A warped retelling of the well-known fable Hansel and Gretel, the Poppy Seed Theatre Festival presents the world premiere of BREAD CRUMBS at the Meat Market from 22 November 2017.
Located in a world somewhere between the realms of a Grimm brothers fairy tale and the industrial landscape of suburban Dandenong, the reality of abuse and trauma is gradually revealed through a series of naive stories and games played out by two siblings in their attempt to survive the journey home.
In search of happiness, the two children set off on an epic adventure desperate to discover a new life – only to find that running away is sending them in circles. BREAD CRUMBS is a crass and highly stylised exploration into the link between gender roles, domestic abuse and the scarring impact it has on young people.
Revelling in creating a dark and heightened examination of the Australian zeitgeist, devisors Ruby Johnston and Benjamin Nichol explain that black comedy is an excellent vessel to explore complex taboo issues that may provoke different thoughts and perspectives.
“For centuries fairy tales have been used to educate and entertain – yet so often at the heart of these beloved fables lies something twisted, sexist and sinister to which we tend to turn a blind eye,” said Benjamin Nichol. “Domestic violence is a prominent issue in Australia and this work shows the impact, insecurities and problems it has on the younger generation.”
A self-devised work created by a team of recent graduates of the Victorian College of the Arts, BREAD CRUMBS is narrative told through the lens of childhood innocence dealing with uncertain circumstances. Beginning as a traditional fairy tale, it quickly morphs into a dark and sinister world where anything is possible and nothing is at it seems – it’s mystical, magical and dangerous.
Devisors and Performers: Ruby Johnston and Benjamin Nichol Set and Costume Designer: Joseph Noonan Sound Composer: Sidney Miller Lighting Designer: Rachel Lee Stage Manager: Laura McAloney Producer: Liberty Gilbert
BREAD CRUMBS
Stables – Meat Market, Corner Courtney and Wreckyn Streets, North Melbourne
Season: 22 November – 2 December 2017 (preview: 21 November)
Information and Bookings: www.poppyseed.net.au
Image: Ruby Johnston and Benjamin Nichol star in BREAD CRUMBS – photo by Jule Tahan (UA Creative)