fish – a fantastical soap opera about fear

RTC Fish - photo by Sarah WalkerMelbourne’s highly respected rollercoaster theatre company return with their latest politically charged offering, fish – at The Melba Spiegeltent for four shows only from 31 August 2017.

Written by the rollercoaster ensemble – an independent, not-for-profit ensemble of trained actors with disabilities – this all singing, all dancing soap opera of the psyche analyses the anxieties that pervade contemporary life… no matter who you are, or how you see yourself.

Directed by Maude Davey, fish takes audiences into a suburban lounge room where ordinary people watch the news and worry about the world, while in the halls of state powerful people worry about what they look like. They’re expected to just go on working, playing, and spending, but they know something’s fishy. They can smell it.

“The work of rollercoaster theatre company gives audiences the opportunity to experience the world through a unique lens,” explains Artistic Director Sarah Sutherland. “Rollercoaster strives to make work that defies expectations, challenges stereotypes and spotlights the abilities and potential of artists with disabilities.”

fish looks at the uncertain state of the world, and at the way the ensemble see it and feel it in all its gory glory. It touches on what it is to experience life when your capacity to change it, or even to change your own circumstances, is straight jacketed by your ability to directly communicate your experience.”

“And right now, with the recent shake up by the government and the roll-out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme impacting on the way people with disabilities can access their own services, it’s more important than ever to listen to the voices of people who often remain unheard.”

Running since 2006, rollercoaster theatre company has challenged and engaged audiences in Melbourne and beyond with their self-devised works, including For the Love of Pina, The Noahs, realeyes, Big Life and GAwk. With a team of superb creatives assembled for this latest premiere season, fish promises to be a powerful addition to the stable of shows created by this dynamic company.

Director: Maude Davey Featuring: David Baker, Michael Buxton, Shea MacDonough, Ryan New, Erin Pocervina, Melissa Slaviero, Cameron Stanley, Andrew Tresidder Musical Direction: Chris Lewis Songmaking with the ensemble: Jane Bayly Set and Costume Design: Adrienne Chisholm Lighting Design: Paul Lim Producer: Anna Kennedy

fish
The Melba Spiegeltent, 35 Johnston Street, Collingwood
Season: 31 August – 2 September 2017
Information and Bookings: www.rollercoastertheatre.net.au

Image: David Baker and Erin Pocervina feature in Fish – photo by Sarah Walker