War Horse
Written on August 17, 2012 at 12:27 pm, by Carlos
Performer
Nick Stafford’s stage adaptation of Michael Morpurgo’s book, War Horse, is a magnificent drama which tells the heart wrenching story of Joey, the beloved horse of a boy called Albert, who is sold to the cavalry at the outbreak of World War I and shipped to France. He’s soon caught up in enemy fire, and fate takes him on an extraordinary odyssey, serving on both sides before finding himself alone in no man’s land. But Albert cannot forget Joey and, still not old enough to enlist, he embarks on a treacherous mission to find him and bring him home.
At its heart are astonishing puppets strong enough for men to ride, created by South Africa’s Handspring Puppet Company, who bring breathing, galloping, charging horses to life on stage.
Life size horses traverse the stage, their flanks, hides and sinews built of steel, leather and aircraft cables. Actors, working with these dynamic puppets, will lead Australian audiences on an emotionally-charged journey through history.
Winner of five Tony Awards including Best Play, War Horse has played to packed houses in London and on Broadway since opening, and has been praised by critics everywhere, with the Sunday Times (UK) calling it ‘The Theatre Event of the Decade’ and the Daily Mail (UK) proclaiming it ‘A Uniquely Moving Spectacle’.
Pot-Pourri
Written on August 17, 2012 at 12:05 pm, by Carlos
Performers
With 40 overseas tours and 7 CDs under their belt including Europe, Asia and USA, Melbourne’s Pot-Pourri presents their unique and innovative blend of music theatre, cabaret, opera, magic, didgeridoo and comedy in a superbly entertaining show that is so hot it sizzles! These talented artists hit those high C’s in Opera, belt out Broadway, seduce with song, dance up a storm, create magic and stir your soul with haunting ballads! Described as brilliantly talented, funny, fresh, moving and must-see… do not miss them!
Recently named Australian Event Entertainers of the Year by BT Publishing, Pot-Pourri is Tania de Jong AM (soprano), Rebecca Bode(soprano), Jon Bode (tenor), Jonathan Morton (baritone) and Rebecca Chambers (pianist). These 5 talented artists have all performed with Australia’s major musical and opera companies and performed internationally as soloists. Pot-Pourri has an extensive touring schedule and has appeared at major venues such as the Melbourne Concert Hall, Sydney Town Hall, Burswood and Wrest Point Casinos. The group has toured throughout many parts of the USA, Europe, New Zealand and Asia.
They were selected as one of the companies to represent Australia internationally for the Reaching the World program of The Sydney Olympic Games and were invited to perform at the World Expo 2000 in Hannover as a result of a standing ovation at the Australia Germany Association Conference Gala Dinner in Brisbane. Pot-Pourri also create tailor-made performances for your conferences, dinners, awards nights, launches, private and special events.
“Sublime musicality is what Pot-Pourri is all about: their voices, the evergreen songs they choose and their pianist are all world class. Pot-Pourri harmonies are spine-tinglingly glorious to hear and they are beautiful and inspiring. Their show is a joyous thing to experience!” ArtsHub
Michael Pope
Written on June 11, 2012 at 3:18 pm, by Carlos
MC
Michael joins the conference again this year as Master of Ceremonies and looks forward to an even more creatively innovative experience than Ci2010 and Ci2011.
After almost 30 years in the entertainment industry, there isn’t much that Michael hasn’t done. From hosting television programs to producing them, from performing in front of Prime Ministers to the man on the street, Michael applies his same level of commitment and enthusiasm.
As well as hosting conferences, dinners, award nights and the like, Michael spends much of his time as the audience warm-up for television shows. After 20 years in this role, he has helped sculpt a dishevelled crowd into an attentive audience for many programs – from the Logies, to Australian Idol. This year it’s Dancing With The Stars, Who wants to be a Millionaire, The Footy Show, Talkin’ ‘Bout Your Generation to name just a few.
Come prepared to be involved!
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Michael Pope on a number of occasions and I consider him to be one of the most experienced and professional comperes, hosts, producers et al that I know. His interaction with people is fantastic and his public speaking is interesting, knowledgeable, humorous and reflects many years in the entertainment industry.” BERT NEWTON – ENTERTAINER
“We couldn’t have asked for a better conference. We worked hard through a lot of heavy sessions & Michael kept it all flowing & used great techniques to highlight key messages in the most fun & entertaining ways. His unique skills helped make our conference work to its best … a true professional, flexible & easy to work with.” RHEEM
Johanna Featherstone
Written on June 11, 2012 at 3:07 pm, by Carlos
Poet in Residence
Johanna Featherstone is a Sydney based poet, and founder and current artistic director of The Red Room Company, through which she runs poetry workshops in adult prisons and high schools. Johanna’s recent chapbook was Felt (2010) and her poems have featured in a range of literary publications including the Best Australian Poems, (Black Inc) Quadrant, Heat and Southerly. Johanna was a founding writer for The Chaser newspaper, and has served as a judge on a number of literary award committees. She is a graduate of the St James Ethics in Leadership program.
Jessamy Gee
Written on June 11, 2012 at 1:38 pm, by Carlos
Graphic Recordist and Artist in Residence
Jessamy Gee is passionate about communication.
With a background in painting and portraiture, Jessamy uses her artistic skills to create tools for communication, comprehension and engagement, drawing upon the concepts of visual thinking and learning. Clients have included General Mills Australia, NAB, City of Melbourne, CSL, Origin Energy, AECOM and many more.
Jessamy has been thrilled to take part in the Creative Innovation conferences as the Artist in Residence in both 2010 and 2011.
Jessamy is dedicated to spreading awareness about the value of visual stimulus in learning within schools and other education facilities, and has taken active part in a variety of community-based work – in particular working with young people of diverse abilities – striving to promote equality, respect and inclusion for these groups through creative programmes.
Gavin Blake
Written on June 11, 2012 at 1:25 pm, by Carlos
Graphic Recordist in Residence
Gavin Blake is a world-class Graphic Facilitator with 12 years in the field. He works mainly with ASX 100 companies in Australia, and other high performing companies around the world. Gavin has worked in the UK, Europe, Asia and Australia since 1999. His clients range from Government and executive level corporate teams to local community groups and dialogue circles. His team visualize messages and ideas in powerful and engaging ways.
Gavin combines his studies in architecture and fine arts, as well as his years as part of an elite facilitation team to create communication pieces including visual strategies, graphic recording and ‘Quick Draw’ educational animations.
His work is designed to make content richer and increase his client’s potential by unleashing visual learning.
Gavin was Graphic Recorder in residence at the Ci2010 and Ci2011 conferences. He is delighted to be participating in Ci2012.