Back to Back Theatre, renowned for its innovative and thought-provoking productions, is set to premiere its latest work, "Multiple Bad Things," across several cities in spring.
The production, marking the company’s return to the stage since receiving the prestigious Venice Biennale Gold Lion Award for Theatre, promises a captivating exploration of inclusion, identity, and societal challenges.
“Multiple Bad Things” will debut at the Geelong Arts Centre from 11th to 13th April, followed by international performances at Brussels’ Theater Nationale in May and concluding its run at Melbourne’s Malthouse Theatre from 29th May to 9th June 2024.
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Directed by Back to Back Artistic Associates Tamara Searle and Ingrid Voorendt, the production boasts a stellar cast including Natasha Jynel, Simon Laherty, Sarah Mainwaring, and Scott Price. This marks a significant departure as the first major work by new directors in seventeen years.
The narrative of “Multiple Bad Things” delves into the complexities of workplace dynamics, where three employees navigate issues of civility, identity, and power struggles amidst a backdrop of societal upheaval. Co-directors Searle and Voorendt commented, “The workplace serves as a microcosm where our values and perceptions are tested. ‘Multiple Bad Things’ reflects the turbulence and uncertainties of the contemporary world.”
Ensemble member Sarah Mainwaring shared insights into the production, describing it as a powerful exploration of manipulation and power dynamics, while Scott Price emphasized the importance of community representation, particularly for individuals with disabilities like himself.
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In crafting this new work, Back to Back Theatre has collaborated with a diverse array of talents. Zoë Barry’s evocative score is derived from field recordings of various unsettling sounds, while Anna Cordingley’s design requires physical engagement from the actors to bring it to life.
Back to Back Theatre, based in Geelong, is recognised as an Australian cultural gem, with its ensemble of actors who identify as having intellectual disabilities or as neurodivergent. The company’s commitment to artistic excellence and social inclusion has garnered international acclaim.
“Multiple Bad Things” has been made possible through collaborative efforts and support from various organisations including Kunstenfestivaldesarts (Brussels), The Keir Foundation, Geelong Arts Centre, and Back to Back Theatre’s New Work Donor Circle, among others.
Following the performances, Back to Back Theatre will journey to Venice for showcases of their acclaimed production “FOOD COURT” and to attend the prestigious Venice Biennale Award Ceremony.
Don’t miss the chance to experience the groundbreaking production of “Multiple Bad Things,” where theatre transcends mere storytelling to confront societal realities with depth and poignancy.
Artistic Credits for “Multiple Bad Things”
- Devisors/Co-Authors: Bron Batten, Breanna Deleo, Natasha Jynel, Simon Laherty, Sarah Mainwaring, Ben Oakes, Scott Price, Tamara Searle, Ingrid Voorendt
- Directors: Tamara Searle, Ingrid Voorendt
- Performers: Natasha Jynel, Simon Laherty, Sarah Mainwaring, Scott Price
- Set & Costume Design: Anna Cordingley
- Composer & Sound Design: Zoë Barry
For more information, visit Back to Back Theatre’s official website.
