In a small town, three strangers become intricately entwined by the events of one fateful night. A story of intrigue set in regional NSW first written for the stage will now be transformed into an online audio experience available for theatre lovers stuck in lockdown.
The Q Theatre team is well versed when it comes to reimagining the theatre experience. Following a 2020 season that saw a shift to online delivery; and the development of digitally-led works including the highly successful Short Message Service – a series of short plays delivered to audiences direct to the palm of their hand, via text messages – Q Theatre continues to heighten the theatrical experience through innovative digital programming.
Originally scheduled for The Joan’s Q Theatre stage this August, following a successful debut season in Bathurst and Cowra, KANGAROO, by Miranda Gott, is a dark and poetic story of solitude, strength, survival and death; turned out to be a perfect piece of writing for an audio adaptation. “While we could never replace the experience of seeing KANGAROO in the theatre, this online audio experience makes it possible for audiences to encounter the story in a new way. The rich storytelling and character portraits make for an exciting leap into an audio experience. This isn’t about copying what was already done, but about exploring what is possible now,” said Director of New Work, Nick Atkins.
Melissa, a mother at 18, is escaping a home life with an abusive father only to realise that history is repeating. Mick tends the sewage facility and collects the town’s garbage. Once a bright child, betrayal by a trusted adult forms his home-grown philosophy about life’s disposability. Barbara is a former university lecturer in art settling into country life. Her academic understanding of death is confronted by the cycle of life.
Across three chapters audiences listen in on the stories of Melissa, Mick and Barbara as they navigate a foreboding landscape where the stillness of country air covers hidden deeds.
KANGAROO is FREE and will be offered in audio format from August 23 through to September 13. The experience can be accessed on demand across this period.
– Audience info | Ages 14+ | Adult themes | Coarse language
https://www.thejoan.com.au/events/kangaroo-2021/
This work is produced and presented by Local Stages at BMEC in association with Lingua Franca. It has been supported by ROUTES – a regional partnership between Lingua Franca, Local Stages and Q Theatre. This is made possible thanks to the support of the NSW Government through Create NSW and Penrith City Council.