CQU Today
News from Central Queensland University
For Immediate Release Contact: Marc Barnbaum 07 4923 2724 or
m.barnbaum@cqu.edu.au
Aussie composer excited by prospects for new musical
Published on 23 Apr, 2008
Media Contact: k.purcell@cqu.edu.au or 0417 129 667
For Immediate Release
Composer Kevin Purcell is just as excited by the prospects of the 2-year journey ahead as he is for the
potential of an opening night performance of a new musical based on the acclaimed novel The
Mapmaker's Opera.
Dr Purcell has managed to gain the rights for a musical version of the novel, despite interest from film
companies in buying up blanket options for popular books.
And he intends to spread his good fortune amongst his staff and student colleagues at Central
Queensland University, where he is Professor and Director of Music and Performing Arts.
The Mapmaker's Opera, in Kevin's eyes, is not only a wonderful story which will create a magical
musical experience. It is also a major research project offering hands-on experiences for staff and
students across performing arts, creative writing and multimedia courses.
Dr Purcell, an internationally recognised expert in design interaction for musical theatre, intends using
the latest theatre techniques and multi-media options for the musical.
The Mapmaker's Opera was written by Spanish-born Canadian Béa Gonzalez and is billed as a
mesmerizing tale of star-crossed passions, a pair of mysterious birds and a young man's quest to
honour both his mentor and his father. It features lyrical and magical storytelling.
Dr Purcell's aim is to premiere the new musical in Mackay - home of CQU's Central Queensland
Conservatorium of Music - in 2010 in the presence of the author.
"It's a great collaborative research project which has potential for grant support as it dovetails with the
Rudd Government's 'Fresh Ideas for the Arts' program - due to inject $17 million into a Creative
Industries Innovation Centre over 4 years - and also resonates with the Bligh Government's arts policy
directions.
The CQU academic praised the foresight of his Faculty colleague Professor Richard Smith who
predicted the arc of innovation and development required to match the vision of government planners.
ENDS Béa Gonzalez Click here to View/Download full-sized Image Kevin Purcell met Béa Gonzalez
recently in Canada to discuss the project Click here to View/Download full-sized Image
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