All images courtesy of (it’s no) drama. Photographer Lauren Murphy © 2023
Accompanied by an original score, with video and lighting bringing an extraordinary set to life, they put on a spectacular show.
(it’s no) drama was formed by Emily Ardley in 2015 as an inclusive theatre company, and has been led, since its inception, by its dynamic and passionate Artistic Director Samara Cunningham. Based in South Gippsland, the group has evolved from those early days, building on the original intent, to give broad access to people with myriad different skills and creative voices, to conjure new visions of what performance and theatre could achieve.
Over this time, (it’s no) drama has also brought together an array of creative and highly talented arts practitioners to support and construct original and innovative ‘scaffolding’, on which Samara and the performers have been able to build their highly imaginative and idiosyncratic ideas.
I was invited into this production of Wild Woods, as composer and sound designer, to create an original soundtrack, which involved writing a suite of new music, and blending those works in a seamless sonic design to accompany and elevate the performances.
Wild Woods is the major production for 2023 from the much loved and acclaimed (it’s no) drama physical performance ensemble. Staged at the Leongatha Memorial Hall, the South Gippsland group mesmerised the audience with a magical journey into a mystical space.
You can listen to the soundtrack here …
© 2023—Music composed by Michael Shirrefs
Performers & Creators
Emily Ardley
David Baker
Hannah Bradsworth
Steve Canning
Nenita Lacanaria
Murray Lyster
Debbie Wilson
Arts Support Staff & Performers
Amanda McVilly
Kim McDonald
Creative Team
Artistic Director
Composer & Sound Designer
Costume Designer
Set Design
Projection Designer
Technical Stage Manager
Lighting
Video Production
Photographer
Graphic Designer
Samara Cunningham
Michael Shirrefs
Mayumi McPhee
Festive Fires
Kate Russell
Mark Harrison
William McCarthy
Joel Sharpe
Lauren Murphy
Jessica Greaves