Melia Naughton & the Northern Rivers art scene.

It is such a delight to introduce Melia Naughton, a heavenly and dynamic creative who chose to make the Northern Rivers home many years ago. We were incredibly fortunate to see Melia perform in The Bangalow Theatre Company's roving art show, Takeover 2020, last month. Melia's performance was unbelievably powerful, and literally breathtaking. After such a terrible year for the Arts (thanks to COVID), Melia shares how it was so brilliant to perform again: to make music and to perform and interact with a live (albeit small and intimate) audience was so tremendous, she says, and it has made her acutely aware of how important the arts and creative expression is for all of us. "It’s a crucial part of being human: to reflect, to witness, to experience, to share, to provoke, to question, to affect. Being a musician and performer has had its intense challenges this year but my resolve is strong. Using our voice to sing and express ourselves and to affect each other is something I’m deeply passionate about. I’m grateful to live in a region where new ideas are supported and there is space to play and to experiment." 

 

It is an honour to feature Melia and all her local intel here on these pages. Enjoy. 

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Name: Melia Naughton

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Star Sign: Taurus

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Hometown: Sydney/Hobart/Melbourne

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Where do you live now? Newrybar, 6 minutes from Bangalow

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Describe yourself in 3 words or less… Colourful. Spontaneous. 

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Describe the Northern Rivers in 3 words or less… Ocean, light, air

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What inspires you here? 

The ocean is really special. Humbling and universally affecting. I always feel charged and energised after a swim. I adore the big open spaces and the proximity to nature. I also enjoy the spirit of the people who call this region home. Community is strong.

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It was such a privilege to see you perform in the Bangalow Theatre Company's recent 'TAKEOVER' production. You were absolutely brilliant. Can you please tell us a bit about the show?

The Bangalow Theatre Company is a community-centric not-for-profit organisation that historically has presented large scale musicals. The Arts have been deeply affected by COVID and we had to think laterally about how we could make and devise work and engage with audiences in a safe and appropriate way. We dreamt up a series of vignettes that might happen in unusual places, breathing life into dormant halls, unoccupied buildings, reactivating a regional village that like all parts of Australia has been affected by closures, lockdowns and change. So TakeOver 2020 came to life. A direct and creative response to the year we are all having, sharing true stories from our community to our community through dance, film, comedy, performance art, music and drama. It has been so wonderful to make and devise and create again and to have an intimate relationship with a small audience ( only 12 people ) has been magical and uplifting.

 

Can you tell us a little about your performance? 

I conceived and composed a piece for three pianos and drums. Three upright pianos. It did seem a little ambitious but we made it happen and it was an utter thrill to play this piece alongside the two other pianists and drummer. I called it Unprecedented Variations on a theme of Catharsis and it was written when we were about to emerge from lockdown. I was also involved in a piece called “Too much Space” written by Joel Cooper and myself which was a powerful duet about relationships under duress during this time.

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Are there plans to tour the show around? 

There’s lots of energy and buzz around the concept of TakeOver. Taking theatre to the streets of other regional towns would be amazing and is a COVID friendly way to access audiences. It certainly has legs. I have no doubt the project will have future iterations. Watch this space!

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How long have you been with the Theatre Company? 

I was involved in the very first production presented by the Bangalow Theatre Company 5 years ago, the musical “The Drowsy Chaperone.” It was an absolute hoot and last year I worked as the vocal coach for the musical Calamity Jane. 

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Tell us a bit about the Shire Choir…

Shire Choir is a pop-up community-led choir of humans. In 90 minutes we learn a pop or rock song in 3 part harmony and then sing it out loud and perform it to ourselves. It is an enormous amount of fun to use our voices and for people who feel shame around their voice or who are uncertain about singing in public, it is so affirming seeing people rise up and be surprised by the power of the human voice. Singing collectively is something humans have done for generations. I am a passionate advocate that singing is our birthright. We all own a voice and as a way to express ourselves it is absolutely vital to use it. 

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What does a normal day look like for you?

I don’t think I’ve ever experienced a ‘normal’ day! I’m very spontaneous and impetuous and I follow the mood or grab the moment. I have two energetic boys and a partner that assist with finding a ‘routine’ but a regular day would involve facilitating a singing circle, teaching vocal confidence, piano, guitar and songwriting to my individual students, possibly rehearsing a new piece or doing a recording session in the studio. And squeezing in a walk at the beach!

 

What is the best bit about living in this incredible part of the world?

I feel really fortunate to call this area home. It’s the beaches and big skies and space and proximity to beautiful bush walks and national parks that are incredible while not having to forgo good coffee, amazing food and artistic and cultural experiences.