AMPLIFY 2024 No Strings Attached State Opera Studio Other Directed By: Guest directors Hew Parham, Roel Voorbij, and Catherine Purling, in collaboration with No Strings performers This new show presents three new works that the performers have been working on all year, collaborating with their peers and supported by practicing professional artists who have provided mentoring and direction to the ensemble. The three new works underscore No Strings’ dedication to empowering artists with disability, to collaborate and create theatre that tackles things that are important to disabled people themselves, through poignant and pithy scenarios that entertain and challenge audiences, capturing hearts and minds, and bringing new insights and understandings. The first of the three new works, SECURITY, directed by Catherine Purling, invites audiences to question their own assumptions about others: How often do we judge a book by its cover? Through a nuanced narrative, SECURITY delves into the unconscious judgments we all make based on appearances, professions, and context. It encourages audiences to look beyond the surface to uncover the stories beneath - a powerful reminder to view each person as more than the sum of first impressions. In AM I HERE?, directed by Roel Voorbij, the narrative arc centres on the concept of care and the impact of small, compassionate gestures. This new work explores what drives people to help others, even when they may have little to give of themselves. With delicate storytelling, AM I HERE? delves into questions of empathy and selflessness, posing the timeless question: Is it easier to give care or receive it? Rounding out the showcase is COPE: SENSITIVE FREIGHT, a clown-inspired piece directed by Hew Parham. This light-hearted, satirical production takes a comedic look at the self-care industry, gently mocking our modern pursuit of calm and mindfulness. Drawing on the styles of Jacques Tati and Roy Anderson, COPE: SENSITIVE FREIGHT humorously examines how activities meant to reduce stress, like meditation, yoga, and self-care routines, can sometimes leave us feeling even more frazzled. With its quirky anti-performance style, this piece promises to entertain and offer a refreshing perspective on wellness culture. Approx. Running Time: 60 minutes Suitable for ages: 15+ Performance Dates: Thursday 28 November 7pm Friday 29 November 1pm Friday 29 November 7pm Saturday 30 November 2pm Saturday 30 November 7pm Venue: State Opera South Australia Rehearsal Studio Bookings: For more information and to book tickets, visit - www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1287487 Pricing: Tickets $35 Concession $30 Groups of 4 $25 each