Born to dance: Brianna Law, one of the stars of The Yard has been dancing since she was three. She hopes to audition for the Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts and pursure a career as a professional dancer. Picture: Gary Warrick
The next generation of home grown talent will turn Parramatta Riverside Theatre into a playground next week.
Around 33 aspiring stars from the Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta’s creative and performing arts initiative Captivate have been working with renowned choreographer Shaun Parker for three years to develop The Yard.
The ground breaking piece of professional theatre is about life in a western Sydney school yard, performed through various dance styles.
One of the many stars from St Marys-Mount Druitt is St Clair teenager Brianna Law, 17.
The contemporary dancer said The Yard is a real reflection of what goes on in the playground.
‘‘It’s about the tribulations of the playground from bullying and harassment to exploring the notions of cliches,’’ she said.
‘‘They eventually overcome their differences and unite together. It’s a good way for people to see what goes on in the playground.’’
Juggling HSC studies at Caroline Chisholm College with the production has been a challenge.
‘‘It’s hard juggling the HSC with dancing outside of school and travelling but when you love something, you find a way to make it work,’’ Brianna said.
‘‘The positives outweigh the negatives. The experience extends beyond what I would ever learn at a dance studio, where you don’t get these connections.’’
She learned a lot from Mr Parker’s expertise.
‘‘He was fabulous as he worked with us all as individuals,’’ she said.
‘‘He helped us create the work, rather than tell us what to do.’’
The production has already shown at the Seymour Centre, Joan Sutherland Arts Centre and Illawarra Performing Arts Centre.
It will do a week long NSW north coast tour with shows in Port Macquarie and Lismore.
There may be a few more shows if funding is extended.
‘‘‘It will be sad when it ends because of the memories I’ve made and it’s become a big part of my life,’’ Brianna said.
The Yard is on at Parramatta Riverside Theatre August 28 and 29 from 7.30pm.
Tickets are $26 adults, $22 concession.
Details: 88393399, riversideparramatta.com.au.