Venue Helen McPherson Smith Theatre, University of Ballarat
Performing Lines present
Bare Witness By Marie Lourey
What story lies behind the image? The truth, or the next front page?
In the digital era of the 24 hour news cycle, how do photojournalists square their commitment to the truth with the media’s voracious need for a graphic image? When the threat of death is a daily reality, why do they do it?
Landing in Sarajevo and joining a pack of seasoned war journalists, rookie photographer Dannie Hills sets out to capture the perfect image. Each photograph she shoots becomes a kaleidoscope of dreams, memories and emotions – exciting, painful, and forever haunting...
Widely heralded as a remarkable piece of physical theatre, this award-winning play integrates fluid movement, live sound design and animated projections with striking originality. With its frenetic and restless energy set against a backdrop of 20 years of conflict, Bare Witness is a visceral experience that will change the way you look at the news.
“...an amazing dramatic collage describing the exhilaration, the horror, the outrage, the anguish and the dread hopelessness of combat-zone photography.....a beautiful theatrical immersion, a dramatic meeting of presence, movement and arrangement...the kinds of risks that we don’t see enough of
- Andrew Fuhrmann, Crikey.com
“...an outstanding piece of physical theatre: a punishing, sensually immersive investigation of trauma that never forgets to be intelligent...an overwhelming work...ambitious, smart, beautifully realised theatre
- Alison Croggon, Theatre Notes
“....a strikingly original work....you don’t see this kind of passion for a project often – unwavering and powerful...serious theatre with unrelenting fervour...strong performances across the board with an unselfconscious and evocative physicality
- Prue Bentley, ABC Arts Online
A La Mama Theatre/fortyfivedownstairs production. Toured by Performing Lines for Road Work, with the support of the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body, through the national performing arts touring program, Playing Australia and La Mama’s Vic Health ‘Arts About Us’ program.
WRITER
Mari Lourey
DIRECTOR
Nadja Kostich
PERFORMERS
Isaac Drandic, Daniela Farinacci, Adam McConvell, Todd Mac Donald and Maria Theodorakis
DESIGNER
Marg Horwell
MUSICIAN/COMPOSER
Jethro Woodward
LIGHTING DESIGN
Emma Valente
VIDEO DESIGN
Michael Carmody
TOURED BY
Performing Lines
AUDIENCE ADVICE WARNING
Contains some strong language. Recommended for audiences above 14 years of age.