Abstract:
This workshop will look at how community cultural development methodology can be utilised as a catalyst to harness cross cultural energy and engage a community or region in a dialogue around issues of identity, history, culture and marginalisation.
The Model works closely with local groups and project partners to assist communities to give voice to and develop strategies to deal with critical local issues.
Using The Torch Pilot Project and the film "When The Torch Came To Town" as an example, participants will be encouraged to explore projects for their communities.
Project summary:
Over 2 weeks, The Torch company toured to approximately 2, 250 people in 4 regional centres; Cobram, Kyabram, Echuca and Shepparton. We performed 10 shows, ran 13 workshops with 9 schools then, in 6 sessions (and with the help of many locals; elders, Koori educators, teachers, friends and organisations) rehearsed 55 local kids and adults into the final 2 shows for the Shepparton Arts Festival.

Bionote:
Project director Steve Payne and 2 members of the company will present the workshop.
Steve has 20+ years as a community arts activist, educator and project manager. He was a founding member of Melbourne Workers Theatre and his three most recent Community Theatre Projects are:
THE TORCH - Spirit of Federation and Australia's Ghosts, MECHTRON examined the Public Education system in Victoria and THE ESSENTIALS explored a climate of fear at individual, organisational and State levels.

Presentation Type
60min. Workshop

Equipment Requirements:
OHP
TV/VCR
Data Projector