Portraits puts locals in frame

When Rockingham resident Sally Newman decided her words needed a stage and a voice, an exciting collaboration of local creatives started.

Joining forces with actors, artists, students and musicians from the area, Newman has produced a theatrical experience that is not to be missed.

Portraits is a community show with a difference.

It harnesses raw, honest, relatable and powerful lyrics that challenge and provoke throughout.

The audience is taken on a dramatic hour-long journey presented by an eclectic cast of characters, balanced beautifully by masterful voices of a choir featuring some of Safety Bay Senior High School’s finest.

Ashlea Reale, a teacher at Safety Bay Senior High School, has come on board as Newman’s musical director for the Portraits project.

Reale is joined by several of her current music students with Sarah Hynes, Michael Baker and recent graduate Gabby Burrett just a few of the talented voices making up the choral ensemble of the show.

Both Reale and Burrett worked with Newman earlier this year on her successful Fringe World debut and are excited to join her again for a community-based production. “Sally has a way of inspiring people and making them realise how amazing they can be,” Reale said.

Newman is of the belief that everyone has a story to share, often encouraging others to be confident in exploring their creative abilities. She admits to often listening to the conversations, adversities and happy-ever-after moments of people who cross her path.

She said that was because these everyday truths and secrets made for the best stories. The season runs from October 13 to 15 at Memorial Hall on Carrington Street in Hamilton Hill.

Tickets to Portraits are available through phoenixtheatreinc.com.au