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Well known actress Lisa Chappell is writing, directing and starring in a new variety show for the Healing Through Arts Trust at Warkworth Town Hall on Saturday, July 6.
She says The Next Step will raise funds for youth at risk and focus on sharing stories to reconnect the community and remind people that we are all on life’s journey together.
“It’s not going to be a heavy night out, it’s pure entertainment,” Lisa says. “But it is certainly touching and will cover our shared vulnerabilities. Through song, dance, poetry and comedy, this concert celebrates overcoming adversity and will hopefully inspire us all into taking the next step towards living our best life.”
Lisa, who is best known for starring in McLeod’s Daughters, will be joined on stage by fellow actress Kat Browne, who will act as host for the hour-long show.
“We’ll be the comedy ‘odd couple’,” Lisa says.
The concert is being produced and choreographed by Catherine Chappell, founder of Touch Compass, a renowned arts and dance company for disabled and non-disabled performers.
Before the performance at 8pm, various local wellbeing and health practitioners will have stalls and there will be drinks and refreshments available.
The idea for the event came from Healing Through Arts Trust founder, drama therapist and Coconut Gallery shop owner Maxine Donnellan as a result of encountering increasing numbers of young people struggling with mental health challenges.
“I have kids coming into my shop all the time suffering from anxiety and stress, buying into all this Instagram and Facebook, thinking ‘what’s wrong with me, no one else is going through this, I should have a better life’,” she says. “I thought what if we put together a variety show where people share their stories and break that isolation, break through that fake news.
“There are so many amazing people in this community and we want to bring them together to share stories and show that we’re all in this together, and we can support each other as a community.”
The Healing Through Arts Trust was established 25 years ago with the aim of equipping young people of all ages and abilities with the skills to become resilient, compassionate and empowered via professional theatre and workshops.
Tickets for The Next Step cost $20, which will include a glass of wine, and they can be bought from The Coconut Gallery shop in Neville Street, Warkworth or from eventfinda.co.nz/2019/the-next-step/auckland/warkworth
