“Love Stories”… More Than a Book, Now a Stage Production
Trent Dalton has certainly had a busy 12 months.
Since the release of his third novel “Lola in the Mirror” last October, to the notable success of the Netflix series “Boys Swallows Universe” which hit our small screens in January, it seems our Queensland-based author is not slowing down yet. The creative team which brought to life “Boys Swallows Universe” is reuniting for the upcoming stage production of Dalton’s “Love Stories”, showing at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre from 8-29th September 2024.
The Story Behind “Love Stories”
Rewind to 2021. Our world only just recently rocked by the covid-19 pandemic. Trent Dalton had an idea to sit on a street corner in the CBD of Brisbane (Adelaide and Albert Streets, to be precise) and ask passers-by “Can you please tell me a love story?” When the world was on the brink of uncertainty, Dalton considered what as humans is fundamental to all of us and our existence. We live, we breathe, we eat, we love. Dalton spent two months recording the words of strangers. The result leaves us understanding the complexities and depths of love.
The sentimentally of the how the “Love Stories” collection was recorded is touching. Dalton set up two chairs and a fold-up table “shutting up and listening to the world” (Dalton, 2021) as he typed the words on an Olivetti typewriter that he’d been gifted at the passing of his friend’s mother Kath (Kathleen Kelly 1931-2020). “Love Stories” is a beautiful and heart-warming collection of stories from everyday people. Do yourself a favour and find a copy (we have copies at Western Downs Libraries, links below) but be warned you will need tissues.
Books We Love Come Alive
With the upcoming release of the stage production “Love Stories” it prompted me to consider… what is the appeal in seeing books we love come alive on the screen or stage?
The success of popular books on screen and stage in undeniable. Although the general consensus is usually “I enjoyed the book so much more”, we still see such popularity in the screen and stage productions. For example, regarding Dalton’s debut novel “Boys Swallows Universe” and it’s Netflix series. The Sydney Morning Herald (January 24, 2024) reports “Netflix claims the adaptation has become its most successful Australian-made yet, clocking up 7.6 million complete series views in its first two weeks globally on the platform.” (Be sure to watch for Western Down’s Jimbour House in the filming)
Perhaps we just can’t get enough of the characters and the emotional roller coasters we go on with them. Perhaps want to show support for the authors who we’ve let into our minds, hearts and lives.
What does Dalton himself say about the upcoming release of “Love Stories”?
“Love Stories is a universal access point to the soul. Get any earthling from anywhere on earth talking about what they love and you will get them talking deeply about their life. Because love is life. To tell a love story is to tell a story of your life. Maybe the defining story. Pain. Glory. Rage. Regret. Sorrow. Passion. Joy. Wonder. Meaning. Love. Life. All of life can be found in a single stranger’s love story. All of life can be found in this play”. (Trent Dalton – QPAC website)
Our Library Collection
Check out Trent Dalton’s books available in our collection. Our collection has books, eBooks and audiobooks to suit. Happy reading, listening, viewing!
Western Downs Libraries has got you covered when it comes to Trent Dalton reads. Click here to see what we have in our collection and borrow your next best read today! Don’t forget to take a look on our digital reading platforms, Borrowbox and Hoopla.