Returning play continues to thrive

BLACK Apple Theatre’s production of Thrive: Queer voices, out loud is returning for another run in Castlemaine at the end of the month.

The play tells the true stories of LGBTQAI+ community members from across Central Victoria, three of them are over 65, while two are 25.

“We’ve been working on Thrive for two years now,” said director Cheyney Caddy.

“It’s been such a labour of love and I couldn’t be more excited to share this work with audiences.

“I think when you become a theatre-maker everyone starts with the idea that they want to change the world for the better, and then as you gain experience you learn how rare an opportunity that actually is; once in a lifetime, if you’re lucky. Thrive is my once in a lifetime. I know this work is going to make a difference.”

As part of Thrive: Queer voices, out loud, Actors take on the roles of real people who have given stores to the production.

One of those people is Julie Peters, the first transgender person to run for parliament in Australia.

Ms Peters said lending her story to the production had a cathartic affect.

“Thrive helped me reconnect with my regional Victorian roots and learn the incredible sense of inclusion for gender, relationship and sexuality diverse individuals and communities in country Victoria today,” she said.

“When I was younger there was a sense amongst gender and sexuality diverse individuals that you needed the anonymity of the big city to feel safe being yourself.”

Maldon based actor Aspen Beilharz plays the role of Ms Peters and said inhabiting the character was “an honour.”

“We’re having fun, but more than that, everyone is passionate about the work we’re doing,” Beilharz said.

“Having the chance to explore Julie’s story and bring it to the stage has been an honour.”

Thrive: Queer voices, out loud is on at the Goods Shed in Castlemaine on 25 and 26 November.

Visit blackappletheatre.com for tickets.