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?
Georgia King and Mark Storen, better known to the theatre world as Whiskey & Boots, take five to talk about using their signature style of ‘Headphone Verbatim’ performance-making to bring young people’s voices, perspectives, and wisdom to the fore. Co-presented with Barking Gecko Arts and State of Play, The Quadrangle will let youngsters “tell it like it is” through performance by Georgia and Mark and live music from Bridget Turner and Claud Tero from 23 Jan – 1 Feb at the State Theatre Centre of WA.
Q1 What inspired the show, and what motivated you to bring it to FRINGE WORLD?
We have been working with Headphone Verbatim for about 8 years now. Georgia had an idea for a show called Mama Stitch which was our first work combining headphone verbatim, music and storytelling. We included one young person for this show in the mix of adults and loved it so much we thought, let’s make a whole show about young people using this model of performance making. It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to be a part of Fringe again and be collaborating with Barking Gecko Arts to boot! The last time Georgia and I performed in the Fringe was in 2017 with our award-winning show The One by Jeffrey Jay Fowler, so it’s nice to be back!
Q2 What’s the most unexpected, funny, or interesting thing that has happened during the show’s development?
I have to say the observations and insights offered up by the young people we interview for the show. These are always unexpected, funny & interesting. We can’t wait to share them with an audience.
Q3 What does the audience absolutely need to know before they come to see the show? (without spoilers, of course!)
While this is a show about young people, it’s really for families and curious grown ups. We recommend bring your kids along if they’re 10+; the little ones might find it too much listening!
Q4 If you could invite any famous person (living or dead) to the show, who would it be and why?
Our incredible live musicians, Bridget Turner & Claud Tero, who have created original songs in response to the stories, would love Paul McCartney and Adrienne Lenker to come along and watch them perform.
Q5 What other show(s) would pair well with yours for a delicious FRINGE WORLD feast?
We think FAG/STAG by TLGH, prometheus. (The Blue Room Theatre Summer Nights), and i can still see all the stars, both by perhaps, a theatre company.
BONUS ROUND: In 10 words or less, give us your last ditch pitch to get folks in to see the show!
Live music, surpising responses, kids tell like it is!
