A queer sci-fi love story that celebrates the strength we find through our difference, The Motion of Light in Water is a thrilling journey into the imaginative possibilities of science fiction, inspired by the life and work of a truly original and subversive figure, Samuel R. Delany.
In the early 1960s, Chip and Marilyn – born in a violent New York City – support one another in their struggles against intolerance and poverty. But for Chip, the only way he’s allowed to publish the truth about his subterranean identity, both racial and sexual, is in books with spaceships on the cover.
Far in their future, in a world threatened by the mysterious Invaders, poet Rydra Wong discovers an alien language, Babel-17, and sets out on a quest that will either save civilisation, or destroy it. With the assistance of a mysterious figure known only as Jewel, her path will converge with Chip’s – and transform the way we look at our shared future.
Created by award-winning Melbourne company, Elbow Room (2011 Green Room Awards, Best Director & Best Ensemble), The Motion of Light in Water is inspired by Delany’s autobiography of the same name, as well as his novels Babel-17 and Empire Star, and Marilyn Hacker’s acclaimed poem The Navigators.
Samuel R. Delany is an Award Winning American author, professor and literary critic whose credits include Babel-17 and The Einstein Intersection. He is the winner of four Nebula awards, two Hugo awards and earned a place in the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame. In 2013, The Science Fiction Writers of America named him its 30th SFWA Grand Master.
The Motion of Light in Water has been commissioned by Hothouse Theatre Wodonga and developed by Elbow Room with the assistance of Arts Victoria, Theatre Works and the Australia Council through Program Presenter Funding.
Director: Marcel Dorney Featuring: Ray Chong Nee, Laura Maitland, Emily Tomlins, Paul Blenheim, Tom Dent, Jacinta Yelland Designer: Matt Adey Lighting Designer: Kris Chainey Costumes: Zoe Rouse Sound: THE SWEATS
The Motion of Light in Water
Hothouse Theatre, Lincoln Causeway, Wodonga
Season: 24 – 28 June 2014
Information and Bookings: www.hothousetheatre.com.au
Theatre Works, 14 Acland Street, St. Kilda
Season: 17 – 27 July 2014
Information and Bookings: www.theatreworks.org.au