Blue Theatre Company Presents AKIO! at Hayes Theatre

Perfect for school holiday family entertainment, Blue Theatre Company in association with Hayes Theatre Co will present AKIO! from Saturday 4 July to Sunday 12 July.

AKIO! is a shy young boy who is bullied at school and spends his waking hours immersed in video games - the only thing that can draw his attention away is Harumi, the girl of his dreams. The adventure begins when a strange chain of events lead AKIO! and Harumi to be sucked into a video game world. When Harumi is kidnapped by a powerful, villainous creature, AKIO! has to save her but where will he get his strength? Where will he find his bravery? How will he stand up and face fear head on? In his quest to rescue Harumi, AKIO! will meet wise friends and terrifying monsters, all the while learning what makes a hero, what defines a villain; and perhaps how the two are not so different after all. Through power of will and strength of heart, AKIO! learns the most powerful weapon of all...

"AKIO! reminds me of a universal dream," said Sascha Hall, Producer, Blue Theatre Company. "To be our own hero in life. Our children will see themselves in AKIO! as we empower our hero's of the future."

AKIO! is a physical theatre piece, which combines acting, dance, choreography, movement, sound and audio-visual design to tell a universal, coming-of-age tale. Inspired by Japanese theatre-maker, Tadashi Suzuki and his philosophies of theatre performance and culture, AKIO! is a marriage of cultures into one uplifting story of love, bravery, courage and discipline. Theatrically, it explores the beauty of the human body, as it weaves Japanese mythology and gaming culture into an adventure to be enjoyed by all ages. A celebration of childhood, AKIO! is love and learning to understand and accept your enemy in the face of violence.

Blue Theatre Company respects that these issues are sensitive; though statistics show high levels of our population suffering from one or more symptoms of mental illness in everyday life. Blue Theatre's angle is to approach these sensitive subjects with hope, humour, education, and positive enlightenment. Blue Theatre Company offers self-growth and education to audiences. The company's aim is to offer new, creative and positive ways to approach the dark stigma of mental illness. To help people turn fear into new possibilities and passion. If we plant the seeds, its roots can spread and help people; create, discover and inspire.

"To create theatre and remain creative in this world is a privilege and we intend to be brave and honest when sharing this gift," continued Ms Hall. "Our performances will be food for the heart and soul, working to reduce the impact of anxiety, depression and suicide in the community by raising awareness and empowering people to seek help."

Hayes Theatre Co is a dedicated music theatre and cabaret venue in Potts Point. Named for Australian musical theatre legend, Nancye Hayes OAM, Hayes Theatre Co honours and builds on the vast history of Australian Musical Theatre and its practitioners. This not-for-profit venue is managed by Independent Music Theatre, a collaborative partnership focusing on providing a permanent home for small-scale musical theatre and cabaret. By providing venue space to newly mounted productions, Hayes Theatre Co, will be a presenting partner together with independent producers and artists. Hayes Theatre Co is made possible through the City of Sydney's Accommodation Grant Program.

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