A stunning new theatre experience exploring some of humanity’s deepest questions about the nature of our existence is set to wow Geelong audiences this week.
Night Night, presented by theatre collective The Last Great Hunt, follows the story of scientist Pip as she explores the icy wilderness of Antarctica in her search for the origins of life.
However, Night Night is more than just a typical play; it is a theatrical film created live on stage, blending live acting with puppetry, animation, found footage, projection and digital magic.
Having premiered in February at the Perth Festival, the work comes to Geelong after a sell-out run at Darwin Festival last week.
Arielle Gray, who co-created and stars in Night Night with colleague Tim Watts, said performing in this show was “like doing magic tricks while running a marathon”.
“We’re constantly multitasking; puppeteering, operating the camera, interacting with projections, hitting sound and lighting cues, all while holding the characters’ thoughts and feelings as they go on this epic journey,” Gray said.
“Every moment counts. You often have only a couple of seconds within a shot to hit your mark, do your action, nail your prop or puppet or communicate visually what the character is thinking or feeling.
“You’ll see a live film made before your eyes. It’s highly visual, playful, and inventive, but also grounded in a heartfelt story about connection and discovery.
“Expect to be transported into a strange, otherworldly Antarctic landscape that feels both familiar and surreal, and to leave with your imagination stirred and your heart touched.”
Night Night is at Geelong Arts Centre on August 29 and 30. Visit geelongartscentre.org.au/whats-on/all-events/night-night for tickets and more information.
