Exploring the offbeat world of the invisible, shrinking older woman, Camilla Blunden’s All This Living! premieres at The Street Theatre from 20 May 2015 as the first Made in Canberra work of the 2015 season.
Created through conversations with older women of Canberra, All This Living! is a contemporary, solo piece of theatre developed through The Street’s Hive program – using humour, mixed with home truths and leaps of imagination to tell Jay’s story.
Jay’s head is buzzing and feels invisible. Anti-aging ads are worry her. But it’s being ignored once too often that finally inspires her to investigate what this ‘third stage‘ of life is. Is she an invisible shrinking woman, a faint dot, losing it? Jay is on a quest and wants answers. She’s a retiree, but from what… life?
Acclaimed Canberra theatre maker Camilla Blunden has created a disarmingly intimate work filled with offbeat anecdotes and soul-baring revelations that challenges us to see and value all ages. Together with a team of exceptional ACT artists she has crafted a work that brings audiences of all ages together in an exploration of the humour and beauty in ageing.
“As an older woman chatting to various friends about aging, there was a strong feeling that the way we are represented in the media and generally has not really caught up with who we are,” says Camilla Blunden. “When the opportunity arose to write a solo show about us, I took it.”
“Many women assisted the work by taking part in focus groups. This is just one piece, about ‘just an old woman’, there could be many more that can add to our understanding across generations.”
Camilla Blunden has worked in Canberra for over 35 years as an actor, director, creator, and mentor. She has undertaken work with The Street Theatre, Jigsaw Theatre Company, Shortis and Simpson, Canberra Youth Theatre, Eureka! Theatre Company, CADS, The Ensemble Theatre Company, Theatre ACT, Bunch of Posers, About Face Theatre Company and Women On A Shoestring Theatre Company, and has toured nationally.
Camilla has also appeared in a number to training videos, commercials, and voice overs. In addition to this she has ongoing improvisational work in role plays for ANU School of Medicine and Law School.
Director: Rochelle Whyte Writer/Performer: Camilla Blunden Designer: Imogen Keen Sound Designer: Kimmo Vennonen Dramaturg: Peter Matheson
All This Living!
The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, Canberra City West
Season: 20 – 31 May 2015
Bookings: (02) 6247 1223 or online at: www.thestreet.org.au
For more information, visit: www.thestreet.org.au for details.
Image: Camilla Blunden in All This Living!