Unique stage work ORANGE inspires fight against Arthritis

ORANGE inspires fight against Arthritis

A unique stage work to celebrate and release the artistic voice of young people with arthritis

Wellington, 11 December 2014 – Arthritis New Zealand is pleased to announce the all new stage show, ORANGE, in which a talented group of young people, aged 17 to 24 years, with arthritis, will articulate the struggles, alongside the strengths and resilience experienced by young people with arthritis.

Written by well-known actress, director and playwright Geraldine Brophy, the performance is a journey of personal strength. Designed to demonstrate that arthritis can affect young people, highlighting their experiences dealing with the physical pain and perceived restrictions of arthritis.

ORANGE is a multi-disciplined performance combining and displaying the unique talents of the young actors, dancers, singers and musicians involved, celebrating their abilities”, says Arthritis New Zealand CEO, Sandra Kirby.

“We are incredibly proud of the performers and the work that has gone into bringing ORANGE to life. The audience will be taken on an inspirational and very personal journey throughout the performance. A truly collaborative effort with an emphasis on the challenges, alongside the personal triumphs experienced everyday by young people with arthritis,” adds Kirby.

The play starts in the fictional land of Orange (Arthritis New Zealand’s signature colour), which is the top of the world which our five adventurers aspire to climb, leaving their burdens at the top and finding their strengths that allow them to live a better life, describes Arthritis New Zealand Ambassador, Geraldine Brophy.

“Arthritis can be a debilitating problem for young people, with its social and personal impacts often not acknowledged. It has been a very special process for me to create this performance, especially placing the spotlight on the resilient nature of these young people,” Brophy adds.

There will be two performances of ORANGE in Wellington’s Gryphon Theatre on Tuesday 16th and Wednesday 17th of December. Tickets are available from Navjeet -Navjeet.kaur@arthritis.org.nz or call 0800 663 463

The production team, alongside Geraldine Brophy, is composed of well-known professionals from within the industry including music by Michael Nicholas Williams.

The play starts in the fictional land of Orange (Arthritis New Zealand’s signature colour), which is the top of the world which our five adventurers aspire to climb, leaving their burdens at the top and finding their strengths that allow them to live a better life

Rachael Williams
Diagnosed less than six months ago, the journey of understanding my condition has only just begun. I was excited that there was the opportunity to work with others who also have an interest in the performing arts. It’s something I knew I needed to be involved in, because I feel passionate about raising awareness of the realities of arthritis. This play was a perfect way for me to merge my passion for performing arts with something I am still trying to understand. I feel privileged to know that I am no longer walking my journey alone.

Kitty Walter
Originally from the states I was more or less raised in the sunny town of Nelson. I was diagnosed with Juvenile psoriatic arthritis at age 12. I then had to give up contemporary jazz and classical but stayed involved in some youth theatre and joined the high school choir at Nayland College. I am so excited to be in and original performance directly linked to Arthritis New Zealand so I can represent my own limits and give my energy to such a fantastic project.

Sharon Waterhouse
As a 22 year old Drama Student it’s amazing to have the opportunity to raise awareness of the impact of arthritis on young people through a theatrical form. I was diagnosed with reactive arthritis at the age of nine but have since gone into remission. It’s great to be able to support a charity who offers so much to those living with arthritis and be part of this amazing performance.

Lilly Simpson
I got very excited when Geraldine first pitched her idea for JIANTS and am grateful to be involved in such a venture. It has been said that arthritis is “the disease of the bitter people”, and by taking part in this production I hope to inspire everyone with arthritis to rise up and disprove that statement! (Don’t worry you don’t have to literally stand up if you can’t right now). I myself was diagnosed with Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) when I was 14 years old, but have had problems since I was 10. I have come to embrace being the little ‘druggie granny’ of my awesome family. Cats make for brilliant heat packs.

For over 40 years Arthritis New Zealand has been providing information, advice and support to people diagnosed with any of the more than 140 forms of arthritis.

ORANGE is funded by Ministry of Social Development ‘Making a Difference Fund’ for Arthritis New Zealand.

ENDS

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