The Holidays (portfolio)

Research Background The Holidays was initiated in playwriting and realized in the field of Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies, research led by creative practice addressing creative challenges of both content and form in professional theatre contexts:1 how to write a script for an intermedial performance that will develop and present themes significant to young people and their families for the mainstage.2 how to innovate formally using principles of Composed Theatre in a mainstage context.Research Contribution This portfolio includes script and production of an intermedial work combining performance screen and music. Rebstock and Roesner note creatives working in the mode of Composed Theatre apply musical thinking to the performance as a whole (2012, 9). The process was summarised on 5 blog posts over 2 years.With script completed, I consulted in appointing key creatives and managed script changes brought about by intermedial demands of the piece and exigencies of the COVID-19 working environment. The significant aesthetic challenges anticipated by the script required not only careful planning, adaptability, innovation and responsivity from key creatives, but also reconceptualising mainstage production processes. The relevance of intergenerational themes and innovative integration of aesthetic forms were noted as key features of the production.Research SignificanceThe script was selected from 93 entries by a panel of industry leaders as the winner of the 2018-19 Queensland Premier’s Drama Award. It was published by Playlab Theatre November 2020 to coincide with the opening night performance of its production.The November 2020 world premiere was well received by audiences and critics. Reviews in national publications noted its achievement in terms of its accessible themes and innovations in form.