NEWCASTLE talent Callan Purcell says he's "interested in theatre beyond entertainment" with a new program to help inspire the next generation of stars.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A Wiradjuri man and graduate of Hunter School of the Performing Arts, Mr Purcell is currently on standby for six key roles in HAMILTON the musical now showing in Sydney.
"I've gone on stage as Hamilton and King George and had to learn the roles of Lafayette, Jefferson, Laurens and Phillip," he said.
"I'm representing my ancestors, my community and my mob every time I go out there."
Earlier this year Mr Purcell started a program which he says has helped over 1000 kids from "indigenous and minority backgrounds" since March.
"Rad Kid Mob is a group of artists and we provide accessible, meaningful experiences for young people usually in theatres."
It's helpful for them to realise that there's this outlet for radical empathy and imagination and asking the question of 'what if'
- Callan Purcell
According to Mr Purcell, as well as offering free community workshops and Q and A sessions with the cast, the program gets young people in theatre doors.
"We've initiated a scheme where the producers of Hamilton in Australia have helped us to get 950 tickets for young people to see the shows for free or ten dollars," he said.
"Young people who weren't given a chance to come to professional theatres or express themselves in a safe environment now have the chance."
He said the program in Sydney attracts a number of kids from refugee backgrounds.
"A lot of the people who have come to the show have never been to the theatre before. It's helpful for them to realise that there's this outlet for radical empathy and imagination and asking the question of 'what if'."
Mr Purcell told the Newcastle Herald the Rad Kid Mob program allows young people to "tell their own story".
"Making sure that people who have felt excluded for so long can feel included for a change."
Inspired by the musical itself, Mr Purcell said he is looking to the future and finding ways to make long-term change.
"Hamilton is about taking ownership of your own story and giving everyone a platform to make change in the world where they see fit," he said.
"What does my legacy look like and what seeds can I plant now so I can help people even after I'm gone."
Over 130 Sydney performances of HAMILTON were cancelled between June and the show's return in October. Mr Purcell said even when the show couldn't go on, rehearsals did.
"We had Zoom rehearsals and were running the show in our living rooms and bedrooms and our backyards," he said.
"Now we have shows every night except Monday with two shows on Saturdays and Sundays and rehearsals on Wednesday and Thursdays."
While the the rap verses and constant thrill of playing the main character makes it his favourite, Mr Purcell said the role of Lafayette/ Jefferson is a close second.
"He's the war hero in the first act and then in the second he's suave and reminds me almost of car salesman," he said
"I try to push creative boundaries and see what I can get away with before the producers tell me to pull it back."
Mr Purcell's creative pursuits have taken him across the world but he says Newcastle "particularly the ocean baths" is still his favourite place.
"Community theatre in Newcastle was instrumental in me being able to pursue a career as a professional artist."
IN THE NEWS:
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark: newcastleherald.com.au
- Download our app
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News