Andy Packer is the Artistic Director of Slingsby, a company well known for its high standard of productions, full of innovation and creativity. 2016 was a hard year for Slingsby, like many other small federally funded arts bodies it’s funding was cut.
This proved to be a spur to greater things; sponsors donated to support such a fine production company and the removal of a safety net made the team work that much harder and smarter. Packer says it has been a remarkable journey which required a new approach. With the renewed focus on touring, some project funding and a small increase in support from the State Government, they are doing OK.
This anticipated production of Emil and the Detectives, adapted by Nicki Bloom from a short story by Erich Kastner will be another innovative step on their journey. Before losing funding the production taking all the focus was The Little Match Girl but realizing that that would be difficult to tour, Slingsby changed direction. The company has created a whole new theatre space where Dazzleland used to be above Myers, and the whole set up sounds stunning.
Two actors will present this story, which has multiple characters, as a narrative that will keep all ages engaged. When asked, Packer said that the key message of the piece is about the journey, in this case from small town to big city and learning that people are at the heart of our learning. It’s a coming of age story.
Andy Packer’s vast experience and creative genius combined with producer Stacey Baldwin’s talents have brought us some delightful offerings which have toured and been applauded all over the world. Stand by for the next adventure with Emil and the Detectives, opening on the 19th of July!
Interview by Fran Edwards
Venue: Dazzleland, Level 5, Myer Centre, Adelaide
Season: !9 July – 5 August 2017
Tickets: Adults $35, Child (2-17yrs) $16.50, Concession $29, Family (2+2 or 1+3) $85 and Adult Groups (6+) $29 each
Bookings: Trybooking
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