TWO ex-pats, one from the US and the other from the UK, who found themselves living in Newcastle forged a friendship first and then came Heart Open.
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Dr Chloe Warren and Alex Morris are the creatives behind the monthly performance-with-a-difference, Heart Open.
“Alex and I met and we hit if off,” Dr Warren said. “We wanted to do something together.
“We both love Newcastle. We both moved here never expecting to stay, but we both fell in love with the city.”
The event, which draws on local creative talent, is held in various locations across the CBD.
“We are kind of doing a tour of Newcastle venues,” Dr Warren said.
Each month Heart Open kicks off with an open-mic session.
“Last time we had three teenage girls … they arrived and they were really nervous and they didn’t want to go first,” Dr Warren said.
“They got up and it was breathtaking, they were so talented.
“They performed a cover and an original song. I couldn’t believe these little treasures had been hiding away in Newcastle.”
The open-mic is followed by guest performances from dancers, comedians and artists.
“Every time we have a poet I worry people will get bored, because there is that stereotype that poetry is boring,” Dr Warren said.
“But you look around and everyone is engrossed in what they are saying and everyone is present.
“It’s not a huge audience, but everyone who is there is there to listen and be engaged and to learn more about what is going on in their community.”
Following each performance, there are usually four, the audience gets to ask questions.
“They always have things they want to ask,” Dr Warren said. “Sometimes it’s really obscure and sometimes it’s ‘how do I do what you’re doing?’
“It’s a really friendly vibe … it’s a very welcoming space.”
The night usually ends with a dancer.
“We have had pole dancers, modern jazz,” Dr Warren said. “We had a couple get up and they taught everyone to do a few dance moves.”
Dr Warren has a PhD, which saw her undertake research in the field of melanoma, while Ms Morris is a poet and journalist.
“We really wanted to do something that involved both our skill-sets and focused on the community,” Dr Warren said.
The next Heart Open, will see the fulfilment of Dr Warren’s long held desire to bring science and the arts together.
As part of This is Not Art’s Crack Theatre festival, four scientists will join forces with four performers at Heart Open Science Sesh.
“It was my secret agenda to get the science and arts communities speaking to each other,” Dr Warren said.
A burlesque dancer, poet, painter and rap artist will partner up with scientists working in the fields of reptiles, melanoma, sustainability and reproductive health to present four performances.
Entry is by donation.
“The suggested donation is $5, but we won’t turn down a pineapple,” Dr Warren said.
Heart Open Science Sesh will be held on September 30 at Watt Space.
The start time will be announced on the Facebook page: facebook.com/herartopen
