Hells Gates to premiere in Geelong

Next month, the Geelong Arts Centre will present the world premiere of Hells Gates, the gripping new Australian story from the Green Room award-winning team at The Space Company.

Boasting a constellation of acclaimed Australian talent, the production is the latest work from award-winning presenter and performer Joel Carnegie (Stardust) and writer James Jackson (Paradise Lost, The Nose).

Drawn from verbatim sources in the wake of a mass whale rescue, Hells Gates follows the remarkable true story of a Tasmanian coastal community caught in the depths of an ecological crisis.

Led by Green Room award-winning director Katy Maudlin (Iphis, Slap.Bang.Kiss with Melbourne Theatre Company), the production stars Louise Siversen (Heartbreak Choir, House Husbands, Prisoner) and Natalie O’Donnell (Come From Away, Next to Normal), accompanied by a captivating live musical soundscape from celebrated violinist Xani Kolac.

Capturing the spirit of a remote community banding together through sharp, poetic humour neatly embedded within a live acoustic panorama of sound, Hells Gates details the extraordinary bravery of Tasmanian locals, anglers, park rangers and state-wide emergency services, defining what can be achieved in the face of adversity.

The production was produced and rehearsed on Wadawurrung Country, with extensive research conducted on the lands of the Palawa people (lutruwita/Tasmania).

The Space Company respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which they live, work, play and create.

“Hells Gates is an artistic homage to the extraordinary residents of Strahan [in Tasmania] who in the face of adversity, stood up and made a collective impact,” The Space Company founder and

Hells Gates creative producer Joel Carnegie said.

“The Space Company is honoured to be the custodians of this powerful, yet humour- filled Australian tale about community courage and determination.

“Prepare to be incredibly moved by this creative reimagining of true events.”

The production’s inception has been supported by Geelong Arts Centre’s Creative Engine grant program, which supports artists and performance makers through all stages of their creative process.

Geelong Arts Centre is committed to investing in emerging projects produced by those with a strong connection to the Greater Geelong region by providing opportunities for investment, studio and in-kind support.

“As part of our unwavering mission to empower the arts, Geelong Arts Centre is honoured to co-commission the revolutionary project of Hells Gates,” Geelong Arts Centre chief executive officer and creative director Joel McGuinness said.

“We are deeply committed to showcasing exceptional local talent and enthusiastically look forward to celebrating the world premiere of this extraordinary new Australian work.”

Hells Gates will be performed at the Geelong Arts Centre on August 10 at 7.30pm, August 11 at 7.30pm (which includes a post-show Q&A), and August 12 at 1pm and 7.30pm.

The show is 70 minutes long with no interval.

For more information or to book tickets, head to geelongartscentre.org.au/whats-on/all-events/hells-gates-world-premiere