Robbi James and The Flying Nun by Brand X will present two premiere performances of Scott Parker and Felicity Nicol’s Hillsong Boy at the East Sydney Community and Arts Centre on Friday 22 and Saturday 23 March 2024.
Hillsong Boy chronicles the weird and wonderful experiences of ex-Hillsonger, Scott Parker. During his twenty years with the megachurch, he experienced the dizzying heights of Christian celebrity, and the lonely lows of being cast aside, all whilst keeping a desperate secret. Scott is queer, and there’s no such thing as a Queer Hillsong Boy.
Original music, autobiography, multimedia, and a leap of faith all collide in this playful revelation of coming out and getting out of one of the most successful church movements of the 21st Century.
Presented as part of The Flying Nun program, the much-anticipated stagings will be the first time the industry and public will experience the production, following an intensive Summer development period with the creative team.
Helping to bring Scott and Felicity’s vision to life are composer and sound designer Kathryn Parker, and multi-award winning lighting designer Ben Brockman.
“When Felicity and I sat down to create this show we realised there was almost too much to say,” said Scott. “We settled on taking an intimate approach to the story, balancing public scandal against my truth – that I realised I’m queer whilst growing up in the most powerful megachurch in the world.”
The two performances of Hillsong Boy will showcase their story and key design elements, with time to chat with the creatives post-show about the experience and their plans for the future.
Join Hillsong heretic Scott Parker as he deconstructs his twenty years of church involvement. A Hillsong boy through and through, Scott has stories to tell, so pull up a pew and join him for this queer holy communion!
Scott Parker is a theatre maker from Gadigal land (Sydney) and founder of Matriark Theatre, creating original work for young audiences. Highlights include: Eerie Street Pod (Queensland Theatre, Create NSW); Urza and the Song in the Dark (Arts on Tour, Create NSW); The Secret World (Australia Council, FRRR), The Lighthouse at the End of the World (Critical Stages), UnVoiced Pod (Bondi Pavilion). As a performer Scott has worked with CDP, Ninefold, PVI Collective, Mortal Fools (UK), Life and Limb (UK) and Tatwood Puppets (UK). He holds a Bachelor of Dramatic Arts, and attended L’Ecole Philippe Gaulier (FRA).
Director: Felicity Nicol | Performer: Scott Parker | Lighting Designer: Ben Brockman | Composer & Sound Designer: Kathryn Parker | Stage Manager & Operator: Roman Benedict | Creators: Scott Parker and Felicity Nicol | Producer: Robbi James
Hillsong Boy
East Sydney Community and Arts Centre, 34-40 Burton Street, Darlinghurst
Performances: 22 & 23 March 2024
Information and Bookings: www.brandx.org.au
Image: Scott Parker stars in Hillsong Boy (supplied)