Brendan, 39, captivates the audience as he delivers his lines. He plays the leading role of Bob Quavers in the third major production by inclusive theatre ensemble Real and Diverse Theatre (RAD), supported by Centacare.
Ahead of their three-night run at QPAC, the 22 performers are gathering weekly to rehearse under the guidance of renowned Brisbane artist and performer Brian Lucas, alongside Centacare Artistic Director Clark Crystal.
“RAD makes me happy and gives me a break from my work environment. I step into another world,” said Brendan, who travels from his home at Greenslopes to rehearse with his friends at Northgate.
Set in a haunted music shop, Quavers weaves together urban legends, real-life experiences and iconic Brisbane locations.
The ensemble shakes and shivers in their warmup exercises to get into a spooky mood.
Hellene, 53, is playing the classical music ghost, Hildegarde, and enjoys bringing her best ghostly impressions to life.
“I love being part of a group that creates their own plays,” said Hellene. “Each character is developed for us. I love coming together with other people who love to perform. I’ve made lots of friends here.”
The cast also had the unique opportunity to work alongside students from the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University.
Third-year composition student, Maddy, and first-year composition student, Cloud, composed the music for the character of Buster Rip Tide, a progressive rock music ghost and percussive musician, played by RAD member, Jessie.
The students enjoyed the opportunity to work in a live performance setting, alongside the RAD theatre cast members. “It’s rare for students to have the opportunity to work on a play from the ground up,” said Maddy. “It’s been really exciting to follow the full creative process and have the chance to work with such interesting and vibrant actors.”
“After receiving the brief and seeing all the actors at RAD playing their characters and going through their roles with such gusto, it’s rewarding to be a part of this production, ensuring that music and theatre work hand in hand,” said Cloud.
Quavers is a must-see comic tragedy that tells beautiful and emotionally challenging stories of human connection. It features original music by Nicole Murphy and Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University students.
Tickets are on sale now through QPAC.
Presented by Centacare in partnership with Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University.
Quavers is supported by Suncorp Stadium.
Maddy, a third-year composition student (left) and Cloud, a first-year composition student (right), (Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University) composed the music for the character of Buster Rip Tide, a progressive rock ghost and percussive musician.
RAD member Jessie (38), practising for his role of Buster Rip Tide, a progressive rock ghost and percussive musician.