The powerful and compelling memoir Fourteen by Shannon Molloy will have its world debut at the 2022 Brisbane Festival.
Based on the life of Queensland author Shannon Molloy, the best-selling book won hearts last year.
Now, Shake & Stir Theatre Company will bring the work to take the stage at QPAC.
Shannon Molloy: Fourteen
Life was tough for young, gay Shannon Molloy growing up in Yeppoon, Queensland.
To make matters worse, he attended a hyper-masculine, rugby-obsessed, all-boys school.
As a young and effeminate fourteen-year-old, this was not a good recipe for happiness and success.
In Fourteen, Shannon tells his life story with gut-wrenching, heartbreaking honesty and gentle optimism.
Audiences resonated with the story when on its release in 2020. Now the story will come to life onstage later this year.
QPAC recently announced the world debut of Fourteen as part of the 2022 Brisbane Festival lineup.
It’s a thrilling opportunity and another chance for a unique, queer Australian story to take to the stage.
“One hell of a show”
Fourteen will be performed by Brisbane-based theatre company Shake & Stir, under the watch of Artistic Director Ross Balbuziente.
New father Shannon Molloy lives with his husband in Sydney. He talked about the thrill he felt about the new production.
“From the moment I started talking to Shake & Stir, I knew there was no one else I trusted with the task of taking my book and bringing it to theatre audiences.
“The love, compassion and enthusiasm the team has shown me will make this one hell of a show,” he said.
“I can’t wait to see how the darkness and the light, the hurt and the hope – and the camp 90s nostalgia – are translated to the stage.”
That’s the beauty of the show Ross Balbuziente hopes to capture. The book itself is often dark and gut-wrenching. However, it is also full of light and laughter and cemented firmly in the 90s.
No shying from triggering moments
“We owe it to Shannon – and anybody else whose experiences mirror his – not to shy away from the more triggering moments and challenging themes but we also want to show the absolute power friendship and family can have on a 14-year-old,” Mr Balbuziente said.
“We’re staying true to the era of Fourteen so that means plenty of 90s pop culture references and a mixtape of bangers from Shania Twain to The Spice Girls.”
“This is a story with so much heart and I know that in the expert hands of Ross, Nelle and Nick, Fourteen will resonate not only with young people but with audiences who love exceptional theatre and strong storytelling,” said Brisbane Festival Artistic Director Louise Bezzina.
Fourteen will make its debut on the 27th of August at the Cremorne Theatre, QPAC.
For more details follow http://www.Brisbanefestival.com.auBrisbanefestival.com.au
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