Underground Productions, UQ’s student-run theatre company, turns 10 today, and all arts lovers are invited to join in the birthday celebrations.
Combining drama, comedy, music and film, BUGfest will run from October 29 - November 8 at the St Lucia Campus.
Underground Development Officer Clare Brown said the festival, which features six plays and four events, was wide-ranging in its appeal.
“The writers, directors and performers in BUGfest come from a variety of different backgrounds and degrees to create an experience that is universally accessible and entertaining,” Miss Brown said.
“Also, as the foyer is a constant party, the bar is licensed and the comedy is flowing, it's a great opportunity to release the stress from exams and have some fun.
“As Underground is celebrating its 10th anniversary, this year's BUGfest is birthday themed.
“Upon arrival, guests will walk straight into giant party, with face painting, decorations, music, party games and lollies planted around the foyer as a treasure hunt before the show starts.
“Each extra event will in some way contribute to the birthday flavour, whether it be through the coming-of-age style awards night (on Friday, November 7) or a big game of pass the parcel at BUGlounge, the festival's open mic night (on Saturday, November 1).”
Established in 1998 and based at UQ, Underground Productions brings together university students from across Brisbane with an interest in the theatre scene.
While all six plays set to feature during BUGfest were penned and directed by UQ students, some of the performers hail from the wider Underground community.
Each year, Underground stages up to four productions and also organises workshops, competitions and shows with an educational slant.
“In terms of involvement, BUGfest is Underground's biggest, most notorious and arguably most popular event,” Miss Brown said.
“The six plays and various event nights always succeed in bringing in large and diverse crowds.
“There is always excitement in the Underground community when BUGfest looms near."
All BUGfest events will be held between October 29 and November 8 at the Schonell Theatre, the Cement Box Theatre or Geoffery Rush Foyer, all located within the Student Union Complex at the St Lucia Campus.
Tickets to the plays cost $5 for Underground members, $8 for students and $14 for adults. The Saturday events ask for a gold coin donation only.
A few BUGfest highlights include:
Thursday, October 30, 7pm, Cinema 2 in the Schonell Theatre: BUGfilm
Saturday November 1, 7pm, Cement Box Theatre (under the Schonell): BUGsports (theatre sports) and BUGlounge (open mic night)
Friday, November 7, 7pm, Cement Box Theatre: BUGawards
Saturday, November 8, 7pm, Cement Box Theatre: BUGfarce (comedy show) and CaBUGaret
Two shows which highlight the wide ranging appeal of BUGfest include:
Wed-Fri, Cement Box Theatre, 7.30pm: Dance of The Sadist, directed by Benjamin Adams
This play is, by its own description, "more than a little bit morbid, and more than a little bit true". Three characters and a narrator explore the story of a relationship born in the midst of heartbreak, electricity, weakness and above all, careful planning.
Wed-Fri, Cement Box Theatre, 7.30pm: Oedipussy, directed by Madelin Newman
The classic Greek tragedy- only with more sass, more fun, catchier songs, and a touch of Austin Powers style flair. This musical extravaganza tells the unfortunate story of Oedipussy: The spy who shagged her Dad! Awkward fun for the whole family.
Further information is available at bugfest08.com.
Media: Clare Brown (0433 809 256, undergroundproductions.uq@gmail.com) or Penny Robinson at UQ Communications (07 3365 9723, penny.robinson@uq.edu.au)
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