The Magic of Bell Shakespeare's King Lear Opening Night
Full House: The Fairfax Foyer buzzing with excitement as theatregoers mingle after the performance.
As the applause echoed through the theatre, I stood ready in the Fairfax Foyer of Arts Centre Melbourne, camera in hand, poised to capture the electric atmosphere of Bell Shakespeare's King Lear opening night. It was a thrilling change from my usual healthcare photography gigs - I was photographing a cardiothoracic heart surgeon just yesterday. Now, here I was, a part of the glamour and excitement of the theatre world.
Peter Evans (Artistic Director) addresses the audience
Bell Shakespeare, Australia's national theatre company, faced a common challenge in the arts: a tight budget but a crucial need to document this significant event. Our solution? A streamlined one-hour shoot that would capture the essence of the evening without breaking the bank.
Behind the Crown - Associate director and actor Robert Menzies and a: bringing King Lear's themes to life off-stage.
As the theatre doors burst open and the foyer filled with the buzz of excited theatregoers, I sprang into action. Felipe, my trusty escort for the evening, helped identify key groups for photos. Between these planned shots, I let my creative instincts take over, capturing candid moments of lively conversation and genuine laughter.
I opted for a paparazzi-style approach with on-camera flash, giving the photos a glossy, high-energy feel that matched the excitement of the event. It was a departure from my usual style, but that's the beauty of photography - there's always room for artistic exploration.
Theatrical Banter: Intense discussion between directors at the King Lear opening night.
The Development and Events Manager at Bell Shakespeare was thrilled, praising how I captured exactly the right moments despite the minimal brief.
These photos have since found their way into Bell Shakespeare's social media channels and internal communications, helping to share the excitement of opening night with a wider audience.
The Ensemble: Cast, crew, and supporters of Bell Shakespeare's King Lear production unite for a group photo
This experience reminded me of why I love what I do. Whether it's healthcare or the arts, photography allows me to peek into different worlds, capturing moments of passion, dedication, and human connection. It's a privilege to contribute positively to such diverse fields, immortalising the work of heart surgeons one day and Shakespearean actors the next.
In the end, whether it's a hospital operating theatre or the stages of Arts Centre Melbourne, it's all about capturing the human story. And that's a role I'm always honoured to play.
