Tivoli Lovely
After three years of creative development, the landmark Tivoli Lovely theatrical project was celebrated on 8 November at the State Theatre Courtyard, where Edith Cowan University (ECU) staff, alumni, and students joined WAAPA's Principal Partner, Minderoo Foundation, and the wider donor community.
WAAPA alum Eddie Perfect
Tivoli Lovely is an original performance piece, written by renowned ECU and WAAPA alum Eddie Perfect, which celebrates the historical roots of Australian theatre. The musical comedy is set in both the present and the Tivoli circuit of 1954.
The story follows a young teen, frustrated by a school project, who unexpectedly meets an eighty-five-year-old former chorus performer from Australia's long-forgotten chapter of performance art.
Involving more than 150 WAAPA students across every facet of production, the project offered an unparalleled, hands-on experience of creating a Broadway-standard performance, preparing the next generation of artists to shape Australia's creative future.
L-R: Johannes Luebbers, Composer/Arranger; Zara Stanton, Music Direction; Professor Clare Pollock, ECU Vice-Chancellor; Professor David Shirley, Executive Dean of WAAPA; Gaye McMath, ECU Chancellor; Nicola Forrest OA; Eddie Perfect, Writer/Creator; Kelley Abbey, Choreographer; Dean Bryant, Director.
Professor David Shirley, Executive Director of WAAPA, highlighted what the production meant for the performing arts.
"We wanted a piece that would reach back into Australia's theatrical history, honour voices that risk being forgotten, and celebrate the art of variety, dance, music, comedy, with all its spectacle and heart."
"We are incredibly proud that tonight we present this world premiere, which has been written by Eddie Perfect, and brought to life by our graduating Music Theatre and Music students, under the direction of Dean Bryant and with music direction by Zara Stanton," Professor Shirley said.
Commissioned by WAAPA and Minderoo Foundation as part of the Visiting Artist Program, this bold and innovative production highlights ECU and WAAPA's leadership in performing arts education.
The cast and crew of Tivoli Lovely
Supporting the arts
Through the generous support of donors and partners, WAAPA continues to provide students with world-class opportunities to learn from industry leaders, refine their talents, and contribute to Western Australia's vibrant arts landscape.
Programs such as the Premier Visiting Artist Program, the WAAPA Endowed Fund, and student scholarships are more than just funding initiatives, they are lifelines that help students turn their artistic aspirations into reality. These initiatives make transformative projects possible, while giving students the financial stability and confidence to fully commit to their craft.
The Premier Visiting Artist Program, established by a lead gift from WAAPA's Principal Partner, Minderoo Foundation, will enable world-leading creatives and accomplished alumni, such as Eddie Perfect, to share their experience and artistry with the next generation at WAAPA. These visits not only enrich Western Australia's cultural community but also create invaluable mentorship moments where students can see, firsthand, what a future in the arts can look like.
By connecting students with professional artists and offering financial support through scholarships, WAAPA is nurturing the next generation of performers, creative practitioners, and storytellers. These experiences not only prepare students for successful careers but also strengthen the cultural fabric of Western Australia.
Projects like the Premier Visiting Artist Program are made possible through the power of philanthropy in the arts, inspiring students, supporting educators, and ensuring that WAAPA remains a beacon of artistic excellence and leadership in the performing arts.
The opening night of Tivoli Lovely was attended by ECU Chancellor Gaye McMath and ECU Vice-Chancellor Professor Clare Pollock.
Special guests at the event included Nicola Forrest AO, Councillor Liam Gobbert who was representing The Right Honourable Lord Mayor of the City of Perth, Bruce Reynolds; Frank Paolino MLA, Member for Mount Lawley; Maria Rennie, Consul General for the British Consulate in Western Australia; the Honourable Kerry Sanderson AC CVO, ECU's former Chancellor and past Governor of Western Australia, along with The Honourable David Templeman , former Minister for Culture and the Arts, Local Government, and Heritage.
ECU and WAAPA would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Minderoo Foundation for supporting the visiting artists that made Tivoli Lovely possible.
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