Variety Choir & Blue Roo Unite in Celebration of Inclusivity

The world’s most famous playwright famously wrote that ‘If music be the food of love, play on’. 

For singer and songwriter Luke Scott, music and the performing arts provides an important way for those with a disability to forge friendships and connect with the wider community.

“Music is the universal language, so we should all speak it”, the veteran musician of twenty years told 96five.

Luke is currently the Choir Director for Variety Queensland, and previously worked with the Blue Roo Theatre Company as a writer and musician.

The Variety Queensland Choir and Blue Roo Theatre Company are both inclusive arts organisations, providing a valuable creative outlet for those with a disability or who have been disadvantaged.

“Involvement (in the arts) strengthens communications and creates bonds between participants as they join together in performing”, Luke said.

“They can have a great time, but when the arts are inclusive it gives everyone the opportunity to have their voice heard in an artistic setting.  How do you know if you’re a star if you never get an opportunity to shine?”

Both organisations will join together this week to present Shakespeare’s classic, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, in a special run of performances at QPAC.

Blue Roo have reimagined the comedic tale, which they’ve set in regional Australia after a catastrophic bush-fire. Audiences will be taken on a journey as the ghost of Shakespeare himself wakes to watch yet another adaptation and retelling of his prized story.

The Variety Choir will open the show, with an original song written specially for the performance.

Luke said that songwriting is a space that the choir is choosing to move into in greater depth.

“We’re giving the kids an opportunity to explore music further than the choir once they become an adult.  They’ll be able to write their own songs, or just to have some skills so they can understand music a little better.”

“Our choir members have ideas, they have lyrics and they want to express them artistically.”

And with a focus on inclusivity in the true sense of the word, the Variety Choir is open to all children under the age of seventeen.

“We value the true essence of inclusiveness so we welcome anyone with a disability or who is disadvantaged, but more importantly the choir is open to all kids aged seven to seventeen.  If you’re a child and you love singing and want to be involved, come and join in.”

The Variety Queensland Choir rehearses every second Saturday morning during school terms at the PCYC Lang Park (Suncorp Stadium), 40 Castlemaine St, Milton.  The PCYC is wheelchair accessible, there’s plenty of undercover parking and involvement is free.

For more information about the choir contact Variety Queensland.  To book tickets to ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ visit the QPAC website.