Launceston theatre takes Wild Swimming to Italy's Invisible Festival
IO Performance becomes the first Australian theatre company invited to Italy's Invisible Festival.
IO Performance is a grassroots theatre company from Launceston that started in 2017 and is heading to Italy's Invisible Festival. Co-artistic directors Grace Roberts and Chris Jackson will perform their show Wild Swimming, directed by Zoe Vandervelde.
The festival has run for seven years. Before now, it picked only European acts for its international slot.
IO Performance is the first Australian company ever invited. Roberts said: "We showed interest and found out in August we won a spot.
This is our first international show." The pair pay for their own work.
They have raised only small grants from events over the years. They will host a gaming night on 30 October to raise money for flights.
The money is for themselves and three technicians. The festival will return to Launceston in 2028.
It will run workshops and perform.
- 2017
- Founded
- Launceston
- Location
- October 30
- Fundraiser date
Why it mattersWhen an Australian theatre company breaks into an international festival, it shows something important. Grassroots arts can reach a global stage. They can bring international partners back home too.
AustraliaLaunceston's independent theatre scene gains international credibility and will host the Italian festival's return visit in 2028, raising the city's cultural profile.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 h ago
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