Genre-defying and artistically-groundbreaking physical theatre work, HORROR will plunge audiences into a surreal world of fright and adrenaline when it premieres at the Sydney Opera House in August, before touring to Wollongong, Canberra, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Created by renowned Swedish physical theatre maker and mastermind Jakop Ahlbom, HORROR is a spine-chilling homage to the classical film genre, using cinematic horror effects rarely seen in live theatre. Inspired by such aspects of the horror genre as black humour, slapstick and terrifyingly-surreal imagery, HORROR demonstrates Ahlbom’s unique talent for combining his expertise in cinematic editing techniques, stage magic and elaborate sequences of physical virtuosity.
The artistically groundbreaking show – which trades dialogue for illusion, mime, movement and music – takes place in a home haunted by a tragic family event, where a woman’s vengeful spirit stalks her sister and friends in the property. In a series of flashbacks, the past gradually re-emerges, brutally confronting the surviving sister with their hidden past: the cruel parents, the crushed youth, the suppressed memories.
“Not one for the faint hearted, HORROR is the most extreme yet thrilling piece of physical theatre that I have ever witnessed,” said Olivia Ansell, Sydney Opera House Head of Contemporary Performance. “With all the suspense and gruesome effects usually reserved for horror films, this cutting-edge live stage experience is guaranteed to make Sydney audiences jump out of their seats. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!”
Jakop Ahlbom has been fascinated with the horror genre since a very young age. In his early teens he would consume any horror film he could get his hands on, gripped as he was by the absurd fantasies, the special effects, the extreme events, the dark unknown, and the adrenaline kick. His ability to transfer these ideas to stage is lauded, described by The Guardian as “a masterclass in time-and-motion stagecraft.”
This will be the first time Ahlbom’s work has been presented in Australia. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience a technical tour de force of sinister black humour and hardcore horror, guaranteed to entertain and petrify in equal measure. Tickets go on sale Friday 13 April 2018.
HORROR
Drama Theatre – Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point
Performances: 29 August – 2 September 2018
Information and Bookings: www.sydneyoperahouse.com
IMB Theatre – Illawarra Performing Arts Centre, 32 Burelli Street, Wollongong
Performances: 5 – 8 September 2018
Information and Bookings: www.merrigong.com.au
Canberra Theatre Centre, London Circuit, Canberra
Performances: 11 – 15 September 2018
Information and Bookings: www.canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Playhouse – Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne
Performances: 18 – 22 September 2018
Information and Bookings: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au
Playhouse – Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Cultural Precinct, South Bank (Brisbane)
Performances: 26 – 29 September 2018
Information and Bookings: www.brisbanefestival.com.au
Image: HORROR (supplied)
Note: This production is suitable for people over the age of 15 – it is not appropriate for children.