 restrictions.
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QPAC announced in March that it was cancelling all of its performance and projects in the face of the pandemic, with chief executive John Kotzas describing it as “the most challenging thing that I have ever had to deal with in my career’’.
“To have all these months with nobody here has been devastating,’’ he said.
“It burst our bubble but we are slowly breathing life back into that bubble now.
“It’s so invigorating to know we are going to be putting on shows again.’’
The popular Lyrebird Restaurant will feature some intimate shows with dinner featuring Queensland produce and matched wines.
The Concert Hall will reopen with a new perspective for smaller audiences sitting behind rather than in front of the stage.
Meanwhile, the Cremorne Theatre will be transformed into a racy cabaret style speak-easy called Club Cremorne with a series of sassy, even naughty shows MCd by comedian Damien Power, a drag queen called Chocolate Boxx, circus acts and beatboxer Tom Thum.
Brisbane burlesque star and occasional sword swallower Jacqueline Furey is chuffed to also be part of the show.
“I’ve never performed at QPAC before,” she says.
“Fringe arts is more my thing normally.
“But there’s not a lot of work for a stripteasing soloists in the middle of a pandemic and really, its only fun if there are people watching in the audience.”
Furey, 28, who hails from Emerald in central Queensland, says her show is adult fare and that yes, she will swallow a sword or two at Club Cremorne which will run on Friday and Saturday nights for a month from September 11.
Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch said QPAC Unlocked was a great way to welcome back audiences in a COVID-safe way, and it was significant the acts would be mostly local.
“It is wonderful to see QPAC highlight Queensland’s incredibly talented local artists and arts organisations and help connect audiences with their work,” Ms Enoch said.
“The Palaszczuk Government has supported the arts sector through these challenging times, committing more than $42.5 million to relief measures, which includes the $22.5 million arts and cultural recovery package as part of our plan for economic recovery.”
In addition to the Club Cremorne crew, local artists will include theatre star Amy Lehpamer, classical pianist Alex Raineri, acclaimed young violin virtuosos Courtenay Cleary and Queensland’s own chamber orchestra Camerata performing with acclaimed flamenco artist Andrew Veivers.
In addition to the Unlocked program, QPAC will also host the Australasian Dance Collective’s Youth Ensemble Echo on August 28 and 29 in the Cremorne Theatre and Brisbane Festival’s Leviathan by Circa from September 3 as part of Brisbane Festival.
Mr Kotzas said QPAC had been working with government to open in a COVID-safe manner for months.
Tickets to QPAC Unlocked on sale now at qpac.com.au
QPAC UNLOCKED
LYREBIRD RESTAURANT
Wonderful – An Evening of Classics – Katie Stenzel, Samuel Piper, Alex Raineri) Sept 28-29
An Evening with Amy Lehpamer, $149, Sept 4-5
CONCERT HALL
Alex Raineri in Concert, $69, Sept 4-5
Courtenay Cleary in Concert, $69, Sept 11-12
Viva Espana – Camerata and flamenco guitarist Andrew Veivers, $69, Sept 18-19
The Sky’s The Limit – Bachelor of Musical Theatre students from Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University performing a mix of popular musical theatre songs, $49, Oct 2-3
CREMORNE THEATRE
Club Cremorne (MC Damien power, Tom Thum, Jacqueline Furey, Company2, Chocolate Boxx) Fri and Sat nights from Sept 12 to Oct 3, from $59