Book Links was invited again this year to produce and present a Book Gig as part of the Brisbane Writers Festival Word Play schools program.   Tristan Bancks was one of the authors coming to the Festival and the second book in his Mac Slater Cool Hunter series, I ♥ NY was selected for the Book Gig.  


A book gig is a short interpretive performance of a novel by actors followed by a discussion between the actors, the author and the audience about the book and its interpretation.

 

Students from Griffith University Bachelor of Applied Theatre Studies performed the Book Gig, bringing not only the book to life, but also several wonderful New York icons.  Their creative performance kicked off with a rendition of Frank Sinatra’s song New York, New York and took the audience on an exciting and exhilarating journey through the streets of the Big Apple searching for COOL!

The Book Gig played to packed houses at both the Wednesday and Thursday performances with 200 middle year student attending each day.  Tristan Bancks, author and one time actor in the popular series Home and Away enjoyed their interpretation of his book.  He particularly liked the excerpts chosen by the actors and how they animated his characters.

The audience enjoyed the performance and were well informed, asking plenty of interesting questions of Tristan, (though not all of them necessarily relating to his books!).  Tristan showed photos and images of people, places etc.  that inspired him while creating the characters, the setting  and the storyline.  


Many thanks to Louise Phillips and Sarah Woodland from Griffith University for organising the Book Gig, thanks to Tristan Bancks for being so engaging and especially thanks to Sophie, Amy, Brian, Gretchen, Pene and  Danielle the Griffith University Applied Theatre students for all your hard work in making the Book Gig so successful .