A SPARC of Life for The King

 A SPARC of Life for The King

With only three performances of their show Are You Lonesome Tonight this weekend (Nov 20 – 22, 2015), Coral Drouyn takes a look at SPARC theatre and their impact on the community.

We sometimes forget too easily that some people are side-lined by society, alienated in their own communities. Life has little to offer them, but still they look for a way to belong. Everyone has something to contribute to the Arts, but first they need someone to believe in them.

Much like the now famous “Choir of Hard Knocks”, SPARC offers a chance to belong and to express their creativity, to those in unstable accommodation, the homeless, the aged, the intellectually or physically impaired. Surely only music surpasses (or at least equals) theatre in its ability to suspend disbelief and inspire, to integrate all “misfits” as equal with something to offer. The effect on those participating, and the community around them is often profound, leading to a new sense of self worth.

Founded in 2004, the company is a joint initiative with the City of Port Phillip council and relies on development grants and sometimes private donations to boost the council budget. Yet its impact can’t be measured in dollars alone. Like the Ad says – it’s “priceless” - as Artistic Director Katie Lockett explains;  

“Meaningful relationships and having purpose within your community is essential to wellbeing. At SPARC our intention is to build trust, friendship, and offer creative outlet. We celebrate and give voice to people who are often not seen or heard… connecting our ensemble to their community, and allowing their creativity to shine.”

Their first production in 2006 was cleverly named “SPARC’s fly” and it told the stories- sad, poignant and funny – of the performers themselves.

It costs nothing to join SPARC, except finding the courage to put yourself out there (sometimes the hardest thing of all). But once you join you have so much at your fingertips; weekly drama classes, artistic workshops, and, ultimately, productions for an audience. You can literally experience your dreams coming true. Which brings us to their latest production Are You Lonesome Tonight (yes Grammar Nazis, I know it should have a question mark – but it doesn’t).

Let’s get real here….everybody loves Elvis, even if we deny it in public. The members of SPARC are no exception. In fact seven of them travelled interstate in January to the Parkes Elvis Festival. It’s no surprise then that their new show is a glitzy Las Vegas style tribute to the King….with the songs we all know and love, spattered with stories and anecdotes, performed by 14 members of SPARC itself with guest artist Jeff Karutz.

The show runs for only 3 shows this weekend at St Kilda’s Greyhound Hotel in the Main Showroom. Fridays show is 7pm, but Saturday and Sunday there are 2pm matinees. If any company deserves a Hunka Hunka Burning Love, it’s SPARC, and I have a feeling that Elvis would approve.

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