See you at the reunion!!!!!!!!!!

That's it for BLOG posts (from me) folks until after the reunion!

It looks like the search for a copy of the Genesis & Bottoms script has yielded results. They will hopefully be up within the month. Also more memorabilia for scanning has been promised. More blogging to come by the sound of it!

Rick caught up with Naomi Nicholson last night for dinner. Naomi is all pumped up for tonight. She will be joining us (Rick Ireland, Jeff Williams, John Dowton, Leo Keane and possibly Learna) this morning at the Empire for the set-up.

Bring a good supply of tissues with you :)

Down Memory Lane #15 - Empire too good to go

The Chronicle
Editorial, 16 May 1977

Empire too good to go

Destruction of the Empire Theatre would be just as sacrilegious to theatregoers as the dismantling and removal of the Mother's Memorial would be to a large section of the Toowoomba public.

Toowoomba needs a theatre like the Empire. The city is big enough to be on the national circuit for leading stage shows and leading stars, but the remodelled City Hall Theatre lacks sufficient seating capacity and professional musicians will not use the infamous orchestra pit.

... Click here for the article

Letters To The Editor
Rick Thompson (Administrator),
Darling Downs Youth Theatre,
4 Burns St, Toowoomba

'Empire an all-rounder'

I refer to your editorial (T.C. 16-5-77) expressing the opinion that the Empire should be retained as a theatre.

Having worked in the Empire with the kids of the Darling Downs Youth Theatre onb "genesis" and having been involved in mounting a major Youth Theatre project on the Downs over the past four months, I can only agree totally with the sentiments expressed in the Editorial.

What we have as a community with the Empire Theatre is a unique and very exciting opportunity.

For too long in Queensland and overseas we have seen cultural centres being built at tremendous cost to the community without sufficient care being given to who is going to bear the running costs in the future, and who is going to use the place. Bricks and mortar do not make a theatre as the Darling Downs Youth Theatre has demonstrated. It took many weeks of hard work to turn the Empire from a building back into a theatre.

... Click here for the article



LINKS:

ALBUM - Michelle McIntyre

Slideshow - Michelle McIntyre

21 Days of easier Blogging!! (Post)

Blogging - Become an Author (Slideshow)

Down Memory Lane #14 - "genesis" review - The Pittsworth Sentinel

The Pittsworth Sentinel (Thursday, June 9, 1977)

GENESIS
- A.M.

It is an old story, but one that can still be told; About men who loved; and lost thier friends to death and learned they lacked the power to bring them back to life.

This is the story of Gilgamesh and Enkidu. This is the story of Adam and Eve, of Noah and his wife. Genesis is the story of mankind.

It was around this story that the musical play evolved.

Through realistic scenes, excellent though sometimes weird lighting effects, splendid acting, descriptive manoeuvres for the change of emotional moods through a synopsis of scenes.

The first was The Creation and the story of Adam and Eve with their attendant sorrow. Then the epic of Gilgamesh, who was King of Uruk in ancient Babylon about 1000 years before the book of Genesis was written. The story portrays the meeting, the love and the loss of his friend, Enkidu.

The third story was that of Noah, his wife and the ark. This was a truely stirring scene. A parade of the animals which entered the ark being the highlight.

The masks worn by the animals which wobbled, crawled, wriggled and strutted around the auditorium were masterpieces of careful design and exquisit workmanship which must have kept the workers busy for weeks.

The detail was infinite and such masks deserve to be carefully preserved for future productions, for such workmanship will never be improved upon.

The storm and the rising of the waters in this scene were frightening, thanks to sound effects.

The final scene, The Rainbow, was sensitive and delicately presented, especially the moments Gilgamesh spent with the silver rose singing "Death is not the end".

This theatrical adventure was prepared in four months which meant hard work for every member of the company. Forty-two young people became quite dedicated to their job during that time and worked like Trojans, guided by the professional team from teh Queensland Theatre Company.

The construction crew built the set known as "the helmet" which was a feat of engineering, the result being a dramatic edification.

Top marks to the designers and dressmakers. Calico, dozens of yards dyed to earthy colours, was used for the basic foundation garment - t-shirt and flowing flares - girls and boys were dressed alike.

Ornamentation was provided by peanut shells and nuts being woven into embroidery with coils of rope for the more elaborate robes worn by Noah and other male characters.

The fantastic head-dresses could have been inspired by those worn by native high priests preparing for special rituals.

The completely imaginative costume worn by the Bull of Heaven was another to remember with pleasure, as were all the ceremonial robes.

Another amusing setup was the almost freakish orchestra, which at times was almost overwhelming. Fortunately, for most of the time the sounds produced were quite pleasant. A novel idea was the string of plough discs banged with gusto along with the drums. The sound from whatever they called it was equally unusual.

Singing was tuneful and the choreography was good although a couple of the dances were quite long. However, the dancers swirled and swayed with such enthusiasm they inspired the audience.

The Bush Fire, danced under the fierce flicking glare of vivid red lights was a really hot number.

The acting was sincere and unaffected all through. The boys stole the show there.

The fight between Gilgamesh and Enkidu was a really good one, no holds bared. Judo throws were freely used and the audience felt very bruised by the last punch.

The first entrance and final exit of the cast splendidly suggested early Greek theatre.

The final night is to be in the city of Brisbane where one hopes it will be as well received as it has been on the Darling Downs.

A quote used by the players was: "To laugh is to love - And to love is to live - So we make the world love - And make the world laugh."

Let us remember Genesis by using this quote ourselves.

Click here for the article


LINKS:

ALBUM - Michelle McIntyre

Slideshow - Michelle McIntyre

21 Days of easier Blogging!! (Post)

Blogging - Become an Author (Slideshow)

Down Memory Lane #13 - "genesis" On Tour - Brisbane - St John's Cathedral

"Genesis" the result of five months of dedication
By Nan Gorey Wood

A VAST rainbow cloak spread on St. John's Cathedral stage during the finale of "Genesis" on Saturday is symbolic of five months of "fantastic" creation.

In prosaic terms, the rainbow of dyed baling twine knitted by the 42 school-age company, expresses joy in the first production of the Darling Downs Youth Theatre (DDYT).

Saturday's productions at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Cathedral will represent the 14th and 15th stagings of "Genesis."

It would not be too fanciful to dub "Genesis" the Darling Downs' Chorus Line. Like the hit American musical, "Genesis" has been inspired by its cast.

As in Chorus Line, taped observations - "Genesis was an involvement with people who made me really happy and I love them all" - are played during the finale.

The production I saw was staged in a defunct Warwick cinema with the acoustic sensitivity of an empty barn.

What mattered was not the lost words but the occasional drowning of speech and lyrics by over - enthusiastic sound effects.

What comes across is the disciplined exuberance of a 14 - 18 year old company whose acting and singing for most part is surprising good.

Threads for the pre-chosen theme were garnered kilometres apart during months of accepting, rejecting, re-writing, composing, and long discussion.

Thirteen Downs' productions have led to Saturday's grand finale.

Initiated in January, DDYT's "Genesis" was no undertaking for the faint - hearted.

Backed by $7000 from the Queensland Theatre Company, stalwarts from the education division of Q.T.C. provided the springboard.

Originator Robert Kingham, Rick Thompson and Lloyd Nickson are artistic director, administrator and design co-ordinator respectively.

Composer Jim Cotter of Canberra, was given a grant by the music board of the Australia Council to help with the lyrics and music.

Supported by headmasters of several Downs' schools the first such decentralised programme in Australia had its headquarters in Toowoomba.

Secondary school students who applied and were accepted are from Toowoomba, Warwick, Pittsworth, Oakey, and Clifton.

Actors (20), writers (4), designers (11), directors (3), and Technicians (4) worked on the production after school, every weeke-end and during May holidays.

The company designed and made the costumes and stage effects, they work the lights and sound.

Symbolism is the name of the game. The 105 - minute musical has four scenes in which the Old Testament in "Begatomania" plays an amusing role.

Borrowing from the Old Testament, "Genesis" is about "men who loved and lost their friends to death and learned they lacked the power to bring them back to life ... the story of man".

Violent Gilgamesh, symbolised by a bikie's helmet, the anonymous modern mask, represents both ancient and modern.

His power symbol on stage is a theatrical tour de force.

As an exercise in theatre "Genesis" speaks for itself. Even more important to the cast has been the wildly successful exercise in co-operation and friendship.

Click here for the article


LINKS:

ALBUM - Michelle McIntyre

Slideshow - Michelle McIntyre

21 Days of easier Blogging!! (Post)

Blogging - Become an Author (Slideshow)

Down Memory Lane #12 -'Genesis' back to Toowoomba

circa 11 June 1977

Empire Theatre replaces the Dalby venue for the June 18 performance

'Genesis' back to Toowoomba

The musical play "genesis", being presented by the Darling Downs Youth Theatre, is to return to the Empire Theatre for two more performances.

This was announced yesterday by the administrator of the Youth Theatre Mr Rick Thompson.

Mr Thompson said: "We had originally planned to bring the show back to Toowoomba before the final performances in Brisbane, but there wasn't time. So we have decided to cancel the Dalby performance and return to the Empire as a final farewell to the Darling Downs."

"Genesis" opened in the Empire Theatre on Thursday, May 12. It was the first time the Empire had been used as a live theatre for more than 10 years.

"All the schools and the Institute were on holidays during the opening season so a lot of people missed out," Mr Thompson said. "We have had many requests from schools and the public to do more performances here in Toowoomba because previous performances generated such interest."

The play is the result of 4 1/2 months of work by more than 40 young people from all over the Darling Downs.

On the past three Saturday nights it has been presented at Stanthorpe, Pittsworth and Oakey. Tonight it goes to Warwick.

The Darling Downs Youth Theatre is a Queensland Theatre Company project which has been run as a pilot scheme for the development of youth theatre throughout Queensland.

Click here for the article


LINKS:

ALBUM - Michelle McIntyre

Slideshow - Michelle McIntyre

21 Days of easier Blogging!! (Post)

Blogging - Become an Author (Slideshow)

Down Memory Lane #11 - "genesis" On Tour - Oakey

Friday, 3 June 1977

"Genesis" could best be described as a modern rock musical with costumes and set designed and made by the members of Youth Theatre.

"Genesis" opened in Toowoomba on May 12 at the Empire Theatre, and has since played at Pittsworth and Stanthorpe.

The play on tour is the last stage of the Youth Theatre's activities. The Youth Theatre is a pilot project for youth theatre in Queensland and is run by the Queensland Theatre Company.

All the technical and stage set-up is done by the young people in the Youth Theatre themselves under the guidance of three professional theatre people from Brisbane. The young people have learned to make the necessary changes to the shape of the show to fit the different places in which the play is presented.

Next Saturday, the rock musical will be presented in Kings Theatre, Warwick.

Click here for the article


LINKS:

ALBUM - Michelle McIntyre

Slideshow - Michelle McIntyre

21 Days of easier Blogging!! (Post)

Blogging - Become an Author (Slideshow)

Down Memory Lane #10 - "genesis" On Tour - Pittsworth

May 1977

"Genesis" Coming to Town

"Genesis" a musical play created by the Darling Downs Youth Theatre is coming to Pittsworth.

Over the past months forty young people aged between 14 and 18 years have been working with a small professional theatre staff from the Queensland Theatre Company on "Genesis" which will play at the Pittsworth Town Hall on Saturday, May 28.

Participants in the youth theatre production have come from Warwick, Clifton, Pittsworth, Oakey, Toowoomba and other centres on the Downs.

The young people have written it, directed it and composed the music and songs and designed the sets.

There are costumes made from knitted baling twin and macrame and bunya nuts. There are masks made from paper mache and paper mosaic, so the show promises to be unique.

The Queensland Theatre Company has mounted the Darling Downs Youth Theatre as a pilot scheme for the further development of regional youth theatre throughout Queensland.

It is first production of its kind in Australia.

The young people from the Youth Theatre will be in Pittsworth during the week before Saturday, May 28 to set up the lighting for the show and all the work involved in getting ready for the performance will be done by the young people themselves.

Click here for the article


Genesis Here on Saturday

The Pittsworth Town Hall will be transformed this Saturday.

Forty young people from the Darling Downs Youth Theatre are setting up during this week for their inaugural production "genesis".

All kinds of music has been written for "genesis". One of the songs was written by the two local girls in the youth theatre - Karyn Simmons and Michelle McIntyre.

... Click here for the article


LINKS:

ALBUM - Michelle McIntyre

Slideshow - Michelle McIntyre

21 Days of easier Blogging!! (Post)

Blogging - Become an Author (Slideshow)

Still more to come ...

Alas I had hoped to complete all the entries leading up to tomorrow night's reunion before work this morning. I have fallen short of this goal. I probably hit enough keystrokes, but on a chilly winter's morning before sunrise is not a good time for a two-finger typist to try. Lots of backspaces, deletes and 'oh sugar, the caps lock is on again - ohhh and for that long - start again..

Hopefully tonight it will be all done so that anyone keen enough can read it all tomorrow morning. If only Toowoomba had a Starbuck's eh?!!!

PS: With the entries this morning, you may not have seen Jim's message for us. Unfortunately he will not be able to make it to the reunion tomorrow.

Click here to see Jim Cotter's message.

Down Memory Lane #9 - The sign of Satan? - (Letters To The Editor)

Must have been 'interesting times' for Rick, Lloyd, Robert & Jim during the following exchanges. The initial "Letters To The Editor" item was published on the May 5, 1977.

The sign of Satan?

A circular has been received by the North Toowoomba Progress Association advertising a musical play entitled "Genesis". Contained in its text is a mention of the Ark and the Flood. This gives the impression that the patrons would be witnessing a play with a strong Biblical content; but there was something about the letter-head on the circular that raised doubts in the minds of our members as to the real purpose of the production. It was decided that intending patrons should be warned - if they decide to attend -to do so with a reserved and guarded mind. Readers might ask: Why? And we give our reason.

... Click here for the article

Following the initial letter from the then Honarary Secretary of the North Toowoomba Progress Association, there were a number of Letters To The Editor including a response from Lloyd Nickson.

Lloyd's Response

As a Christian, I am amazed that the "genesis" banner should cause such a reaction. As a designer, I am interested that such a sign could be interpreted with such broad and terrifying meaning. Let me explain.

... Click here for the article


Other Letters To The Editor:

'Silly, hurtful, insulting'

I thank The Chronicle for giving me the space to comment on Mr Larkin's silly, hurtful and insulting letter regarding "Genesis."

... Click here for the article


Benefits from "genesis"

With reference to the letter "The Sign of Satan," (T.C. 5-5-77): I can only reply that it is a pity that Mr Larkin has nothing better to do with his time than to pull to pieces the title, "genesis", which is the forthcoming production of the Darling Downs Youth Theatre.

... Click here for the article


Can't find the 'pot' leaf

Regarding criticism of "genesis" - the latest by Mr Frederick Larkin: For heaven's sake leave the kids alone and wish them well!

... Click here for the article


'Genesis acceptable'

With some trepitation I attended a performance a performance of "genesis".

... Click here for the article


and finally ... from Mr Larkin:

No evil in 'genesis'

In connection with the recent correspondence carried on through The Chronicle pertaining to the musical "genesis" I have this to report:

... Click here for the article


LINKS:

ALBUM - Michelle McIntyre

Slideshow - Michelle McIntyre

21 Days of easier Blogging!! (Post)

Blogging - Become an Author (Slideshow)

Down Memory Lane #8 - Local Reviews - 'genesis' ... a superb creation

The Chronicle - MAY 1977

'genesis ... a superb creation

Last night the Empire Theatre, lifeless for so long, was reborn - and a magnificent rebirth it was. Forty-two teenagers from Toowoomba and the Downs, under the auspices of the Queensland Theatre Company, presented a theatrical happening such as this city has not seen for a long, long time and a large and enthusiastic audience lapped it up and wished that there could be more.

... Click here for the article

A weekend of theatre variety

The often-heard lament "There's nothing to do in Toowoomba" was given a lie direct over the weekend when the local "culture vultures" were treated to two performances of "genesis" at the Empire Theatre, a ballet recital at the City Hall theatre on Saturday night, and a brass spectacular at the same theatre last night.

... Click here for the article


LINKS:

ALBUM - Michelle McIntyre

Slideshow - Michelle McIntyre

21 Days of easier Blogging!! (Post)

Blogging - Become an Author (Slideshow)

Down Memory Lane #7 - It has been a long time

May 1977

IT HAS BEEN A LONG TIME

The Empire Theatre will be used for a live performance tonight for the first time in 10 years.

Darling Downs Youth Theatre has been working in the Empire for the last four weeks in preparation for their inaugural production "genesis"

[A "pre-premiere" performance will be held tonight.]

Tomorrow night's opening is the culmination of 3 1/2 months of work by 40 young people who come from centres in many parts of the Darling Downs.

They have devised, written and designed the production themselves with the guidance of four professional theatre people from the Queensland Theatre Company, which is mounting the pilot project.

After performing in the Empire Theatre until Saturday night, "genesis" will tour to Stanthorpe, Pittsworth, Oakey, Warwick, Dalby and Brisbane.

LINKS:

Click here for the article

ALBUM - Michelle McIntyre

Slideshow - Michelle McIntyre

21 Days of easier Blogging!! (Post)

Blogging - Become an Author (Slideshow)

Have a fabulous night! (Jim Cotter)

Dear friends,

It is with more than a tinge of sadness that I write to say "have a great night" because I really wish that I could be there to see you all and especially to see first hand the extraordinary people that you have become. Sadly I will miss the experience as my beloved Kathryn is in the middle of treatment for breast cancer and much as we had hoped to get there, it has at this late point become all too clear that it is beyond the possible. I had hoped that we three (including 2 year old Miles) could have been able to join you.

Kathryn says that in all the time we have been together the DDYT projects have been the work that I have most often spoken about with pride.I am sure on reflection that this is true and is largely because of what Robert spoke of on the blog as "Contribution Analysis".I prefer to call it "Rupert" 'cause I'm an academic now, (ho ho) desperately trying to fight the gradual erosion of standards in the university system (not so ho ho).What we did back then was not only artistically good and honest,lifechanging for us all and fundamentally one hell of a good time but, as I have been repeatedly told over the years, had a huge influence on how the Australia Council dealt with and funded Youth Activities for the subsequent decades.

I am sure that there are many more streams that will emerge throughout the night that illustrate similar points of influence.Thanks to all who have worked so hard to make this a reality, have a really wonderful night. Raise a glass for us (and other absent friends), pass the baton to a new generation on a regular basis, keep the faith and keep the bastards honest! Much love to each and every one of you.

Jim.

Apologies from Clare Maher and Brenda Liesagang.

Unfortunately Brenda is very sick with a flu virus and does not want to pass it on to anybody so she has decided that she'll stay home at Stradbroke Island and get well.

 

Get well soon Brenda.

 

We've also received an email from Clare Maher and she cannot attend the reunion, because she needs to be with her father in law who is very ill right now. Our thoughts are with you and your father in law Clare.

 

We will miss them both on Saturday night!

 

In the meantime .......................... I have managed to contact John Dowton (technical team on Bottom's) and I'm pleased to say that John will attend the reunion on Saturday evening!

 

I spoke with Vaughan Barker today!  Vaughan played one of the attendants (Robin Goodfellow) to Oberon in Bottom's.  Vaughan lives in Melbourne and may not be able to attend but will give it his best shot.  Fingers crossed.

 

I managed to speak with Gabrielle McConville, now living in Byron Bay and she may not make it on Saturday but will let me know if there's any chance!  We hope so Gabrielle!  Gabrielle played MUSTARDSEED, Attendant to Titania!! 

 

Regards,

Rick

 

 

"To laugh is to love - And to love is to live - So we make the world love - And make the world laugh"

Does anyone remember that quote?

(you'll see it referenced in this article - click here)

Well I won't give you the answer just yet ... just keep checking the BLOG posts over the next 48 hours and you will have the answer.

In the meantime, does anyone have a copy of the Genesis and Bottoms Electric Summertime Dream scripts? If you do, we'd really, really, really, really, really, really love for you to bring them along with you to the reunion (and no we won't take to the stage for an impromptu performance). We would love the opportunity to scan the scripts and add them to the BLOG site for all to see!!

Cheers .. and only 2 more sleeps to go (for those of you who can still sleep;)!!!!!

PS: If you do still have a copy of the script, perhaps you should insure it with Lloyds of London! The value after 30 years must be enormous!!!!

Down Memory Lane #6 - Young People Write Own Music

The Chronicle, Wednesday, 23 March 1977

Young People Write Own Music

Music from Lyrical talk songs to contemporary electronic music will be written in Toowoomba for "Genesis", the inaugural production of the Darling Downs Youth Theatre.

The music will be composed by young people involved in the Youth Theatre, a Queensland Theatre Company project.

They will be working with help and tuition of a new addition to the staff of the project, Mr Jim Cotter.

Mr Cotter arrived from Canberra to join the Youth Theatre with a car load of tape recorders, synthesisers and musical instruments and has since puzzled the neighbours of 4 Burns Street, the project's headquarters, with strange sounds ranging from arpeggios on the trumpet to what appear to be electronic bird calls.

As a muscian, Mr Cotter has played with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra and was the co-founder and artistic director of the Canberra Music Theatre Troupe. He plays the trumpet, guitar, synthesiser and percussion instruments.

As a composer, Mr Cotter has written a wide variety of works. In 1974 he was commissioned to write a complete score for the Dance Company of New South Wales' ballet, "Fantastic Voyage", which was performed in the Sydney Opera House.

To contrast with this, he wrote the music for the most recent "Tintookies" production which has toured Australia and South-East Asia.

"Genesis" opens in Toowoomba in May.


LINKS:

Click here for the article

ALBUM - Michelle McIntyre

Slideshow - Michelle McIntyre

21 Days of easier Blogging!! (Post)

Blogging - Become an Author (Slideshow)

A STERLING JOB LEO!!

We would just like to take the opportunity to say a very big THANK YOU to Leo Keane for his incredible contributions towards making the lead up to this reunion such an exciting event.  Not only the lead up, but for efforts that 'remain to be seen' !! 

 

Leo's skills and dedication in relation to the 'BLOG design and input' has been nothing short of WONDERFUL!

 

So 'hats off to you Leo' and I'm sure we speak on behalf of everyone when we say how much we appreciate the wonderful work that you are doing.

 

THANK YOU also to Jeff Williams and his partner Barb for helping to source & set up some technical equipment for the evening.  We are very grateful for that!

 

A big thank you to Brenda Liesegang for her willingness to create name tags for us to wear on the night!  An essential item we think!

 

Finally, thank you to those of you who've supplied pictures from your albums; they've really made for interesting viewing/reading on the BLOG!!!!

 

Thank you very much :)

 

Kind regards,

Rick and Michelle

 

 

Cathie Morwood wil be there Saturday night - from Emerald!

Hi everyone,

 

Only 2 more sleeps!! 

 

Good news .......  As you may have already read on the BLOG, Cathie Morwood was able to take Monday off from her school teaching commitments in Emerald (QLD) and will be with us on Saturday evening.  Great news Cathie!

 

  I received a call from Naomi Nicholson (Genesis) last night and she is SO excited about Saturday!

"The concept is amazing ......... coming together after 30 years."  I couldn't agree more Naomi!  Naomi is travelling from Canberra.

 

I also spoke with Chris McCarthy (Bottom's), who is currently working in the Northern Territory as a welder for the mines.  He lives in Brisbane, but can't make the reunion because of work commitments. Chris will check out our BLOG and 'share something' as soon as he can. 

 

I managed to speak with Gabrielle McConville (Bottom's), now living in the Lismore area.  She will do her best to make Saturday night, but given the short notice, can't promise anything. Gabrielle will also check out the BLOG!

 

Unfortunately due to other work commitments and time constraints I am still to track down 6 people from Bottom's and I will do my best between now and Sat!  I am so pleased that the majority of the people that have already been contacted have been able to see their way clear to make our night on Saturday!  Well done everyone!

 

Travel safe and don't forget your bed socks!!   A bit chilly.

 

Kind regards,

Rick & Michelle

 

 

Updated list of people attending on Saturday evening.

 

Susan Bulmer (Genesis)

Geoffrey Burmester (Bottom's)

Shane Calcutt (Genesis)

Di Cary (Genesis) 

& Raelene Wallace

Andrea Dye (Genesis)

& Mike Ruse

Kate Foy (USQ/QTC)

Josephine Frankland (Bottom's)

John Gillies (Genesis)

Sharon Hoey (Genesis)

Rick Ireland (Genesis & Bottom's)

Janine Jackson (Genesis)

Jonathon Jackson (Bottom's)

Mary Anne Jackson (Genesis)

& Ralf Green

Leo Keane (Genesis & Bottom's)

Robert Ketton (USQ)

Robert Kingham (Genesis & Bottom's)

Ivy Dommett, Sam Barbagallo

& Luke Barbagallo

Tony Kyprios (Genesis & Bottom's)

Jacquie Lalor (Genesis & Bottom's)

Brenda Liesegang (Genesis & Bottom's)

Deb Little (Genesis & Bottom's)

Jumana Maroon (Bottom's)

Michelle McIntyre (Genesis)

& Neil Torrens

John McNamara (Genesis & Bottom's)

Cathie Morwood (Genesis & Bottom's)

Bronwyn Myers (Bottom's) 

& Simon Oswell

Naomi Nicholson (Genesis)

Gavin O'Reilly (Bottom's)

Larni Peelgrane (Bottom's)

Leanne Pobar (Bottom's)

Camilla Priaulx (Genesis & Bottom's)

Karyn Simmons (Genesis)

Mary Ellen Stringer (Genesis & Bottom's)

Graeme Schuller (Bottom's)

& Jen Schuller

Mary Stuart (Bottom's)

Jeff Williams (Genesis & Bottom's)

& Barb Merton

Ian Wilson (Genesis)

Leo Zeller (Genesis)

 

 

 

 

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Down Memory Lane #5 - Cleanup at Empire

circa 12 April 1977

THEATRE CLEAN-UP FOR 'GENESIS'

The interior of the Empire Theatre has been "spruced up", ready for the production of "Genesis" on May 12 by the Darling Downs Youth Theatre.

Director of "Genesis", Mr Rick Thompson, said 40 members of the D.D.Y.T, parents and volunteers moved in on Easter Saturday with mops, buckets, brooms, and vacuum cleaners.

Rehearsals started on Easter Sunday, and from now until the production on Thursday, May 12, the Darling Downs Youth Theatre will have the use of the theatre.

"Genesis" will be performed on an acting area which runs from the front of the stage into the auditorium.

...

Click here for the article

Also click here for the photo for the article


LINKS

ALBUM - Michelle McIntyre

Slideshow - Michelle McIntyre

21 Days of easier Blogging!! (Post)

Blogging - Become an Author (Slideshow)

Down Memory Lane #4 - Mark Morwood becomes Oakey Lions Youth of the Year

LIONS PRESENTATION

Jondaryan Shire Council Chairman Councillor Ian McIntyre presents Oakey Lions Youth of the Year winner with his prize.



LINKS:

BLOG SITE - Mark Morwood

Click here for the article

ALBUM - Michelle McIntyre

Slideshow - Michelle McIntyre

21 Days of easier Blogging!! (Post)

Blogging - Become an Author (Slideshow)

Hi everyone it's Cathie Morwood here ........

My principal has given me leave for next Monday so I will be a the reunion on Saturday!

It will be just me on Saturday but my mother Jenny may join us on Sunday.

Although I don't appear on the Genesis program, I was actually involved in the design team in a minor way. I still have the knitting needles that I used when knitting part of the Rainbow and one of the sweat shirts I remember helping screen print.

See you Saturday,

Cathie

UPDATES - Michelle's Album - images added

Further additions have been made to Michelle McIntyre's web album. You can click on the links below to see the collection of news clippings and photos.



To access Michelle's memorabilia click on either of the following links. Enjoy...

Michelle McIntyre's Slideshow

Michelle McIntyre's Album


.. previous comment about a tee pee is removed (I fail blot tests as well) - I have been chastised over not recognising it as the Rainbow Cloak - on a side note, knitting needle detectors will be installed on the night lest there be an attempt to poke some into my soft fleshy bits.

Down Memory Lane #3 - Stage Was Set For Robert's Career

This third installment for the "Down Memory Lane" series is a very special article about Robert and the rich heritage his family has with the Performing Arts. We will be privileged on Saturday night with the presence of Robert's mother, Ivy Dommet, who is an accomplished pianist. This is a MUST READ article before the weekend (well I think so)! While the exact date of the article is not documented it would appear to be June, 1977.


STAGE WAS SET FOR ROBERTS CAREER

"Genesis" director Robert Kingham seems to have had little option when it came to choosing a career.

A break with the theatre would have meant a break with a distinguished family tradition going back to the last century.

As Richard puts it: "With a grandfather in show business, uncles and aunts in music and acting fields, and a mother an accomplished pianist, the arts just seemed the natural course for me to take."

Now, the theatre, particularly directing and music, are his life, and according to him make it a very satisfying one.

Both Toowoomba and the theatre are a very strong part of Richard's background.

His grandfather, Leonard Dommett, now 82 and living in Brisbane, was well-known in the theatrical world in Toowoomba from the 1920's to the 1940's.

He married and settled in Toowoomba about 1925, and owned a general store at the corner of Herries and Neil streets, as well as a soft drink factory.

Robert said his grandfather "tried his hand at most things" - for example, he drove the first bus run from Toowoomba to Jandowae - but was best known for his theatrical shows.

He specialised in escapology and mind reading, performing under the names of Goldwyn or Harry Gold.

His wife made the costumes for his shows, and the eldest children took part in his acts and played musical instruments from an early age.

During World War II, Mr Dommett took his shows on tour to army camps around the Darling Downs and nearby areas, and recruited vaudeville artists from Brisbane to entertain the soldiers.

With their theatrical background, it is not surprising that the Dommett's five children all made the performing arts their careers.

• Ivy (Richard's mother) is an accomplished pianist and accompanist in Brisbane;
• Leonard, a violinist and leader of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, was awarded the O.B.E. last week for his services to culture.
• Alma is a singer, now living at Trentham, Victoria;
• Malcolm is a saxophonist in Melbourne;
• And John, one of the original directors of the television production "The Box," is now appearing in the television serial "Young Doctors."
  

Robert's father, Keith Humble, is professor of music at Latrobe University in Melbourne.

Robert, 27, has always wanted to be a director, and payed his way through Queensland University by acting for the Queensland Theatre Company.

He graduated with a double major in dramatic literature in 1970 but then "realised I had to learn a whole lot more."

Then followed a two-year period overseas, with work and study at the University of San Diego, California, in Paris, London and Poland.

"But I always wanted to come back to work in Queensland," said Robert.

"There is so much potential here - it's just that training facilities for directors are insufficient in Australia."

Now Robert is employed by the Queensland Theatre Company on such projects as helping organise arts festivals and drama workshops, and setting up groups such as the Darling Downs Youth Theatre.

"Genesis" will be staged for the last time on the Downs with performances at the old Empire Theatre, next Saturday at 5 pm and 8 pm.

LINKS

ALBUM - Michelle McIntyre - (News) - "Stage Was Set For Robert's Career"

Slideshow - Michelle McIntyre

21 Days of easier Blogging!! (Post)

Blogging - Become an Author (Slideshow)

Down Memory Lane #2 - 42 at First Youth Theatre Workshop

The second installment for the "Down Memory Lane" series is photo op at the 4 Burns St offices of cast & crew leaving to board a bus for the live-in workshop.


42 AT FIRST YOUTH THEATRE WORKSHOP

Forty-two students from five centres on the Downs spent the weekend in Toowoomba at the firts live-in workshop of the Darling Downs Youth Theatre project.

The caption for the photograph is:

A group of young people leaving the headquarters of the Darling Downs Youth Theatre at 4 Burns Street to board a bus to take them to their first live-in workshop.

The second news item starts:

They were working under the guidance of Robert Kigham, artistic director, and Lloyd Nickson, design co-ordinator.

The project is run by the Queensland Theatre Company.

Mr Kingham said this was the first project of its kind, and it was hoped that a publication could be collated for guidance of groups running similar projects.

...


LINKS

ALBUM - Michelle McIntyre - (News) - "42 at First Youth Theatre Workshop"

ALBUM - Michelle McIntyre - (News) - "... working under the guidance of ..."


Slideshow - Michelle McIntyre

21 Days of easier Blogging!! (Post)

Blogging - Become an Author (Slideshow)

Hi everyone, it's Naomi Nicholson here ......

 

       

After DDYT '77 my family moved to Canada for a year - not a bad move for a 16 year old Australian girl the year Grease came out!  Yes I had such a wonderful time there that I didn't want to come back, but sense, my parents and a couple of governeménts' views prevailed over mine!  I then attended St Margaret's Girls School in Bribane before landing in Armidale NSW for four years at the Unviersity of New England, where I studied Drama and English as well as being involved in student politics, the student radio station and mobile disco and working as a life saver at the sports union. 

 

After a brief move to Sydney post-university, I ended up in Wellington NSW as an Engish/PE teacher (there was no such thing as a Drama teacher when I first started in education) As my teaching career continued, I moved to Dubbo, back to Armidale then Sydney and finally Canberra.  I have taught everything from PE to French, History and Computer Studies (that was a farce!!) When I arrived in Canberra 15 years ago, there was acutally a subject in high schools called Drama, so I spent about 6 yeasr being a Drama teacher with all the school plays, musicals and dance fesivals to either director or at least co-ordiate. 

 

 I have been lucky to have had the opportunity to work with some fantastic students and facilitate their development as people through thier invlovement in productions.  Unfortunately, this type of work on top of a normal teahcing load has its toll so when an opportunity to go into the teachers' union as an organsier arose, I took it.  (probably form the frying pan and inot the fire).  Again this was interesting work with a capacity to help others in a very meaningful way.  I spent nearly 6 years in the Austrlain Education Union, working on both a local and national level before moving on to the Community and Public Sector Union.  I lasted 18 months there.  It was a different set up with a different view of organisers to the AEU.  So I went looking for another job and landed in the employment policy section of the Chief Minister's Department.  From there I moved back to the ACT Department of Education where I worked both as a policy officer on legilslative business (oh, yes, I have part of a law degree I started soemwhere along the way - never finished) and as a liaison officerin intergovernmental and external relations.  Currently I am reposed in a job at the Commonwealth Department of Environment and Water Resources in the Government Partnerships area, I job I have held for five months.  I am still deciding whether I would like to stay here as it is a far cry from the drama graduate I was.  The lack of contact with people or ability to help others bothers me. 

 

I have continued a life-long interest in dancing, mostly as an extra-curricula activity.  I currently co-own a small (we call it 'boutique') ballroom dance studio in Canberra.  I work a lot with children and beginner adult dancers.  I have done the competition circuit in a number of different dance styles but my body doesn't like it so much these days.  I train others and was supposed to go to Newcaslte this weekend for a comp until the devestating floods occurred. 

 

Lovelife???  Well I was invloved with someone for about 12 years, but we didn't end up married.  I have had a couple of other head-on collisions with love and am currently engaged to Mark, a contrator who works for Fuji-Xerox in Canberra and is also a ballroom dancer.  I have no children of my own but seem to have spent copious amonuts of time looking after other poeple's children as they drifted in and out of my life.  I have two dogs, Kashya (goldren retriever/labrador cross) and Zoe (goldren retriever) and a house I am proud to say I have a mortgage on all by myself!

 

That's it in a nutshell!  I am looking forward to the reuion.  Genesis was such a fantastic experience to have had and to see where we all ended up after this many years and the influnence our experience has had on our lives will indeed be interesting!

 

Naomi  (the dancer)

---

Whoops, sorry Karyn! :)

I think I need to turn off the computer and put my feet up for a bit!!  

 

I forgot to add Karyn Simmons (Genesis) to the previous updated list.  Sorry Karen.  

 

Karen is coming all the way from Thailand for the occassion!   Great effort Karyn and we are looking forward to seeing you on the night.

 

Will update list midweek.

 

Cheers,

Rick

Updated 'attendance list' for DDYT Reunion!!

Hello everyone,

 

Yes the countdown is on and don't forget to pack your winter woollies.  You'll most probably need them!

 

Only five more sleeps!!

 

Here's the updated list of people who will be attending next Saturday night!!  (Hopefully we'll have a few more to add to the list).

 

Susan Bulmer (Genesis)

Geoffrey Burmester (Bottom's)

Shane Calcutt (Genesis)

Di Cary (Genesis) 

& Raelene Wallace

Andrea Dye (Genesis)

& Mike Ruse

Kate Foy (USQ/QTC)

Josephine Frankland (Bottom's)

John Gillies (Genesis)

Sharon Hoey (Genesis)

Rick Ireland (Genesis & Bottom's)

Janine Jackson (Genesis)

Jonathon Jackson (Bottom's)

Mary Anne Jackson (Genesis)

& Ralf Green

Leo Keane (Genesis & Bottom's)

Robert Ketton (USQ)

Robert Kingham (Genesis & Bottom's)

Ivy Dommett, Sam Barbagallo

& Luke Barbagallo

Tony Kyprios (Genesis & Bottom's)

Jacquie Lalor (Genesis & Bottom's)

Brenda Liesegang (Genesis & Bottom's)

Deb Little (Genesis & Bottom's)

Jumana Maroon (Bottom's)

Michelle McIntyre (Genesis)

& Neil Torrens

John McNamara (Genesis & Bottom's)

Bronwyn Myers (Bottom's) 

& Simon Oswell

Naomi Nicholson (Genesis)

Gavin O'Reilly

Larni Peelgrane (Bottom's)

Leanne Pobar (Bottom's)

Camilla Priaulx (Genesis & Bottom's)

Mary Ellen Stringer (Genesis & Bottom's)

Graeme Schuller (Bottom's)

& Jen Schuller

Mary Stuart (Bottom's)

Jeff Williams (Genesis & Bottom's)

& Barb Merton

Ian Wilson (Genesis)

Leo Zeller (Genesis)

 

AND some other relatives and friends joining us at the Coffee Club the next morning!!

 

Kind regards,

Rick & Michelle.

 

PS:  Please let me know if their's been an oversight & we've left you off the list!

 

 

 

Down Memory Lane - Selection List for Genesis

"Down Memory Lane" is the theme for this last week leading up to the reunion. Feel free to contribute your own "Down Memory Lane" article (if you are unsure how to do this, simple follow the links at the bottom of this post).

Michelle has such a magnificent collection of news articles that filling out this series will be a breeze. Alas there has been a sacrifice - a pair of tin snips was needed to extract the material from its bindings, but the consolation will be that they will be rendered into electronic form for Michelle (PhotoDVD & image files) and won't suffer the same ageing processes as the last 30 years.

The first in this series is fittingly a news article in The Chronicle (18th February, 1977) that announces the participants for the 1977 pilot project. The Genesis musical play resulted from this.

Below is an excerpt from the article in The Chronicle (18th February, 1977) - click on the heading to be taken to the clipping in Michelle's album. The section below that contains links to the newest updates to Michelle's album.


Selections for youth theatre project

Names of the young people selected to participate in the Darling Downs Youth Theatre project were announced yesterday. The project is being run by the Queensland Theatre Company.

Of the 42 participants in the main project, there are 19 from Toowoomba, eight from Warwick, six from Oakey, four from Pittsworth and three from Clifton.
...


LINKS

ALBUM - Michelle McIntyre - (News) - "Selections for youth theatre"

ALBUM - Michelle McIntyre - (News) - Narda & Brenda with Genesis Masks (The Sunday Mail)

ALBUM - Michelle McIntyre - Opening Night Ticket Sale Advertisement

ALBUM - Michelle McIntyre - PJ Party?

Slideshow - Michelle McIntyre

21 Days of easier Blogging!! (Post)

Blogging - Become an Author (Slideshow)

Email from Elspeth Hurse - permission to put on blog.

 

 

Hi Rick,

 

Unfortunately, family, work and finances prevent me from attending the reunion.  I have been trying to work out what to put down on paper and/or hoping that something might come up which would enable me to attend...  alas it doesn't look good.  I will try to put together a bit of a personal history and would love to hear from anyone who would like to contact me.  I wish you and all the others a great reunion and look forward to second hand recounts.

Anyone passing through Darwin is welcome to look me up!   elspeth.hurse@ntschools.net 

 

All the best and I will be in touch.

 

Thanks for all your efforts and sorry to let you down.

 

Elspeth

---

Program Guide for Genesis (1977) is now available

The Program Guide for the 1977 Genesis production is now available as a separate album. This is in keeping with the approach for the Bottoms Electric Summertime Dream program guide.

The images are from a copy of the Genesis program guide that my brother Greg had kept (thanks Greg). Unlike a previous set of scans, all of the pages in the program guide for this series of scans are in tact. The program guide for the Genesis production is now available (click on the links below or on the sidebar entry under the "Check out these links" section).

Slideshow - Program Guide - "Genesis"

ALBUM - Program Guide - "Genesis"

If you have any images relating to the Genesis (1977) or Bottoms (1978) periods and would like to share these please, let us know. If you have these images scanned, you can forward these to one of the email addresses below (Rick is on a dial-up internet connection so if your attachments are going to be around 2 MB or larger, it would be best to forward them to the Genesis email address - this can accept emails with attachments up to 10 MB). If you have photos, we can scan them for you. Please contact Rick to organise a suitable way for getting the photos to us and we will return them after they have been scanned. Alternatively, bring them with you to the Reunion and if you would like them to be included with the online albums and/or the post-reunion DVD, we can scan them overnight and return the photos/memorabilia to you at The Coffee Club the following morning

Genesis email: DDYT (dot) Genesis (at) gmail (dot) com

Rick's email: solar9 (at) bigpond (dot) com

Rick's phone: 07 4635 8590

Rick's mobile: 0417 716 261

(remember to replace the (dot) and (at) with the keyboard character - we're trying our best to avoid 'bots' that scour the web harvesting email addresses for spamming purposes)

Memorabilia - Autographs from Michelle's collection

Michelle McIntyre has a fabulous collection of news clippings, photos & stuff. I was so fascinating that I found myself reading a lot of the news clippings (so long ago I don't remember any of the articles!) rather than scanning them as I should have.

I have started her album on the web and will extend the collection over this coming week (ahhhh the suspense - my cunning plan to entice you all to come back regularly to the web site during this last week;)

To start you off, I thought I would scan some of the messages you left for Michelle.

Click on the following link to start the slideshow of Michelle's collection of 'memories' from the era!

Enjoy...

Michelle McIntyre's Slideshow

Michelle McIntyre's Album

...

Hello everyone, it's Vicki Barbeler here

Vic Barbeler cannot make the reunion unfortunately, due to family commitments.

Vic has sent through some photos of herself, her partner Moi and their beautiful children. Vic has also asked that if anyone would like to contact her to please feel free to do so.

CONTACT DETAILS:

Vic's email: vicbarbeler (at) hotmail (dot) com

(remember to replace the (dot) and (at) with the keyboard character - we're trying our best to avoid 'bots' that scour the web harvesting email addresses for spamming purposes)


Hi Rick,
here are a couple of pics that I thought you might like seeing/sharing with any of the folks that attend on the 16th. As you can see I haven't changed much in 30 years. Our boys are Charles 6, named after my dad and Sebastian 18 months.

love Vic.