A bold new performance starring charismatic ex-funeral director of 21 years, Scott Turnbull, and artist Lara Thoms, Arts House presents The Director at the North Melbourne Town Hall in a world premiere season from 21 November 2018.
Taking up a universal experience and taboo topic, Turnbull and Thoms demystify, expose and expand elements of the death industry, using humour and first-hand knowledge to dig a little deeper on what happens after we go.
Nothing is off limits, including the smell of a crematorium, the tools of the mortuary, and driving tractors into a funeral chapel. At a time when dying costs an average of $10,000 and funerals happen within a week, death can seem like a very expensive drive-thru meal.
Blurring the roles of funeral director and theatre director, Thoms and Turnbull ask each other to perform tasks, share knowledge and give feedback on each other’s actions. Balancing macabre reality, playfulness and the tragic elements of death, the result is a spiky, funny and invigorating performance.
Creators: Lara Thoms, Scott Turnbull, Aaron Orzech, Lz Dunn Performers: Lara Thoms, Scott Turnbull Designer: Katie Sfetkidis Sound: Kenneth Pennington
The Director
North Melbourne Town Hall, 521 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne
Season: 21 November – 2 December 2018
Information and Bookings: www.artshouse.com.au
Image: Scott Turnbull and Lara Thoms feature in The Director – photo by Bryony Jackson