Dreamland – a theatrical adventure in Byron Bay hinterland

Regionally based theatre company NORPA will transform Byron Bay’s hinterland into a site-specific show Dreamland in Bangalow’s beautiful, historic A&I Hall.

Dreamland is a world where time overlaps, where the ghosts of our country halls come to life to tell a joyous and powerful story of community, change and renewal across generations. A new resident wanting to hire the local hall interrupts the ubiquitous hall committee meeting. A hilarious crash course in local history ensues. Axes fly to clear the Big Scrub, young men are lost to war, and love is found on the dancefloor. Dairy farmers, Aquarius hippies, modern day tree-changers – the country hall bears witness to them all. Performed with a live band in a beautiful old country hall in Bangalow, Dreamland is a celebration of place told through story, song, humour and dance.

“Dreamland is a show for everyone who has moved to regional Australia to invent a new life, or anyone who’s dreamed of doing it,” says director Julian Louis “It reflects a contemporary story about the disillusionment with city life. For generations people have been moving to this region, following their dreams, but it hasn’t all been easy.”

When NORPA first staged Dreamland at Eureka Hall in 2016 almost two thousand people flocked to see it and it sold out in record time. The season had to be extended by many weeks, making it one the theatre company’s most loved original productions. Directed and devised by NORPA Artistic Director Julian Louis with writer Janis Balodis and a multi- talented cast, Dreamland was initially developed in association with Arts Northern Rivers’ ‘If These Halls Could Talk’ project.

“What we love about making site-specific work is the inspiration the site provides us. Bangalow’s A&I Hall is a spectacularly beautiful country hall steeped in the history of this region. We’re so excited to be re-imagining Dreamland for this magical space with new narrative elements, bigger design and more music!”

The original cast of exceptional performers who were integral in creating the work all reprise their roles for Dreamland’s Bangalow season. Locally based performers Darcy Grant (Gravity and Other Myths, Circa), Kirk Page (Djurra, Redfern Now), Phil Blackman (Railway Wonderland) and acclaimed actress Toni Scanlon (Water Rats, All My Sons, King Tide) will join Sydney based actress Katia Molino (Railway Wonderland, Wildskin). A four-piece band led by Barry Hall will provide the brilliant live score.

Much more than just a show, Dreamland is a celebration of community. Pre-show dinner will be available at venues throughout the town, and a pop-up bar will be open before and after each performance. Dreamland reflects the stories of our region in a spectacular and surprising way – it may even get you dancing!