Following the landmark merger with AWESOME Arts announced at the 2024 AWESOME Arts Festival, Barking Gecko Arts proudly presents its most ambitious program for 2025 to date. This program features three productions, the AWESOME International Arts Festival for Bright Young Things, an expanded regional footprint, and innovative collaborations, reinforcing its position as Western Australia's leading youth arts organisation.
The season will kick off with an exciting production at FRINGE WORLD 2025. The Quadrangle, a unique Headphone Verbatim Performance co-produced with Whiskey & Boots, captures the authentic voices of young people. It is running from 23 January to 1 February at the State Theatre Centre of WA.
In May, the compelling play HOODS by Angela Betzien and directed by Andrea Gibbs, will take to the stage. Gibbs, alongside current Artistic Director, Sam Longley, were part of Barking Gecko's original 2009 production. This gritty suburban tale explores themes of poverty and family solidarity. Running from 19 May to 19 June, it reflects the company’s commitment to presenting challenging and relevant theatre for teenage audiences, with a focus on secondary students in Years 9 to 12.
The AWESOME International Arts Festival for Bright Young Things, Western Australia's top cultural event for young people, is set to take place during the term three school holidays from 30 September to 4 October. The 2025 audience will be treated to an exciting array of performances, workshops, and interactive experiences, including the delightful Reasons to Stay Inside by Katy Warner. This heartwarming production explores themes of friendship, mental health, and the power of imagination.
"2025 represents a transformative year for Barking Gecko Arts," says Sam Longley, Artistic Director. By expanding our reach to outer metropolitan venues, including Kalamunda Performing Arts Centre, Koorliny Arts Centre in Kwinana, and Don Russell Performing Arts Centre in Gosnells, we are making theatre more accessible to young Western Australians while maintaining the artistic excellence that our audiences expect."
Additionally, the company will broaden its learning and engagement experiences in 2025, marking an exciting evolution in its educational and community programming. Expanding beyond its renowned theatre programs, Barking Gecko Arts will now offer a variety of multi-form arts experiences, providing young people with a broader range of learning and engagement opportunities. These expanded programs will continue to be presented at the company's Subiaco home and will also extend to new locations Kalamunda Performing Arts Centre, and Koorliny Arts Centre, providing more opportunities for outer metropolitan communities to engage in quality arts’ experiences. Full details of these enriched creative learning experiences for both schools and the community can be found here and in The Art of Play 2025 Schools Guide, which showcases the company's enhanced commitment to nurturing young people's creativity and imagination in fun and nurturing environments.
Click here for a full overview of the 2025 Program.
