New collective targets youth

Metamorphis, a new artistic collective helmed by performers Jessi Lewis and Kevin McGreal, will launch in Melbourne next month, with aims to nurture raw, young talent and produce socially aware theatre.

Lewis and McGreal plan to work primarily with creatives between the ages of 18-25 in the GLBTIQ community, in hope of giving these groups a voice and relaying their stories to a broader audience.

“Kevin and I met during my last production of In Stranger’s Bed and the collaboration grew from there,” Lewis said.

“We thought there was a gap in the market for this particular age range, and wanted to breathe a bit of life into it.”

The open-access company is currently welcoming submissions and ideas for new productions. Lewis said they’re looking for people to collaborate on a show next year who are interested in brainstorming ideas in an open forum environment, rather than simply bringing a self-contained show to the company to produce.

It’s expected that out of these sessions a main stage-style performance will be ready to premiere later in the year.
Metamorphis will be a self-funded organisation and won’t rely on Government grants to produce work.

Instead, the collective will begin a series of fundraisers in aid of future projects — these will also act as showcases for both emerging and established local talent.

“We’re shying away from outside funding to ensure we can produce works that tackle a wide range of social issues,” Lewis said.

The first of the fundraisers will be held in October, and will also be the company’s launch party. Performers set to contribute include Kaye Sera, Jade Leonard, Dean Acuri, Camp Camp Revolution, Brecik, DJ Big Mac and Lewis’ alter ego, Wolfgang Baas.

This will be followed by the company’s first production in November, The Bottle of Dark Desire, which Lewis describes as a cross between Alfred Hitchcock and American Psycho.

info: The Metamorphis launch party will be held at the Glasshouse Hotel, Collingwood on October 13 from 7pm. Tickets: $20 from www.greentix.com.au and at the venue.