Welcome to Bankstown. Please look the other way.
By Filip StempienVery rarely does an opportunity like this ever come
around. To be part of a performance like The Other Way,
co-produced by BYDS (Bankstown Youth Development Service) and
Sydney Theatre Company, is not only a pleasure but a
responsibility. For a few nights in July it was our duty to tell
the untold stories of Western Sydney. We could only tell a few,
like the story of the lost Indian boys at Centro or the
long-awaited return of a runaway daughter or the drug-addicted
mother who had her children tragically removed by Community
Services. Every night, I would hear comments like "I know a guy who
talks like that character" or "There's a lady down my street with
the exact same problem" or simply that the performance was
"believable". It seems we achieved what we set out to do: to tell
the true stories of Bankstown.
The Director Stefo Nantsou is, in my opinion, a theatrical genius
with an endless passion for storytelling. Stefo taught us that
theatre is about moments. It's true. After a show, people don't
remember the exact lines that they liked but the moments. Even
though I've seen the show a hundred times, there are still moments
where I can't stop laughing or crying. It was an emotional
rollercoaster that didn't slow down until the moment the audience
left the building for the final time.
The project is finished, so where to now? Last year, after
Look the Other Way, the only thing everyone wanted was to
perform again. This led to the production of Outspokenat
Bankstown Arts Centre, which was directed by Randa Sayed and
involved several students who were part of Look the Other
Way. Outspokenwas completely written and performed
by the students and was about the things we are unable to say.
Without the valuable experience we gained in Look the Other
Wayit wouldn't have been possible to create it. Fast forward
a year and once again we're in a similar situation. Taking part in
such a big production has given us serious motivation to keep
writing and performing plays. I know a few of my colleagues are now
taking acting seriously as a profession - looking into auditions
and agencies. There is also talk of creating an after-school drama
club or a theatre company. What I know for sure is that this won't
be the last time there will be a production like this. I know that
the younger drama classes in my school have been inspired and are
very keen to take part in future. What's critically important is
that these types of projects continue in the future so that others
get to experience the same opportunities and benefit from them as I
have.
Bankstown needs programs and opportunities like Look the Other
Wayand The Other Way. There's a brand new art centre
built, so why not use it? Creating productions is an extremely
rewarding experience for everyone involved and leaves a lasting
effect on the community. I genuinely hope community projects like
The Other Waycontinue and pass on the pleasure and
responsibility of performing.
Read more from Filip on his
blog.
Find out more about STC's Theatre in Communities.
Essay: Welcome to Bankstown
Date posted: 29 Aug 2013Author: Filip Stempien