Catastrophes
Author Identifier (ORCID)
Non-Traditional Research Output
Live Performance
Document Type
Non-Traditional Research Output
Date of Publication
2023
Location of the Work
Perth Institute of Contemporary Art
Research Statement
Research Background
‘Catastrophes’ explores internal/external crises: isolation, failing bodies, and the chaos of new parenthood amidst political conservatism, war and climate change. Inspired by the autobiographical performance genre (Heddon, 2008) the work is crafted through a poetic and sonic/image-based dramaturgy. It incorporates text largely made up of text messages over 5 years, a unique design of floating felt sails within a perimeter of chairs, and a complex sound design including train signals and sounds of a breast pump in a richly layered mix of found sounds. The work underwent three developments and a 5-week rehearsal period from 2019–2023.
Research Contribution
At the core of ‘Catastrophes’ is the notion of Parrhesia – truth-telling involving risk and bravery applied to performance. ‘Catastrophes’ moves from personal truths of first-time parenthood, to the political, scientific and sociological by asking how might truth-telling in performance be self-care, and an act of kindness? Audiences resonated with several critical reviews and audience statements attesting to this. We learnt the concept of Parrhesia was an effective dramaturgical devise and significant factor for interrogating text, design, and gesture.
Research Significance
Catastrophes’ received over $100,000 in cash from DLGSC and PICA and$50,000 in kind support. The production engaged with new audiences through equity and inclusion incorporating a relaxed performance for audience with young children, a childcare facility, a tactile tour for visually impaired audience and an Auslan signed show. The final season exceeded targets with 77% capacity and was reviewed by numerous publications including the WA newspaper, with Arts Hub describing it as “powerful, compelling and the right amount of everything.” According to survey 94% of audience agreed that the work said something important about the world we live in.
Publisher
Renee Newman and Ella Hetherington with PICA
School
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts
RAS ID
70351
Event Title
Catastrophes
Event Dates
August 16-26, 2023
Event Venue
Perth Institute of Contemporary Art
Duration
55 minutes
Comments
Newman, R., Hetherington, E., Haslam, M., Collins, B. (2023). Catastrophes. [Live Performance]. Renee Newman and Ella Hetherington with PICA. https://catastrophes.pica.org.au/