An eclectic mix of talented artists tackle one of life’s challenging questions in the new production Machine – how do you convince someone to live?
Machine takes place in a bathroom, where a young woman named Christine (Lucy Heffernan) contemplates suicide. As Christine’s death unravels before the audience, her guardian angel (David Jackson) does everything in his power to convince her to live.
Inspired by Hari Kunzru’s short story Deus ex Machina, director Rachel Chant says Machine is a discussion of free will and divine intervention.
“Is it better to make decisions yourself or have someone step in to clear everything up for you?” questions Chant. “But does that fix anything?”
The aesthetically driven production uses design elements to tell the story.
“We use projections, sound design and lighting design to blur two worlds; the angel’s world and Christine’s world,” says Chant. “I really like using the design elements to not just support the production but also to help tell the story.”
Machine is the second of three productions within The Old 505 Theatre’s FreshWorks program – a series of development showings of experimental works by experienced artists. (SM)
Apr 16-20, The Old 505 Theatre, 342 Elizabeth St, Surry Hills, $18-28, venue505.com/freshworks-2014
BY SEAN MAY
