19 - 23 APRIL
NEW BALANCE
By Christopher Bryant and Emma Palackic
“I remember when I was 8 watching SBS through the crack of my bedroom door. I could see two women getting it on. It was a dangerous and exciting image, and I knew I should forget it… but instead I took it to bed with me. I remember promising myself each time: ‘this is the last time I’ll do this.’ I also remember not believing it, not even one little bit.”
Built from a tapestry of intersecting stories of the queer disabled experience, New Balance celebrates the intimacy and surprising universality of the experience growing up on the outside. In doing so, Bryant and Palackic interrogate and constellate the moments that formed and hurt us in equal measure.
What are the points of connection that are unique for the queer community? What formulates these points of connection and makes them special? And how can we be truly self-reflexive within a community that is trying to progress while still under attack?
Universal, uniting, and empowering, New Balance moves beyond trauma to imagine a brightly queer new future.
Image: Jasmin Simmons
Creative Team
Created by Christopher Bryant and Emma Palackic
Lighting Designer Chris Milburn
Stage Manager Madeleine Picard
Projection Designer Justin Gardam
Starring Christopher Bryant
Acknowledgements
Christopher Bryant and Emma Palackic would like to thank:
The interlude contributors: Jamila Main, Rebekah Robertson, Anthony Severino, and Jacqueline Tooley for the generous sharing of their stories. Brand X, Dan Graham, and Aesha Henderson for development support. Chris Milburn and Maddy Pickard for being super knowledgeable and brilliant team players. Romy Seven Fox for the gorgeous score and Justin Gardam for the wonderful AV art. Dino & the Red Line Productions team for their kindness and support of the work.
Christopher would also like to thank Alexander Berlage, Kieran Bryant, Lachlan Herd, and Jack Kealy. Emma would also like to thank Sophie Phillips, Ainslie Meredith and Senad Palackic, Rachel Reggers and Nicole La Bianca.
Dates + Ticketing
Preview: 19 April 2023
Season: 20 April - 23 April 2023
Times: Wednesday - Saturday 7.30PM; Saturday 23 April 2PM
Approximate run time: 60 minutes
Content Note:
Sexual References
Discussion of Ableism, homophobia and fatphobia
Discussion of mental health
Supporters
New Balance is was created with funding assistance from a Create NSW Small Project Grant (Quick Response).