HEARTBREAK HOTEL
Most people wouldn’t willingly check-in at the Heartbreak Hotel. But for one night only, it might just be worth it. On June 8, the Griffin Theatre will be drenched in tears and bittersweet memories of love-lost, in a special devised roaming performance piece and installation as part of the 2011 Festival of New Writing. Devisor and director Paige Rattray says the theme, “taps into that raw emotion that comes from a relationship when it ends, those irrational moments you have, when you do something crazy you wouldn’t normally do. That heightened state gives a lot of good material!”
To kickstart the project a few months back, the public was asked to send in mementos of their heartache along with a story. Around 20 objects were received, along with some breakup letters. “Some of the items are quite amazing,” says Rattray, “And there were a couple that were quite full-on.” An ex’s gift of a ventriloquist doll named Mario was named the girl’s best friend because he only talks when she wants him to, while another submission spells the word, ‘Hurt’ in the hair chopped off post-breakup. These objects, along with a stuffed toy badger and souvenir Oscar statuette, will be arrayed in an exhibition in the foyer.
After you check in, a bellhop will lead your group through the converted spaces and through four ten-minute theatrical pieces devised by writers Ian Meadow and Kate Mulvany, based on the stories received. Step into the bathroom and you can confess to Agony Aunt Glace Chase. Pen an epistle of love or regret to your ex (sending it, optional), or be blindfolded and led through a sensory smorgasbord.
But unlike real heartbreak, this immersive and interactive experience won’t be painful. “I don’t think it will be confronting, it will be fun,” says Rattray. “The night will be the first time it all actually comes together. It will be really raw … it’s nerve-wracking, but also exciting!” Just like love.
Jun 8, 7pm, Griffin Theatre, 10 Nimrod St, Kings Cross, $20 with post-show punch, 8019 0292, griffintheatre.com.au
