By Jesse Graham
AN OLD warehouse in Lilydale is being transformed into an art space for the month, with a hills artist hosting free theatre performances and an art exhibition.
Cockatoo resident Gareth Hart has organised a Pop-Up Theatre space in Lilydale, re-purposing an old warehouse space to host artists and performers throughout October.
On Saturday, 1 October, the space hosted Dave Thomson, who presented a performance installation with light and sound, exploring power, loss and hate using projections, surround sound and lighting.
On 8 October, Justine Walsh and Thomas Webster will present spoken word poetry and a saxophone performance, while on 15 October, Viv Rogis will perform a projection and dance installation.
The next week, Melbourne Steam Theatre will present their own production of Alice in Wonderland and from 1-15 October, Amy Middleton will present a mixed media exhibition in the space.
However, until residents sign up for tickets to the events, the warehouse location remains a secret.
Mr Hart, one of the organisers of hillsceneLIVE Festival, said the pop-up theatre was part of a new trend of “activating alternative unused space’ with art and installations, which came out of the Renew Newcastle festival in Newcastle, New South Wales.
He said the event, which is supported by the Yarra Ranges Council, would also showcase the work of artists who live in the Yarra Ranges.
“They’re not traditional – nobody’s doing a piece of Shakespeare,” Mr Hart said.
“They’re kind of one really incredible, special element about why we all live out this way, the community is really strong.
“There’s such an incredible quality of artists living out here.”
Mr Hart said that if the event is a success, he’ll look at organising more in the future.
All of the events for the Lilydale Pop-Up Theatre are free. For more information, visit www.hillscenelive.com/lilydale-pop-up-theatre.
