For someone who has devoted their entire adult life and passion to the creation of theatre, both onstage and production side, COVID-19 has impacted Annette Rowlison's life immensely.
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For the Wollombi resident to go for months where she does not have at least one theatre project on the boil is unsettling to say the least.
"Like so many of my industry colleagues, to not be in some stage of theatre process is very bad for the soul. I have other creative outlets, like painting and jewellery making, but my passion for theatre outshines everything else, and always will," Rowlison said.
Bare Productions - the boutique theatre company Rowlison runs with Heidi Brosnan - will stage Vital Signs at Wollombi's Harp of Erin Theatre this Friday to Sunday.
Rowlison said after "laying dormant" for the a few months due to the pandemic, she and Brosnan were getting itchy feet, so they bit the bullet and decided to put on a show that will work within the current restrictions.
"We were determined to put on some sort of production with Bare Productions, this year, despite all the craziness that 2020 has thrown at the world," she said.
"So, we have just looked that the restrictions in place, and worked within them!"
The result is a show put on by locals, for the locals, starring Micaela Elphick, Cath Patterson and Rowlison.
Vital Signs, written by Jane Martin, is a series of monologues and therefore can be directed in such a way that the actors can perform as a team, but with the social distancing on stage that is currently required.
Rowlison said the Wollombi General Store venue has the social distancing of the audience well in hand, so locals can come and have a safe, enjoyable night out.
"The Bare Production girls are really looking forward to getting some theatre back up on the stage, despite the craziness of this year," she said.
"And the aim is to give the local community a well-deserved good night out at the theatre. We can't wait to put on this show!"
Vital Signs by Jane Martin runs from July 31 to August 2 at the Harp of Erin Theatre, Wollombi General Store.
Friday and Saturday's shows start at 6.30pm for a 7.30pm start, and Sunday's is at 5.30pm for 6.30pm. Limited tickets still are available via Wollombi General Store.
