Theatre audiences usually assume a
passive role by sitting and watching, but in
The Free Theatre's production of "Medea
Material" they become part of the cast.
"Medea Material", by Heiner Muller, is
interactive theatre. A small house had
been built on stage with video and slide
presentations that acted "to comment on
popular culture", said its director, Peter
Falkenburg.
The prôduction is the Greek drama of
Medea told in different ways, with each
room having its own version. It
incorporates five performances that run
simultaneously.
The theatre resembles a nightclub -
with contemporary music playing -
through which the audience is invited to
wander to observe the production. It
becomes part of it by interacting with the
actors.
For those who want to keep their
distance, peepholes are provided. Mr
Falkenburg said yesterday that "Medea
Material" was "intended to be a
voyeuristic show".
"It's a non-linear narrative, and it's the
fragments that make it whole," he said.
"Medea Material" is performed mostly
by students from Canterbury university's
stage three course in 20th century theory
and practice of theatre. It cost $14,000 to
produce and is the culmination of six
weeks work.
Mr Falkenburg said response had been
so positive that the production had
extended its run to October 28.