A LOVE story between man who poured his emotions into his masterpieces and his brother who tried to keep him from harm is the second show in Newcastle Civic Theatre’s 2016 season.
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Vincent, a moving dance theatre work about the life, love and loss of renowned and celebrated artist Vincent Van Gogh will show in Newcastle on Friday, March 18.
Created and performed by new Australian dance company LissaJane Dance, the contemporary theatre show explores the revered painter's life, his relationship with his brother Theo, and his constant battle with his inner psyche.
“Vincent's story has resonated with me for 10 years now, and I feel so privileged to bring his world to the stage,” choreographer Melissa Lanham said.
“Never fully at ease in company, his only closest and dearest friend was his younger brother Theo who supported him emotionally and financially to the best of his ability.”
Lanham is a contemporary dance theatre artist who has worked on social inclusion and dance projects in the UK and Australia for the past 40 years.
Lanham felt strongly moved by Van Gogh's work and the story of his short, tumultuous life when she saw Sunflowers on display at the National Gallery in London.
Van Gogh painted more than 900 paintings in the space of eight years, before his death at the age of 37.
He only sold one painting during his lifetime.
“It was believed that he was bi-polar and suffered from frightening delusions that would sometimes continue for weeks at a time,” Lanham said.
“These only really stopped when he painted.”
Vincent features a cast of three Australian-based dancers, Lanham's choreography, plus fantastic costume and set design.
All of the dialogue used in the work is taken directly from the more than 900 letters Van Gogh wrote to Theo.
It seeks to address the bipolar personality of the artist, so while there is darkness, there is also much euphoria and sheer joy.
Exploring the current social issues of depression, anxiety and bi-polar disorder, which affect the lives of many Australians, the production has partnered with beyondblue.
A portion of all proceeds will go to supporting beyondblue.
Tickets to see Vincent, available from Ticketek or civictheatrenewcastle.com.au, cost $35 for adults and $25 for those aged 15 to 21.
The Examiner has two double passes to give away to Friday’s show, which starts at 8pm.
To win a pass, send your name and daytime contact number in an email titled “Vincent” to ewatts@fairfaxmedia.com.au.
The winner will be notified by noon on Friday, March 18.
