About the Theatre Group

History & Style... 

 

"This unique form of theatre is interested in re-connecting to the sacred origins of theatre as a form of communion with nature and expression of the soul..."

 

Based in on-going research in anthropological theatre, social theatre, process theatre, and community cultural development, we are interested in how theatre can empower people and communities, and be used to instigate ideas about sustainability and as a tool for creating awareness around social change.

 

Intensive training methods and styles incorporating physical theatre, butoh, Growtowski laboratory training methods, clowning, puppetry, improvisation, martial arts, dance, music, voice training, yoga and meditation, as well as traditional theatre styles and theatre in the round.

 

Combined, these methods create a contemporary form of anthropological theatre that is a holistic approach to actor training and performance arts.

 

How it all Began...
 

When the MARACCAS Organisation was born, there was always a keen interest in developing theatre as part of our practice and repotoire. With the 'Active' element of MARACCAS we were always drawn to physical theatre, dance and movement based styles. We began experimenting with different ideas and jumped stright into performing on the streets for local community events and festivals. Supported during this time from BCC's Youth Team at Visible Ink, we were able to develop a concrete style and practice in many different contexts.

 

Heavily influenced by cultures from South America with two of our members being from Brazil and Colombia. One of our main objectives and goals is to create an on-going creative connection between the two continents sharing information and creating cultural exchange programs. Particualrly working alongside indigenous groups from both areas, our aim is to create awareness about issues surrounding these communities and keep these unique and beautiful cultures alive.

 

Our first professional production as a group was in 2013 for Anywhere Theatre Festival called 'Life is Theatre' - an adaption of Eugine O'Neil's 'Thirst'. The play investigates human nature and how even in moments of life and death, we are still faced with questions about morality and authenticity. This production really started us on our journey of investigation and play into the world of theatre and performance.

 

We are now well on our way to developing exchange programs between Australia and South America, having worked in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil with the Centre of the Theatre of the Oppressed and in Villa De Leiva, Colombia with Teatro Itinerante Del Sol - Bio Drama/Dharma. We are currenty immersed in collaborative work with Teatro Itinerante Del Sol wiht the play Origines and will be performing in South America from Sept 2015 - Jan 2016 in various places ad venues. Invited as Special guests to perform at Festival Isnard Azevedo in Santa Caterina Brazil (17-25 Oct 2015). See our Blog page for stories of these adventures and learning experiences and contact us for more information about our upcoming exchange programs.

 

Back in Brisbane Jan 2016