Amor show breaks language barriers

Love transcends all barriers and a new play stopping in Townsville for a single show on August 24 is out to prove that the barrier of language is no match for the heart.

DIVE Theatre Collective AMOR - Bella Wanwei Liu and Megan O'Hare CREDIT Barry John Alsop,

Love transcends all barriers and a new play stopping in Townsville for a single show tonight is out to prove that the barrier of language is no match for the heart.

Amor by the Sunshine Coast’s D.I.V.E. Theatre Collective is a one-act physical theatre experience performed in English, Spanish and Mandarin.

The show’s Director Cesar Genaro said the work focuses on universal themes and emotions to connect with audiences in ways that go deeper than dialogue.

“We use movement, sound, lighting, and set design as primary storytelling tools, allowing the audience to connect with the performance regardless of language,” Cesar said.

“The multilingual aspect enriches the experience, making it more inclusive and emphasising emotion over words, ensuring that the essence of the story transcends language differences.”

Amor was borne from a lack of meaty roles for actors with accents and was devised with D.I.V.E’s Ensemble artists over a two-month process.

The show’s four-person cast is a multicultural mix: Bella Wanwei Liu (China), Mary Eggleston (Australia), Megan O’Hare (Ireland) and Valentina Ayala (Colombia).

“For our performers, being able to perform in their native languages in Australia is deeply meaningful,” Cesar said.

Mary Eggleston CREDIT Barry John Alsop

“It allows them to express their authentic selves, conveying emotions in the language that resonates most with their personal experiences. This opportunity fosters a sense of belonging and connection, both with their cultural roots and with the diverse communities they engage with here.

“By performing in their native languages, they bridge cultural gaps and create powerful, authentic connections with audiences, making the storytelling even more impactful.”

Amor also overcomes other boundaries.

It blurs the lines between actors and audiences, by eliminating traditional seating banks and inviting the viewers to experience the action as closely as possible; and it blends a mix of artistic offerings including aerial silks, theatrical poetry and movement.

Cesar said bringing innovative ways of storytelling to the stage is central to D.I.V.E. Theatre Collective’s mission.

Valentina Ayala CREDIT Barry John Alsop

“We see theatre as more than just entertainment; it’s a powerful tool for reflection and social action.

“By merging different artistic disciplines and languages, we create an inclusive environment where everyone can engage deeply with the themes we explore.”

Amor has been touring North Queensland as part of JUTE Theatre’s DARTS Initiative, whichseeks to drive and activate the theatre sector across Regional Queensland by connecting performances and audiences across regional centres.

“It allows us to connect with diverse audiences, exchange ideas, and inspire both artists and spectators in areas that may have fewer opportunities to experience contemporary, multicultural theatre.”

Catch D.I.V.E Theatre Collective’s Amor, locally hosted by Topology RASN NQ, at 7pm tonight, August 24. The show will be held at the Dancenorth building 188-210

Stanley Street, with tickets available via Humanitix.

This performance is toured to regional audiences through JUTE Theatre Company’s

DARTS Initiative. This program is supported by the State Government

Originally published as Amor show breaks language barriers