Audiences can expect the unexpected when a University of Newcastle creative arts initiative delivers an eclectic range of live, film and multi-media performances at Ourimbah next week.

The University’s Central Coast Creative Arts Program will present The Grotto Project: performance and multi-media, loosely based on the Polish theatre director and critic Jerzy Growtowski’s experimental Theatre Laboratory.

“The performances range from the disturbingly bizarre or obscurely esoteric, to the absurdly humorous,” Head of Creative Arts Dr Jocelyn McKinnon said.

“Some performances may offend, confuse, anger or delight, all, however, are likely to be thought-provoking.”

The Grotto Project evolved from the Grotto event that has run at the Central Coast campus the past three years. Featuring the original works of local artists, including filmmakers, choreographers, musicians, actors and dancers with university students and staff, artists enjoy a safe environment to trial provocative and experimental approaches to art making with a public audience.

“Past events have led to collaborations forming between students and artists from the community who return to the Grotto to present their new works. This has created a unique event in which students, local artists and the community unite to form a multi-disciplinary fusion of talent and innovation,” Dr McKinnon said.

Under the artistic direction of Dr McKinnon and supported by creative arts technical officer Leigh Collins, students work in close collaboration to produce and host all aspects of the event.

The Grotto Project: performance and multi-media, makes its debut on Thursday 2 June, Friday 3 June and Saturday 4 June at 8pm in the Drama Studio, Fine Arts building, Ourimbah campus. Bookings for the adults only event can be made between 9am-5pm Mondays to Fridays on 02 43494934 or 02 43484323.

For interviews please contact Dr Jocelyn McKinnon on 02 43484051 or 0418498356 or email Jocelyn.McKinnon@newcastle.edu.au.