Arts

Director Says Goodbye to Urban Myth Theatre Company

By Sarah Thomson

Posted on July 30, 2014

It’s Director Glenn Hayden’s LAST show for Urban Myth Theatre Company, as he says goodbye to the company with one of his favourite Shakespeare texts.

Artistic Director Glenn Hayden

Artistic Director Glenn Hayden’s LAST show for Urban Myth Theatre Company Romeo and Juliet, performed by the 2014 Senior Ensemble After ten years at the helm of Urban Myth Theatre Company (of Youth), Artistic Director Glenn Hayden is saying goodbye to the company with one of his favorite Shakespeare texts: Romeo and Juliet.

A rehearsal shot of Romeo (Josh Mensch) and Juliet (Emma Kew)

The production runs from Wednesday 13th August to Saturday 23rd August, with a special fundraising gala night on Friday 15th August at The Goodwood Institute on Goodwood Road.

Hayden is leaving to give a new Artistic Director the opportunity to guide Urban Myth towards their 35th year anniversary in 2016 and to pursue new opportunities, including a three-month mentoring and directing sabbatical in Mumbai, India with Peas and Carrots Theatre Company.

Whilst there he will reconnect with past Urban Myth students and be involved in the Thespo Theatre Festival. Hayden created the Poster Impact sponsored Senior Ensemble for Urban Myth in 2012 to “give a 12 month intensive experience for young people with their eye on the arts as their career of choice.

“At present we have past members studying at NIDA, WAAPA, ACArts and Flinders,” Hayden said.

“We are all very proud of this.

“What we endeavor to achieve is to prepare the ensemble members to be students and emerging artists who are brave, experienced and passionate about being leaders of this fantastic industry,” he said.

Hayden’s last production for the company looks to be an enthralling imagining of a classic tale.

“I wanted to highlight the age of the story and its absolute relevance to a modern audience, ” Hayden said.

“The reality is, by play’s end five young people have lost their lives to prejudice, intolerance and violent behavior.

“This, unfortunately, resonates strongly still in today’s world. It is also important for young artists to experience a Shakespeare text.

“Tackling the bard is a massive undertaking for any actor let alone a young one. It thrills me to see our passionate ensemble embrace the text with such gusto,” he said.

Urban Myth is consistently producing world-class internationally award-winning theatre.

All proceeds from the Gala Night will go towards the sustainability of Urban Myth Theatre of Youth.