Happy as Larry

Overview

When it comes to being happy, what personality type are you?

A Perfectionist? (Happiness? What's that?) A Giver? (I'll be happy as soon as I've burnt myself at the stake.) A Boss? (You'll be happy when I tell you to, and not before.) A Tragic Romantic? (I'm not sure, but I've written lots of poems about what it might feel like.) A Mediator? A Performer? An Optimist? An Observer? A Devil's Advocate?

If you've ever sat an Enneagram Test, these categories might be familiar to you. If you haven't, you're in luck, as they'll be getting a good workout in front of Sydney audiences when Happy as Larry hits the Seymour Centre. The creation of cutting-edge Australian choreographer Shaun Parker, the show combines ballet, break-dance, roller-skating, comedic antics and philosophising in an explosive theatrical performance that explores the meaning of happiness through nine archetypal characters.

Originally staged at the 2010 Sydney Festival, Happy as Larry has since toured the world and sold out an entire season on London's West End. It's a NZ Banksy Award Winner and received a nomination for Most Outstanding Choreography in the 2011 Australian Dance Awards. It'll play the Seymour Centre for just one week before heading overseas again.

If you're enthusiastic about supporting Shaun Parker's work (and hanging out with VIPs) you might still be able to nab a ticket to the September 12 Fundraising Event, where the man himself will be conversing with the crowd and raising funds for the development of his 2014 projects.