FOLLOWING sell-out performances earlier this year, the Glasshouse is set to host the return of Snappy Productions’ rendition of Isley Lynne’s play The Swell.
Marking only its third production worldwide, The Swell tells the compelling story of three women – Annie, Bel, and Flo – through two distinct periods in their lives.
The journey begins when Flo arrives for the wedding of her best friend Annie, who is marrying Bel, sparking an unexpected love triangle.
The play aims to take audiences on an emotional rollercoaster, creating a thought-provoking experience.
For the producers and founders of Snappy Productions, Stacey and Kirsty Napper, it is about more than the story.
“Community theatre is a valuable part of positive community engagement,” Stacey told News Of The Area.
“It allows people of all diversity to come together to be part of a moment in time, free of anything except that moment.”
As a Gamilaraay woman who has a social justice background and is Queer, Stacey is incredibly passionate about engaging community and being involved in spaces where all individuals feel seen, welcomed, and safe.
“Community is important to me as I have seen the effects of a loss of connection… the feeling of isolation or lack of belonging.”
In re-creating The Swell, Stacey and her wife Kirsty knew they were not only producing a play; they were intentionally creating a community that could grow relationships and create feelings of connectedness.
“Being part of a community is a feeling of inclusivity and knowing you have a place.
“How wonderful when people can do that for a common purpose.”
Growing up in Narrabri and later moving to the Mid North Coast, storytelling has always been important to Stacey.
Her poetry has been published in the UK and an adaptation of “A Toy Christmas Story”, which she wrote and performed in Coffs Harbour, went international.
Through its powerful narrative, The Swell addresses timely and relevant themes and brings visibility to often overlooked individuals and issues within society.
“The arts are so important as [they] allow people a safe place to explore their own thoughts, beliefs, judgements, or [they] invoke feelings and bring connection [which] is a truly special part of storytelling,” Stacey said.
Part of the Snappy Productions mission is to give back to the community.
“We dedicate, as a company, to donate our profits to local charities to enhance and uplift others.”
All profits from this final performance will go to the Port Macquarie Base Hospital and Stars of the Hastings fundraiser for the Cancer Council.
You can see The Swell on 31 May with tickets available through the Glasshouse website.
By Rikki WALLER
