Part noise concert, part improvised performance, Trigger Warning is a fearless new sonic study into the mind and body of a woman who survived the horrors of war at the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts on 19 and 20 August 2016.
Trigger Warning looks at the lasting effects of trauma and the ongoing and escalating violence against women and the most vulnerable in our society, providing a different perspective and way of approaching the heated national debate around these issues.
“We were trying to find a new way for people to experience and think about some really pressing global issues,” said Director Sally Richardson. “The show has all the gritty, in-your-face attitude and immediacy of a rock gig, but drawing on extensive research and eyewitness accounts of some really traumatic and difficult events.”
Renowned performer Hayley McElhinney, returns to Perth fresh from shooting the upcoming Channel 9 TV drama Doctor Doctor, will be joined onstage by lighting mixer and designer Joe Lui, award-winning new music composer Dr Cat Hope, who will sample, loop, distort and remix audio into a live score, to create a live and loud stage show that is part scripted performance, part noise concert.
“Cat is one of Australia’s leading new music composers and sound designers, with her work performed around the world. Well known to contemporary music audiences with her ensemble Decibel, she is also a stunning performer, and I am thrilled to be working with her,” said Richardson.
PICA Director Amy Barrett-Lennard said this project marks an exciting shift in PICA’s Performance Program, having received funds through DCA’s Theatreworks program to support WA theatre projects. PICA has used these funds to offer additional support to artists to make contemporary and experimental theatre works.
“We are so thrilled to have Trigger Warning and to be able to offer Perth audiences different, challenging and really cutting edge performance works,” said Barrett-Lennard. “This creative team are established artists at the top of their game, and we’re thrilled to be able to offer them the opportunity to experiment and create something remarkable.”
Writer/Director: Sally Richardson Performer: Hayley McElhinney Composer/Sound Artist: Cat Hope Lighting Designer/Mixer: Joe Lui Dramaturg: Francesca Smith Movement Director: Laura Boynes Produced by: Performing Lines WA
Trigger Warning
PICA Performance Space, Perth Cultural Centre, 51 James Street, Northbridge
Performances: 19 & 20 August 2016 – 8.00pm
Information and Bookings: www.pica.org.au
Image: Trigger Warning – photo by Gibson Nolte