ANIMAL FARM Returns to QPAC in May

Shake & stir theatre co's Matilda Award winning production of Animal Farm returns to the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) for a limited season in 2013, as part of the company's five month national tour.

Winner of over 15 Queensland theatre awards, the acclaimed production of Animal Farm will once again fill the Cremorne Theatre with the grotesque beauty of George Orwell's classic from 15 to 25 May 2013.

George Orwell's simple yet intensely powerful tale illustrates with stunning clarity how greed and power corrupts with devastating consequences and can change the course of history.

The production features shake & stir's Artistic Directors, Ross Balbuziente, Nelle Lee and Nick Skubij on stage with two of Queensland's most loved actors Tim Dashwood (Managing Carmen, Romeo & Juliet) and Bryan Probets (1984, As You Like It, Pygmalion). Over 30 animals are played between the dexterous cast of five, allowing each actor to morph physically and vocally to bring The Farmyard full of animals to life.

"We are stoked to have the opportunity to revisit this production. It was a joy creating it back in 2011 and to now be given the chance to not only bring it back to QPAC, but to also run it for five-months nationally, is such a bonus.

"Animal Farm has always been a favourite book of mine; its relevance and appeal is enjoyed across many groups big or small, young and old. Its ability to speak directly to and affect these groups and communities is astounding and, I think, rare for a novel," Co-Artistic Director and the play's Adaptor Nick Skubij says.

Revolution has taken place at Manor Farm. The pigs have assumed control and under the principles of Animalism, a better life free from human service, is promised to all. Guided by a simple set of rules and an unrelenting respect for authority, it is not long until the rules that promised freedom become the chains that bind the animals once again.

"Our production is an honest, true retelling of the novel. Audiences will be shocked as they witness the characters and happenings on Animal Farm unfold in front of them and I hope will question the way they live, their ideals and their aspirations", Skubij adds.

Animal Farm promises to be one of the most shocking, relevant and wickedly funny theatre events of 2013. After selling out in 2011 at QPAC, make sure you pig in now to avoid missing out.