A radical, poetic response to an ancient narrative of violence and division, plagues and miracles, punishment and liberation, the drowned and the saved, Fraught Outfit presents Book of Exodus in two parts at Theatre Works this June and October.
Known for their bold, visually explosive theatre-making, Fraught Outfit’s Book of Exodus traces a community propelled by divine force. It will be the final instalment in the Company’s Innocence Trilogy, which also includes On The Bodily Education Of Young Girls ( Neon Festival 2013), and their highly acclaimed production of The Bacchae (Melbourne Festival 2015, Dark Mofo 2016).
Book Of Exodus is presented in two parts; Part I in June, and Part II in October: PART I – two children create a documentary of a history they cannot remember. An intimate exploration of history, memory and trauma, performed by children aged 8 and 11 years old. PART II – a mass of children wait in the desert. With no leader to guide them, and no one to answer their cries, they summon an unruly force. Performed by around 40 children, tracing a community propelled from a violent past into an uncertain future.
“Book Of Exodus is a foundational text about power, prophecy and division. Performed through the eyes and bodies of children in 2017, these biblical metaphors become shocking and revelatory,” said Director Adena Jacobs. “After The Bacchae, we have been drawn once again to exploring an ancient narrative with young performers – this juxtaposition forces us to confront our history and our future all at once.”
Adena Jacobs is the Artistic Director of independent theatre company Fraught Outfit. In 2014 – 2015 she was Resident Director at Belvoir Street, and in 2012, Female Director in Residence at the Malthouse Theatre.
Co-Creators: Adena Jacobs and Aaron Orzech Director: Adena Jacobs Dramaturg: Aaron Orzech Artistic Associate: Alex Walker Lighting and AV Designer (Part I): Emma Valente Composer: Max Lyandvert Designer (Part I): Kate Davis Designer (Part II): Eugyeene Teh Director’s Attachment: Tove Due Performers: Sol Feldman, Ezra Justin, Malik Keegan, Tarana Verma
Book of Exodus
Theatre Works, 14 Acland Street, St Kilda
Season: 1 – 18 June 2017 (preview: 31 May)
Information and Bookings: www.theatrework.org.au
Image: Book of Exodus – photo by Pia Johnson