Team effort brings story of 2015 NRL Grand Final night to stage
- 4 May 2018
A collaborative theatre work centred around the showdown of the all-Queensland 2015 footy final is set to tour the state following its opening tonight in Cairns, Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch has announced.
“The Longest Minute is a uniquely local story—both onstage and behind the scenes,” Minister Enoch said.
“Set against the backdrop of the North Queensland Cowboys’ heroic win against the Brisbane Broncos in 2015, the play showcases Queensland talent and was created when three leading Queensland arts companies joined forces.
“Theatre by its very nature is a collaborative art form and I commend Queensland Theatre, Cairns-based JUTE Theatre and Brisbane-based debase productions who combined their efforts to develop this landmark theatre work,” she said.
“I also acknowledge the two Queenslanders who wrote The Longest Minute: Indigenous playwright, Nadine McDonald-Dowd, and Flipside Circus’ Creative Producer, Robert Kronk.
“Audiences across the state are certain to enjoy the production when it tours to Townsville, Brisbane and Rockhampton following its opening run in Cairns.”
Minister Enoch said the play’s development and tour were supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
“Queensland Arts Showcase Program funding of $15,000 to debase productions in 2017 helped kick-start the play’s creative development phase,” she said.
“An investment of $102,217 in 2018 to Queensland Theatre through the Playing Queensland Fund will support The Longest Minute performances in Cairns, Townsville and Rockhampton.”
Minister Enoch said The Longest Minute demonstrated a successful collaboration that would serve as a model to arts companies looking to build further capacity, increase programming and leverage funding opportunities.
The Longest Minute performance dates:
- 4 – 12 May: JUTE Theatre, Cairns
- 17- 19 May: Dancenorth at Stanley Street, Townsville
- 26 May – 23 June: Cremorne Theatre, Brisbane
- 28 June: Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton