Here at Perth Arts Live, we know festival season in Perth/Boorloo (and beyond!) is hectic. There’s a lot to do, see, and plan when arts festivals overlap in such spectacular ways. To help readers make informed decisions about where to spend every moment of their free time during Fringemas just like us, we’re asking FRINGE WORLD artists to ‘take five’ from their busy schedules to answer five questions about their shows. No rest for the weary, eh?
Writer/performer Rob Carlton takes five with PAL to talk about Willing Participant, a storytelling show directed by Darren Gilshenan where Carlton tells four true stories from his 20s to his 50s, covering sexual taboos, big lies, deep heartaches, and blind hope. Presented by Brave Words and State of Play, you can catch Rob’s fringe hit at the State Theatre Centre from 19 – 25 Jan.
Q1 What inspired the show, and what motivated you to bring it to FRINGE WORLD?
I’ve been writing short stories and reading them to audiences for years! So this show, performing them, is a great step up! I love how stories hit people differently, they can hold so many emotions; they can be funny and beautiful, and that sad feeling that makes you feel the love. I wanted to bring WILLING PARTICIPANT to FRINGE WORLD so I could travel the country and share my stories with people all over!
Q2 What’s the most unexpected, funny, or interesting thing that has happened during the show’s development?
A massive brown snake slithered through the hall at one of my very first regional shows! But only I saw it, and it went outside, so I didn’t say anything till later. The actor in me didn’t want to share the limelight with a snake!
Q3 What does the audience absolutely need to know before they come to see the show? (without spoilers, of course!)
Although my show is called WILLING PARTICIPANT, there’s no audience participation at all! This puts people at ease. Other than that, you need to know nothing, storytelling is as old as time, so just listen and come on the ride!
Q4 If you could invite any famous person (living or dead) to the show, who would it be and why?
Billy Connolly. Do I even need to explain why!
Q5 What other show(s) would pair well with yours for a delicious FRINGE WORLD feast?
I reckon Garry Starr! He’s a wonderful freak! And he’s got a lot less words than mine, so mine’s a wordy one, his is the physical!
BONUS ROUND: In 10 words or less, give us your last-ditch pitch to get folks in to see the show!
You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll leave loving the world!
