Trent Dalton’s Love Stories
24 – 27 September
Get ready to fall in love all over again.
“I believe in touch. I believe in song. I believe she remembers him. I believe the perfect girl can always meet the perfect boy. I believe we are not alone in the universe.” A father prepares himself for the day he lets go of his daughter’s hand. A young man breaks up with his girlfriend so they can both follow their dreams. A couple play nice in public to hide the fractures at home. A woman rebuilds herself along with a flood-devastated city. A working mum contemplates taking the photographs of her late husband down from the fridge. A grandmother dreams of seeing her grandson’s face. A renowned 100-year-old scientist ponders the one great earthly puzzle he was never able to solve: 'What is love?' Inspired by a personal moment of profound love and generosity, bestselling author – and one of Australia's finest journalists – Trent Dalton spent two months in 2021 gathering stories on his sky-blue 1960s Olivetti typewriter, on a prominent street corner in Brisbane’s CBD. Speaking to Australians from all walks of life, he asked them one simple thing: 'Can you please tell me a love story?' What followed was Dalton’s unashamedly joyous collection of Love Stories, and the creative team behind the smash-hit page-to-stage adaptation of Boy Swallows Universe (director Sam Strong and writer Tim McGarry) reuniting to bring to life Dalton’s latest warm, wise, poignant, funny and moving story about love, in all its guises. "It dives into the chaos of love – the joy, the pain, the laughter, the heartbreak... sending you back to the streets feeling just a little more alive" –The Guardian "In a time when we need joy more than ever, Love Stories lifts the spirit." – Arts HubShow details:
Synopsis
24 – 27 September
Get ready to fall in love all over again.
“I believe in touch. I believe in song. I believe she remembers him. I believe the perfect girl can always meet the perfect boy. I believe we are not alone in the universe.”
A father prepares himself for the day he lets go of his daughter’s hand. A young man breaks up with his girlfriend so they can both follow their dreams. A couple play nice in public to hide the fractures at home. A woman rebuilds herself along with a flood-devastated city. A working mum contemplates taking the photographs of her late husband down from the fridge. A grandmother dreams of seeing her grandson’s face. A renowned 100-year-old scientist ponders the one great earthly puzzle he was never able to solve: ‘What is love?’
Inspired by a personal moment of profound love and generosity, bestselling author – and one of Australia’s finest journalists – Trent Dalton spent two months in 2021 gathering stories on his sky-blue 1960s Olivetti typewriter, on a prominent street corner in Brisbane’s CBD. Speaking to Australians from all walks of life, he asked them one simple thing: ‘Can you please tell me a love story?’
What followed was Dalton’s unashamedly joyous collection of Love Stories, and the creative team behind the smash-hit page-to-stage adaptation of Boy Swallows Universe (director Sam Strong and writer Tim McGarry) reuniting to bring to life Dalton’s latest warm, wise, poignant, funny and moving story about love, in all its guises.
“It dives into the chaos of love – the joy, the pain, the laughter, the heartbreak… sending you back to the streets feeling just a little more alive” –The Guardian
“In a time when we need joy more than ever, Love Stories lifts the spirit.” – Arts Hub
Dates & Times
Wednesday 24 September, 7.30pm
Thursday 25 September, 7.30pm (Opening Night)
Friday 26 September, 7.30pm
Saturday 27 September, 1.30pm (Auslan Interpreted & Audio Described) & 7.30pm
CAST & CREATIVE
CREATIVE TEAM
Additional Writing Trent Dalton and Fiona Franzmann
Adaptor Tim McGarry
Director/Dramaturg Sam Strong
Choreographer & Movement Director Nerida Matthaei
Associate Director Ngoc Phan
Set & Costume Design Renee Mulder
Lighting Design Ben Hughes
Video Design and Cinematographer Craig Wilkinson
Composition & Sound Design Stephen Francis
Additional Credits
Trent Dalton’s Love Stories was originally commissioned and produced by Brisbane Festival and Queensland Performing Arts Centre for Brisbane Festival 2024.
Details
PRESENTED BY:
Canberra Theatre Centre presents a QPAC / Brisbane Festival production.
DURATION:
Approximately 1 hour 40 minutes, with no interval.
ACCESS SERVICES:
Saturday 27 September, 1.30pm – Tactile Tour 12.30pm, Audio Described & Auslan Interpreted | PROMO CODE: AUSLAN
WARNINGS:
This performance contains loud sound noises, strobe lighting, haze and smoke effects.
Please note this performance also contains strong language, references to depression, suicide, domestic violence, sexual references and adult themes.
AGE SUITABILITY:
This performance is recommended for audiences aged 15+
LATECOMERS:
For most performances, latecomers cannot be admitted until a break in the performance. Please allow plenty of time to cover traffic and parking delays.
VENUE:
Canberra Theatre
SEATING PLAN
ACCESS INFORMATION
GALLERY
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