CALIBAN

Touring for the first time since its debut performance at The Coopers Malthouse in 2016, the Edge Ensemble returns with a new performance of Caliban at seven venues across Victoria from 14 May 2018.

Caliban’s island is sinking. Ariel is an artificial intelligence system with the power to save the world. But as she learns more about the people she was built to protect, she is forced to make a choice that could destroy them. Exploring the battle ground of global climate politics through the eyes of those on the front lines, this brand new Australian work reclaims Shakespeare’s iconic character of Caliban and gives him his own voice in a world where only the richest survive.

Floating stories from Sudan, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Noongar country in Western Australia, Caliban is a dynamic and energised performance that draws from the past to question how we’re living in the present. Crashing between Shakespeare and rap, nature and technology, physical theatre and audio visual projection, this electric performance allows young people to grapple with Australia’s most urgent question: how do we save the planet if we’re the ones to blame?

“Caliban explores climate change, colonisation, feminism and immigration – undoubtedly the biggest issues and challenges facing our world today,” says Director Penny Harpham. “The Edge Ensemble have boldly carved out their own space in Australia’s theatre scene to create a gutsy and intelligent performance that showcases their unique talents, explores their cultures and allows the audience to see Australia through a more youthful, diverse and inclusive lens than our mainstream media currently allows.”

Featuring six artists: Amarachi Okorom (Nigerian), Craig Gungata (Zimbabwean), Ebony McGuire (Indigenous Australian), Piper Huynh (Vietnamese), Natalie Lucic (Croatian), and Ror Akot (South Sudanese), the Edge Ensemble represents Australian cultural diversity and brings often unheard voices to the main stage.

This inspiring performance allows young people to grapple with Australia’s most urgent question: how do we save the planet if we’re the ones to blame? Ror Akot who recently starred in the SBS drama series, Sunshine, said, “having seen the show in 2016, I’m excited to play Caliban now. I’ve known some of the cast for years, so it feels like working with family.”

Writer: Georgia Symons Director: Penny Harpham Featuring: Ror Akot, Craig Gunguta, Piper Huynh, Natalie Lucic, Ebony Maguire, Amarachi Okorom Set and Costume: Owen Phillips Production Management: Sally Farr Stage Management: Jessica Hutton Sound Composition & AV: Daniel Nixon Movement: Amy Macpherson