A diverse team of creative practitioners has been assembled for JUTE Theatre Company’s latest production.

‘Propelled’ merges the real and the fantastical to tell the inspiring coming of age story of a young man facing the challenges of life with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The multimedia production, headed up by director and JUTE CEO, Suellen Maunder, showcases the talents of our region’s theatre makers in a collaboration set to dazzle audiences.

Coming of age is a tricky business, especially when you’re on wheels and life keeps throwing roadblocks at you.

Doug is 25 years old. He likes football, partying with his mates, and girls. He’s pretty much your average guy except for one big difference. Doug has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy*, and negotiates life’s twists and turns in a wheel chair; not always an easy feat despite the help and support of friends, family and well-meaning strangers.

Life is no blithe spin in the park; stairs aren’t built for wheels, and some doors are easier to get through than others. Armed with a whole lot of smarts, an impressive capacity for patience and a keen awareness of life’s absurdities, Doug takes a heroic journey into the liminal worlds between boy and man, man and machine, the real and the fantastical, to discover who he is, and in the process finds a path uniquely his own.

‘Propelled’ offers a rare insight into an inspiring life through the eyes of an extraordinary man on a remarkable journey. Take a ride and be transformed. The differences may not be what they seem.

‘Propelled’ was written by Jane Modric in collaboration with the show’s star, Doug Robins. Modric will be familiar to audiences as the writer of last year’s much loved ‘Soph and the Real World’.

Set designers, Simone Tesorieri and Simona Cosentini, are relative newcomers to the region having relocated here from Italy in 2012. The couple trained in theatre design and have designed for large operas and independent companies in Italy.  Both bring a breadth of practical experience as well as a sense of adventure and whimsy to the show’s design that will delight audiences.

Local film-maker and musician Kyle Wilson, whose credits include Official Selection at Sundance London 2012 with his film ‘Story of our Times’ and winner of the 48 Hour Film Project: Dundee with ‘Conditions’, provides the digital visual component of the piece.

‘Propelled’ opens on 31 January and Opening Night guests will be welcomed with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine. Performances run until 8 February, 2014, and tickets can be purchased online at www.jute.com.au, by phone on 4050 9444 or in person between 10am and 5pm Monday to Friday from the Centre of Contemporary Arts, 96 Abbott St Cairns.

WHEN 31 January – 8 February 2014

WHERE JUTE Theatre, Centre of Contemporary Arts, 96 Abbot St, Cairns.

TIMES 6:30pm Tuesdays & Wednesdays
          7:30pm Thursdays - Saturdays
         11:00am Thursday Matinee

Please arrive 15 minutes before the show starts.