La Boite Theatre is no stranger to producing some of Australia's most insightful and intimate theatre performances and the upcoming Capricorn is no different.
Written and directed by Butchulla and Kabi Kabi man Aidan Rowlingson, Capricorn tells the story of doomed lovers, Sam and Ally, whose fractured relationship unfolds before the audience.
As the world faces a heartbreak inducing mystery, the disappearance of all pet fish AKA Here Fishy Fishy Fishy (Kerri Llewy-Allen), Sam (Sean Dow) and Ally (Jazleen Latrise) must confront their choices and the truth behind their downfall.
Through this broken relationship, Capricorn explores themes of love, loss, culture, sexuality, personal growth, grief, environmental issues, protest, and institutional corruption.
The play takes the audience on an emotional journey from heartbreak to healing, with touches of surrealism and comic relief. It encourages introspection and leaves a lasting impact.
Mr Rowlingson will co-direct the world premiere work with Queensland producer, playwright, director and Yuwi woman, Nadine McDonald-Dowd.
In his youth Mr Rowlingson needed an outlet to harvest his energy. He gave acting a try in high school and decided to pursue it at university where he's since earned credits as a producer, writer, curator and director.
He has produced events and new works across South-East Queensland including Digi Youths Art's touring Where We Stand street-art program, Creative Producer for Brisbane Sci-fi Theatre Festival, and the Queer Aboriginal cabaret The Lubly's.
"Relationships are at the center of this play. It's about our relationship to each other and the relationship we have with the world," Mr Rowlingson said.
"Our experience of this world helps form who we are. As a queer Butchulla and Kabi Kabi man the world in which I live is political and my activism is always an ongoing journey for me.
"Environmental management, institutional corruption, LGBTQIA2+ rights and body autonomy are issues that my community faces everyday.
"But how can we face these things and be strong when our home life is falling apart and our hearts are breaking? That's what this play is about."
Both excited and nervous for opening night, Mr Rowlingson is proud to premiere his body of work which speaks to many aspects of the human experience.
"I'm feeling both nervous and excited. Nervous because it's always scary when you put something out into the world. It's no longer yours after that," he said.
"It becomes about the collective experience. But that's also really exciting."
Jazleen Latrise - "Ally" - is a proud Kaanju and Pitta Pitta woman from Far North Queensland. She made her theatrical debut with Queensland Theatre in Wesley Enoch's "The Sunshine Club" and served as an understudy for Jimi Bani and Jason Klarwein's adaption of "Othello" in September 2022.
She got involved with the project after being fond of Ally's disposition in her relationships within this production.
"Ally is a passionate, courageous and brave woman. She is someone who fights for what she wants and loves deeply," Latrise said.
"I was drawn to the role of Ally because I feel like she speaks to the stages of relationships we all experience.
"It has been a wonderful experience working alongside a team of creatives all dedicated to the nuances of this story. It has been a joy to be challenged and find all the details of a complex and loving relationship."
Ms Latrise notes her excitement to "share this story with the world."
"The story of Ally and Sam is one that we can all relate to and I think teaches us to love ourselves. I can't wait to share this story," she said.
Capricorn's preview performances begin on Monday 24th and Tuesday 25th July at 6:30pm, with opening night on Wednesday 27th at La Boite's Roundhouse Theatre and run to 12th of August 2023.
