TILT is the annual showcase of the prowess of these students undertaking a Bachelor of Performing Arts and is conducted over two programs. I caught up with Program Two. What a diverse collection of devised works it is too - from a Western parody to an intermedial exploration of connection; a chilling interrogation of what fate may mean as a young woman; a stylised movement piece; and the inner voices in our head that affect our moods for good and bad.
The beauty of short works like this is that they are open to interpretation. What I took away from each section may differ from other people for any number of reasons. Part of the experience, therefore, is the discussions afterwards with the students, staff, and other audience members as we ponder meaning, themes, and execution. I have to say, what a great way to spend a spring evening! It's a safe space for the devisers and it was encouraging to see so many students from other streams such as music theatre and acting in the crowd.
We kick off with Cowboys and Indians which initially is a jarring transition from a forthright and respectful Acknowledgement of Country. Our hero, Sketch (Fletcher Scully) sets off to find his missing mother after discovering she's Native American. Any misgivings about referencing another indigenous culture soon dissipate as it quickly becomes clear this is more a Blazing Saddles style parody. Sketch is joined on his quest by a feisty Tiahna Johnson as they encounter a couple of hapless, would be robbers (Sam Rumpel and Rueben Mongoo) whilst trying to dodge the legendary Lake-bound Lawman (Kurtis Brown).
This short tale directed by Shontae Wright leans into many of the expected tropes of the American Western with a knowing wink, a southern drawl, and a healthy dose of physical performance from boot scootin' to mock fight choreography and pratfalls aplenty. It didn't quite stick the landing, feeling more like the beginning of Sketch's quest. No doubt, sometimes at night, when I'm sitting around a campfire eating beans, I'll wonder, "how'd ol' Sketch get on findin' his ma?" It's a funny and quirky beginning.
Next up is the conceptually intriguing Road Moving attributed to director/deviser Isobel Finnie. Here, two audience members respond to requests screened on the wall via a data show as Finnie types an amusing screed that is part commentary on modern anxiety and the need for connection plus a strong improvisational aspect as she reacts to rapid-fire typos and the actions of the two participants. Sitting right next to Finnie, I was charmed by her genuine joy at unexpected beats and a clear sense of personality through typed words. It's a fine example of doing more with less in the, well, usually, black box space at the venue (all white for this run).
After interval is a beautifully written and performed piece that is impressive in its thematic cohesion and indignation called Femoid. This is an exploration of the horrendous ramifications of Incel culture on young women and is genuinely harrowing in parts. The sense of unease is magnified by the projection of verbatim messages from chat rooms and excellent use of discordant music. Writer Iris Warren sets up a striking and unexpected motif that comes from Caesar crossing the Rubicon in 47 BC with the saying Iacta Alea Est (Let the die be cast) which is paid off in stunning fashion. There's also the provocative use of the word 'fate' throughout that is eventually turned on its head. Directed by Izabella Day and performed with precision by Iris Warren, Roisin Wallace-Nash, and Natasha Pearson, Femoid has an urgency and power that is compelling.
This is followed by The Sink, all stylised movement and exaggerated expressions when the performers periodically emerge from underneath a huge, translucent fabric that shimmies and glides with their efforts. This one is perhaps most open to interpretation. I initially thought this was the birthing process of some supernatural form of creature before settling on the creation of life itself as another audience member remarked, from primordial ooze. Whatever your take, it showcases the importance of the human body and its movement as an integral part of the performance maker's arsenal. Directed by Lucy Nunn and performed by Jiarui Lin, Emily Jenkins, Kurtis Brown, Oliver Clare, and Talia Zipper.
The program closes out with Eat Shit! notable for the demolishing of an apple and the threat of likewise happening to an onion, Tony Abbott style! I loved that the two performers - Oliver Clare and Iris Warren - supplied their own sound design; the former with the slurping of glasses of wine, the latter with the crunch of that apple being devoured before the lip-smacking cleansing of fingers. What transpires felt to me like the dramatic representation of the internal monologue we all carry on in our head every day and how that can be corrosive like a worm eating us from inside. But also the power of positive self talk to get us out of a rut. Directed with moments of mischief by Henry Kent this, again, is one to ponder!
An enjoyable evening witnessing the realisation of original works and for the discussions afterwards, TILT runs until 21 September at the Blue Room.
Cast photos by Stephen Heath Photography
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